As we enter into the boating season, I thought it would be a good idea to discuss how we interact and behave on the water as well as on our way to and from the lake! This is not a touchy subject. It is just a subject we avoid because in this day and time, of course, we cannot offend anyone… Well, I’m sorry folks but this stuff has to be said.

1. Do not tailgate a boat trailer! Give each other some room for Pete’s sake. If you are pulling a boat, use some sense and don’t tailgate people. You have on average several thousand pounds more behind you than you normally would and guess what folks? That affects your stopping distance. If you are in traffic on the road behind a boat don’t tailgate! Let me assure you the lower unit and prop of a boat going through your windshield when something happens is not a pleasant experience. So be aware, be on guard, and give each other some space!
2. At the boat ramp, don’t clog everything up! This is simple. Do not! Don’t get to the ramp, back up, and then get your stuff together. There’s spaces at the ramps for that and they are out of the way so those of us who are ready to go can get it done! When your boat is at the edge of the water, that is not the time to load your lunch, your gear, your family into the boat. Drop your boat in and tie up to the docks. Have some courtesy for others here.
3. The time to learn how to back your boat trailer up is not 7am on a Saturday morning at Long Shoals! Honestly, if you have a hard time backing a boat trailer there are plenty of people who will help you with this. Ask a guide, your friends, the boat salesman. But do not show up and spend an hour trying to back your trailer down while leaving everyone else mad and frustrated. 
4. At the boat dock, don’t take up the whole dock. If you look around and notice a lot of people coming and going don’t tie up the entire dock! Tie off to a side, a corner, something that allows others the same opportunity. 
5. Be mindful of your wake! If you are running down the main lake and people are everywhere, skiing, on jet skis, fishing, swimming, etc. pay attention! By law, you are responsible for your wake. So, if you are doing 70 in your new Ranger or wakeboard boat and you swamp a smaller vessel, you are indeed responsible for that accident just like if you ran a stop sign. Pay attention and understand the conditions you are working with. 
6. Bass anglers — listen up! We get it! You are fishing a tournament. That’s awesome! Good for you. That doesn’t mean you own the lake, the cove, the point, or the pocket we are in. Everyone else pays taxes, buys a license and pays boat ramp fees just like you did. Don’t run up on folks fishing, drop your trolling motor down and cut them off. This is way too common. The tournament is not more important than Uncle Jimmy and little Johnny fishing together. Be courteous.
7. Don’t be a coullion, as my cajun friends say. That means idiot in Cajun French, by the way. If you see someone catch a fish, don’t rush over and sit on top of them. Go find your own fish! I swear this happens way too often these days. Learn to use your electronics to fish, not just wait for someone else to catch one then rush to steal their spot. 

The number of people on the water since 2020 has more than doubled around here. More boats have been sold, more trips are booked, more money is being spent on the water than at any other time. So whether you like to jet ski, wake board, barefoot, fish, or just cruise we all will be out there. So, let’s make it a pleasant and safe day by NOT being jerks to each other. Show respect, show courtesy, and remember we all just want to enjoy our day on the water.

—Outdoors columnist James Pressley can be reached at pressleyoutdoors@gmail.com.