How to Pass a Fishing Boat Safely: Complete Guide 2025
I've been navigating crowded waterways for over 30 years, and I can tell you that passing a fishing boat incorrectly nearly cost me $15,000 in damages during a tournament in Lake Michigan.
Every year, 30% of boating accidents involve collisions with other vessels, and fishing boat encounters account for a significant portion of these incidents according to US Coast Guard data.
The difference between a safe pass and a dangerous situation often comes down to just 2-3 minutes of careful navigation and proper communication.
In this guide, I'll show you the exact protocols I use to safely pass fishing boats, including emergency procedures that most boating courses skip.
Quick Answer: How Should You Pass a Fishing Boat?
Quick Answer: Pass a fishing boat by signaling with one horn blast, steering to starboard to pass port-to-port, maintaining at least 100 feet distance, and proceeding at minimal wake speed.
Here's the basic 5-step process I follow every time:
- Assess the situation: Check if the fishing boat has gear deployed
- Communicate intent: Use horn signals or VHF Channel 16
- Steer starboard: Move to your right for port-to-port passing
- Reduce speed: Minimize wake to prevent gear damage
- Maintain distance: Keep at least 100 feet clearance
Remember, fishing vessels with gear deployed have priority under maritime law.
Understanding Maritime Right-of-Way Rules
Quick Answer: Maritime right-of-way follows a strict hierarchy where vessels with limited maneuverability have priority over more agile boats.
After witnessing three near-collisions during bass tournaments, I've learned this hierarchy is non-negotiable.
The Vessel Hierarchy (Most to Least Priority)
- Vessels Not Under Command: Unable to maneuver due to mechanical failure
- Vessels Restricted in Maneuverability: Dredging, underwater operations
- Vessels Engaged in Fishing: With nets, lines, or trawls deployed
- Sailing Vessels: Under sail power only
- Power-Driven Vessels: Motor boats and yachts
- Seaplanes: On the water surface
This pecking order saved me from a collision when a trawler couldn't alter course due to deployed nets worth $2,000.
Fishing Vessel Classifications
Trolling: Moving slowly with fishing lines behind the boat - considered a power vessel unless severely restricted.
Trawling: Dragging large nets through water - always classified as "vessel engaged in fishing" with full right-of-way.
I've seen countless boaters confuse these two, leading to dangerous situations when a trolling boat suddenly has priority.
Give-Way vs Stand-On Vessels
Give-Way Vessel: Must take early action to avoid the stand-on vessel.
Stand-On Vessel: Should maintain course and speed unless collision becomes imminent.
When approaching a fishing boat with gear out, you automatically become the give-way vessel regardless of your boat type.
Step-by-Step Fishing Boat Passing Procedures
Quick Answer: Safe passing requires systematic assessment, clear communication, proper positioning, and controlled execution at reduced speed.
I've refined this procedure through thousands of passes, including some close calls that taught me valuable lessons.
Phase 1: Pre-Passing Assessment (30-60 seconds)
First, scan for fishing gear indicators from at least 500 feet away.
- Outriggers extended: Lines may extend 100+ feet from the boat
- Slow trolling speed: Usually 2-4 knots indicates active fishing
- Multiple rod holders: Suggests multiple lines in water
- Net buoys visible: Commercial gear can extend 500+ feet
- Birds circling: Often indicates active bait or catch activity
During a recent trip using navigation apps for water safety, I spotted gear indicators that prevented a $5,000 insurance claim.
Phase 2: Communication Protocol (15-30 seconds)
Next, establish contact before getting within 200 feet.
- VHF Radio (preferred): Hail on Channel 16: "Fishing vessel off my starboard bow, this is [your boat name] requesting passing instructions"
- Horn Signals (backup): One short blast = "I intend to pass on your port side"
- Visual Confirmation: Look for acknowledgment wave or return signal
- No Response Protocol: After 3 attempts, proceed with extreme caution assuming vessel is engaged
45% of boaters don't monitor Channel 16, so always have a backup plan.
Phase 3: Approach and Positioning (45-60 seconds)
Begin your approach with these specific actions:
| Distance | Action Required | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 500 feet | Initial assessment and communication | Normal cruise |
| 300 feet | Begin steering to starboard | Reduce by 25% |
| 200 feet | Confirm passing side and gear location | Reduce by 50% |
| 100 feet | Minimum passing distance maintained | No-wake speed |
I learned these distances the hard way when my wake damaged $500 worth of fishing tackle.
Phase 4: Execution of Pass (60-90 seconds)
Execute the pass with deliberate, smooth movements.
Maintain steady no-wake speed throughout the entire pass - typically 5 mph or less.
Keep your vessel parallel to the fishing boat's course, not angled toward or away.
Watch for sudden fishing boat movements if they hook a large fish.
Monitor your wake constantly - even small wakes can damage expensive gear.
Phase 5: Post-Passing Protocol (30 seconds)
After clearing the fishing boat's stern by 200 feet:
- Gradually increase speed to avoid sudden wake surge
- Check behind for any trailing fishing lines you might have missed
- Return to normal navigation after 300+ feet separation
- Log the encounter if in commercial waters
Communication Methods: Horn Signals and Radio Contact
Quick Answer: Effective communication uses VHF radio as primary, horn signals as backup, and visual confirmation to ensure safe passage.
Poor communication caused the worst accident I witnessed - a $15,000 collision that was completely preventable.
Horn Signal Meanings
⚠️ Important: These are internationally recognized signals under COLREGS Rule 34.
- One Short Blast: "I intend to pass on your port side" (most common)
- Two Short Blasts: "I intend to pass on your starboard side"
- Three Short Blasts: "I am operating in reverse"
- Five Short Blasts: "Danger! Your intentions are unclear"
- One Prolonged Blast: "I am here" (fog or restricted visibility)
Wait 5-10 seconds for a response before proceeding.
VHF Radio Protocol
Channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency that all vessels should monitor.
Keep your initial hail brief: "Fishing vessel at [location], this is [your boat name]"
Switch to working channel (usually 68, 69, or 72) once contact is established.
If no response after three attempts spaced 2 minutes apart, proceed with extreme caution.
When Communication Fails
I've encountered non-responsive vessels dozens of times. Here's my protocol:
- Assume they're actively fishing and have right-of-way
- Increase passing distance to 150+ feet minimum
- Pass at absolute minimum speed
- Be prepared for sudden movements
- Have crew watch for fishing lines
Critical Safety Factors When Passing Fishing Boats
Quick Answer: Safety depends on maintaining proper distance, minimizing wake, respecting fishing gear, and adjusting for conditions.
A fishing net replacement costs $500-2000, and I've seen careless passes destroy them in seconds.
Distance Requirements
Minimum safe passing distances vary by situation:
| Fishing Type | Minimum Distance | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Trolling (recreational) | 100 feet | Lines typically 50-75 feet |
| Commercial trawling | 200 feet | Nets can extend 500+ feet |
| Anchored/drift fishing | 150 feet | Multiple lines, unpredictable drift |
| Tournament cluster | 200 feet | Multiple boats, crossing lines |
Wake and Prop Wash Dangers
Your wake can cause serious problems even at distances you think are safe.
A 2-foot wake can rock a small fishing boat dangerously, potentially throwing someone overboard.
Prop wash can tangle or break fishing lines, causing gear loss and creating hazards.
Even at no-wake speed, displacement hulls create significant water disturbance.
✅ Pro Tip: Watch the fishing boat for 10 seconds after passing - if it rocks more than gently, you were too fast or too close.
Weather and Visibility Factors
Bad conditions multiply passing dangers significantly.
In fog, increase minimum distance to 200 feet and use prolonged horn blasts every 2 minutes.
Strong winds can push you into fishing gear even with proper steering.
In rough seas, fishing boats may be unable to retrieve gear quickly if problems arise.
Tournament and Crowded Water Situations
I've navigated through bass tournaments with 200+ boats - it's controlled chaos.
Tournament boats often work in groups, creating complex gear patterns.
Many competitors are focused on fishing, not navigation.
Plan alternate routes around tournament areas when possible - the 10-minute detour beats the hour-long insurance claim.
Emergency Situations and What to Do
Quick Answer: Emergency protocols require immediate speed reduction, clear communication, and decisive action to prevent escalation.
My worst day on the water taught me these protocols when standard procedures failed.
Collision Avoidance Maneuvers
If collision seems imminent despite following procedures:
- Full reverse immediately: Don't worry about passenger comfort
- Sound five short blasts: Alert all nearby vessels
- Turn away from fishing gear: Hit the boat, not the lines (less damage)
- Call "MAYDAY" on Channel 16: If collision is unavoidable
I once had 3 seconds to react when a fishing boat's engine failed mid-pass.
Gear Entanglement Response
If you snag fishing gear (it happens even to experienced captains):
Immediately shift to neutral - running gear can worsen entanglement.
Alert the fishing vessel - they know their gear best.
Never attempt to free gear under power - I've seen props destroyed this way.
Document everything for insurance - photos, times, conditions.
Average claim for gear damage runs $2,000-5,000.
Aggressive Boater Situations
Unfortunately, not everyone follows proper etiquette.
If confronted by an aggressive fishing boat operator:
- Remain calm and don't escalate
- Document with video if possible
- Call Coast Guard on Channel 16 if threatened
- Never attempt to "teach them a lesson"
- File a report with marine patrol afterward
I've defused several situations by simply apologizing and moving on, even when I was right.
Modern Technology for Safe Navigation
Quick Answer: Modern navigation technology including AIS, marine apps, and GPS tools significantly improves passing safety and situational awareness.
Technology has prevented countless close calls since I started using these tools.
Essential Marine Apps
The best navigation apps for water safety now include features specifically for vessel tracking.
- Navionics: Shows common fishing areas and boat traffic patterns ($15/year)
- MarineTraffic: Real-time AIS vessel tracking (free with ads)
- Windy: Weather and sea condition forecasting (free)
- Aqua Map: Crowd-sourced hazard and fishing spot markers ($50/year)
AIS Systems
Automatic Identification System (AIS) has revolutionized collision avoidance.
Class B AIS transceivers now cost $400-800 and show nearby vessels on your display.
You can see fishing vessels' speed, heading, and identification before visual contact.
Weather and Conditions Tools
Real-time condition monitoring helps predict passing challenges:
NOAA Weather Radio: Continuous updates on VHF WX channels
Radar apps: Show approaching storms that affect visibility
Current predictors: Help plan passes with favorable conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do if a fishing boat doesn't respond to horn signals?
If a fishing boat doesn't respond after three horn signals spaced 30 seconds apart, assume they're actively fishing and proceed with extreme caution. Increase your passing distance to 150+ feet, reduce to absolute minimum wake speed, and have crew watch for extended fishing lines while passing.
How close can you legally get to a fishing boat?
While no federal law specifies exact distances, maritime courtesy and state regulations typically require 100 feet minimum for recreational fishing boats and 200 feet for commercial vessels with nets deployed. Some states mandate specific distances - check local regulations for your area.
Do trolling boats have the same right-of-way as boats with nets?
No, trolling boats (moving with lines behind) are usually considered power vessels unless severely restricted. Trawling boats (dragging nets) are always 'vessels engaged in fishing' with full right-of-way priority. The key difference is the level of maneuverability restriction.
What happens if you accidentally damage fishing equipment?
If you damage fishing gear, immediately stop, exchange insurance information with the fishing vessel operator, document the incident with photos, and report to marine authorities if required. Damage claims typically range from $500-5000, and your marine insurance should cover accidental damage.
Should you pass a fishing boat on the upwind or downwind side?
Generally pass on the downwind (leeward) side when possible, as this keeps your boat from being pushed toward the fishing vessel by wind. However, always prioritize the standard port-to-port passing rule unless conditions or the fishing boat's position make this unsafe.
What does five horn blasts mean when passing?
Five short horn blasts is the danger signal meaning 'I don't understand your intentions' or 'Your actions are dangerous.' If you hear this while attempting to pass, immediately slow down, establish communication, and clarify your passing intentions before proceeding.
Can you pass between two fishing boats that are fishing together?
Never pass between fishing boats that appear to be working together - they may have lines or nets connecting them that aren't visible. Always go around the entire group, maintaining at least 200 feet distance from the outermost boat.
What should you do in a narrow channel with a fishing boat?
In narrow channels, fishing boats generally shouldn't impede passage, but if they're actively fishing, you must wait or find an alternative route. Use VHF Channel 16 to coordinate passing, and never attempt to squeeze past if it requires getting within 50 feet of their gear.
Final Safety Reminders
After 30 years on the water, including several close calls and one expensive lesson, these are my key takeaways.
Taking an extra 2-3 minutes to pass safely prevents thousands in damages and potential injuries.
When in doubt, give fishing boats more space and go slower than you think necessary.
Practice horn signals and radio protocols in calm conditions before you need them in emergencies.
Consider taking a water safety course that covers rescue techniques - the skills translate to all vessel interactions.
Remember that every fishing boat represents someone's livelihood or passion - respect their space and equipment.
The maritime community is small, and your reputation for safe seamanship follows you to every harbor.
Stay safe out there, and always err on the side of caution when passing fishing vessels.