Ice fishing Etiquette

[Alocal]

As a local on one of Kingston's back lakes, I've had some bad experiences with ice fishermen over the past few years and stumbled on this site while searching this topic.

These are some of the problems we have, very seldom the same groups or individuals.

1- Leaving a mess on the ice, this ranges from beer cans to fish guts and bones
    My dog ended up vomiting all day after the last ones left, was hoping he didn't get any hooks, so far OK other than the mess. It's fun picking up garbage blowing down the lake.
2-Pissing with no discretion
    These idiots have actually had many leaks facing our house, for my wife and kids and neighbors to see, mind you it's far, but you can see what they're doing.
3-Loose dogs on the ice
    My dogs go crazy barking at them and I can't let them run free for fear of a dog fight or incident.
4-A few groups coming together and getting loud
   Sound caries over water, we can hear almost every bit of swearing you do. Feel free to take the party home
5-Blocking or parking in driveways, accessing over private land.
    Can these guys really think this doesn't piss off the homeowners? We pay high taxes to be on the water and fishermen will set up right in front of your house and camp out all day. I know water is public but how would you like to have someone on your front lawn looking at you all day?

If I don't see some more respect my neighbors and I will take it up with MNR.

I apologize in advance to those who are respectful.

[Canadian wigeon]

Not to sure what your wanting from this post?? sounds more like a threat to ice fisherman then a question of Etiquette...

I have fished with mutiple people, also a few members here and they have been all decent people.. Clean up there mess when there done and take there fish home not to leave bones on the ice..

Here is what I can say to you, if living on the lake is this stressfull for you, sell your house and move to the city....

also if your dog got into fishbones wouldent that mean it was loose on the ice, isnt this one of your complaints??? It sounds like its okay for your dogs to be loose but not someone elses on the lake?? Hate to tell you but ice fisherman, boaters, cross country skiers all have the right to use the public water...

We all pay taxes that pay for the Public water.. Oh and we also buy fishing licences that actually contribute something back to the lake you live on...

Sorry you feel this way about all ice fisherman, but your way off by painting us all with the same brush...

[JZ]

As a local on one of Kingston's back lakes, I've had some bad experiences with ice fishermen over the past few years and stumbled on this site while searching this topic.

These are some of the problems we have, very seldom the same groups or individuals.

1- Leaving a mess on the ice, this ranges from beer cans to fish guts and bones
    My dog ended up vomiting all day after the last ones left, was hoping he didn't get any hooks, so far OK other than the mess. It's fun picking up garbage blowing down the lake.
2-Pissing with no discretion
    These idiots have actually had many leaks facing our house, for my wife and kids and neighbors to see, mind you it's far, but you can see what they're doing.
3-Loose dogs on the ice
    My dogs go crazy barking at them and I can't let them run free for fear of a dog fight or incident.
4-A few groups coming together and getting loud
   Sound caries over water, we can hear almost every bit of swearing you do. Feel free to take the party home
5-Blocking or parking in driveways, accessing over private land.
    Can these guys really think this doesn't piss off the homeowners? We pay high taxes to be on the water and fishermen will set up right in front of your house and camp out all day. I know water is public but how would you like to have someone on your front lawn looking at you all day?

If I don't see some more respect my neighbors and I will take it up with MNR.

Just curious which lake are you talking about?

I will give my opinion to the points you brought up...

1)  I dont think its limited to ice fisherman though, go to any park and you will see the same disrespectful behaviour or if you have ever taken part in your community's spring clean up day then you know the amount of crap that gets left on the side of road, public places etc. No excuse for this and beleive me most icefisherman that witness someone else littering on the ice make a point of giving them an earful.  Its also common practice for some fisherman to bring a garage bag with them to clean up after the idiots.

2) Well most of us are probably guilty of pissing on the ice, but again most people will make a point of not being too obvious.  Iam not an exibitionist so I gain no pleasure in putting on a show.

3) I dont bring my Dogs on the ice, but never really had a problem with those that do.  Actually most of the time its a local dog that runs out from a cottage or house onto the ice to greet me, one lake I fish a lot has about 10 houses near the launch and I swear those 10 house must have 15 dogs between them.  They are always running around playing on the ice and I have never seen a problem with the dogs or fisherman.  I have had the odd one try to steal a fish from me but thats about it.

4) I fish with groups of people quite a bit but we tend not to make too much noise, most real fisherman realize that being loud, playing music etc is detrimental to catching fish.

5)Again no excuse for this if someone is parked illegally call bylaw and get them ticketed especially if they are blocking your driveway.

I have no proof to back this up but experience tells me that the hardcore fisherman are respective of private property, do not litter, and are quiet when they are fishing. And although we may not live on the lake we are very protective of our favourite lakes so we wouldnt do anything that could cause problems because like you we have a vested interest in the lake. I dont doubt anything you are saying because I know all this stuff happens but I wouldnt classify these people as icefisherman, they are idiots and I am sure they are idiots in the spring, summer and fall as well. The whole tax issue doesnt carry much weight either because although you are right, property taxes are partly based on value and waterfront is generally more valuable land, it would be the same as someone living in a prime downtown location who also gets killed on taxes complaining there is too much car and pedistrian traffic.  You live in a highly desirable area and you get people visiting because, well its a highly desirable area.  Plus dont forget that our tax dollar, fishing licence fees etc pay for fish stocking, habitat restoration, and the MNR enforcement branch.

[beershanty]

As a local on one of Kingston's back lakes, I've had some bad experiences with ice fishermen over the past few years and stumbled on this site while searching this topic.

These are some of the problems we have, very seldom the same groups or individuals.

1- Leaving a mess on the ice, this ranges from beer cans to fish guts and bones
    My dog ended up vomiting all day after the last ones left, was hoping he didn't get any hooks, so far OK other than the mess. It's fun picking up garbage blowing down the lake.
2-Pissing with no discretion
    These idiots have actually had many leaks facing our house, for my wife and kids and neighbors to see, mind you it's far, but you can see what they're doing.
3-Loose dogs on the ice
    My dogs go crazy barking at them and I can't let them run free for fear of a dog fight or incident.
4-A few groups coming together and getting loud
   Sound caries over water, we can hear almost every bit of swearing you do. Feel free to take the party home

   

If I don't see some more respect my neighbors and I will take it up with MNR.

sounds like you should keep a better eye on your dog, quit spending so much time staring out the window watching others pee, and consider moving. I'm sure its so much more quite in the summer your one stupid post on here aint gonna change a thing bud. I did find it entertaining though thanks.

[VEXSLAYER]

sounds like a typical Cityiot statement! you bought a house on the waterfront not the water like many people that buy waterfront you seem to have the opinion that you have more money then most and live on the water and  own the lake!!!  news flash YOU DONT! they are not on your yard most of us pay taxes, not all (skids fish too!!) if you can afford the house don't cry about the taxes! your issues are dog owners and people who litter!! while at the same time you let your dog run loose, maybe u should be a responsible pet owner and keep your dog off the ice and he wouldn't be sick!!!

As for the swearing and people pissing on the ice, maybe you should grow a pair and go out and politely explain you have kids and ask them to be a bit more respectful, if that doesnt work call the police(although you are most likely in OPP jurisdiction and they are generally a useless police service).
I would say you are most likely dealing with the guys that wanna drink beer and act like clowns not hard core fisherman a little pressure from police and they would move on   

I would like to know what lake you are on for intrest sake !

[quickstrike]

It was quiet on the local board so I thought I would check out my neighbors to the east & I stumbled upon this thread. This is hilarious. Why don't you find a forum on public urination; create a profile & username & go on there and gripe. This is an ice fishing forum

[Alocal]

I see by the responses most of you don't care at all about the "locals".
FYI some of the guys are quite respectful when you confront them, apparently not these readers.
I expected a much different response actually, hardcore fishermen saying this isn't ok, instead I get a bunch of hicks with FU attitudes.

[Whopper Stopper]

This has been an enjoyable read. 

          WS

[MegaRam]

Im going to add my two cents....

I go ice fishing when ever i can.  I also bring my dog, almost every time.. and he runs loose on the lake. ( never far, and never to other ice fishermen )

In saying that, Why whould I, or anybody be held responsible, for your animal barking. and disturbing others ( Mines not barking ) or eating stuff on the ice,  He is well behaved, and if he wasn't, i wouldn't bring him. Thats respect for others. and part of owning an animal, Take the bad with the good....

In reading your post, Do you own the water in front of your house.. even one foot past the shore, NO... If there is a major problem, ie, indecent exposure, then by all means, do something about it, but sitting there, fishing with my dog, or anybody else, The problem isn't ours, Its yours...

Why don't you Man Up.. and post what lake your talking about....

You wonder why you got bold responses.... then callling them Hicks with FU attatudes..   The people responding to you are the ones that are respected here.... Take that into account.

[Alocal]

I read your posts, and most of you say you are respectful, then tell me to move, call me an idiot  or to mind my own business. Don't you see you're making my point for me?
And you keep saying I should post the lake name, is that so you guys can have a chat with the guys who are the problem? Or try to figure out where we live? I noticed all of you have anonymous names on here, so why should I expose myself?  It's not just me you know, most of the people on our lane have all talked about these things, I just may be the first to say something about it on here. Just giving you guys a heads up that not all of you follow the "etiquette".

Just do the "locals" a favor and show some honor for your hobby. I don't have issue with guys who love to fish.

[JZ]

Alocal, check your PM.  I think you may need 5 post to view or reply to a private message.  I doubt very much people want to know where you live, I asked about the lake because I am curious. if it is one of the lakes I fish I would like to know if the locals are not happy.

[haulin bass]

A lot of good points here made by both sides of the shore. As the ice is public domain anyone using it should should act  like they are in "public", yes have a good time enjoy your day but be mindful of other people being around. On the other side of the coin, in order to complain about other people you should be sure you are sin free yourself. Most times a polite conversation can go a long way and if not, reporting offenders is what you need to do. IMO

[MegaRam]

A lot of good points here made by both sides of the shore. As the ice is public domain anyone using it should should act  like they are in "public", yes have a good time enjoy your day but be mindful of other people being around. On the other side of the coin, in order to complain about other people you should be sure you are sin free yourself. Most times a polite conversation can go a long way and if not, reporting offenders is what you need to do. IMO

x2

[mdrobny]

A lot of good points here made by both sides of the shore. As the ice is public domain anyone using it should should act  like they are in "public", yes have a good time enjoy your day but be mindful of other people being around. On the other side of the coin, in order to complain about other people you should be sure you are sin free yourself. Most times a polite conversation can go a long way and if not, reporting offenders is what you need to do. IMO

x3   

[jpmVT]

Playing disc golf Saturday I picked up 3 beer cans and a coffee cup. In the parking lot behind my building I toss the empties I see into the back of my truck to redeem them. I don't go around looking for frisbee golfer and teenager forums to call people out. No matter what group you are talking about, from kids to fishermen to cops, teachers and priests there are bound to be some inconsiderate jerks mixed in. I'm from Boston, which is apparently a real stigma on boards like this, and I've been shocked by how many "real Vermonters" I've cleaned up after in the past three years. If you have a problem, confront the other party. Don't run to your keyboard when there is a littering, swearing and urinating ice fisherman putting your dog's stomach and your children's morals at risk.

[VEXSLAYER]

Alocal your brutal calling people on the board hicks, your clearly not from the country if u don't like it move back to the city!!!! where you can call the police when your neighbor blows snow on your grass after a blizzard or have the paper boy charged for trespassing!

quit your whining and get back on your birdwatching fourm!!

[Alocal]

I could argue back and forth forever but what's the point. JZ is the only one on here that seems to have any respect.

If you're going to lash out at least read properly before posting.

FYI-
I've lived in the country most of my life. Hick is an attitude not a location.
I have confronted the worst ones, not afraid to, thanks. They have been friendly, apologetic and yes the problem went away. I posted this thread to make others aware.
The living "sin free" comment is a bit odd in this context. No, I don't litter, party in peoples front yards, expose myself or park in strangers driveways, if you call those sins.

Enough said, I'm out