Mugging. No, not attacking someone from behind with the intent to rob them. Although, to some, this would not be quite as bad. What I am referring to is "shadowing" someone because "they know where the fish are". In a wide open ocean, jumping so close to someone that you can hear their conversations. This article is inspired by the recent actions of a local popular charter boat. A few years ago, Captain Nick would hear that the MegaByte had a good day on the off shore grounds and call me at home at night. I was honored and would gladly provide Nick with the numbers and all other information I had (lure, speed, direction, whatever). If I should meet him at the dock, I would give him a printout of my drift or trolling pattern from my Dytek temperature gauge. While working mostly to his advantage, I didn't mind because he asked & we were friends. One Friday in 2001, Bob & I discussed the possibility of fishing the Tin Can grounds. I recounted to Bob how my Dad & I used to fish there all the time. On Saturday morning, we arrived only to find Captain Nick already working the area. I waved, said "Hi" on the radio, even made eye contact with him and he didn't respond. Apparently, Nick thought I was mugging him. It was not true, but even if it was, he of all people should have had a bit more tolerance given our history. And then 2 weeks ago, it seems that Nick took my numbers one day as he passed by the MegaByte VERY close while we were bailing bass and he was returning to the dock. On our very next trip, The No Time was in our spot with a fleet of 20 some odd boats. An interesting turn of events.
Several years ago I was a member and fishing chairman of the Atlantis Anglers fishing club. No doubt, this was and is a great club, but there are always those rotten apples. No need for names here, but on this one occasion... Well, I guess he knew as well as the next guy that his ability to find fish was next to zero or worse. On the day in question, he happened to spot me fluking at Riis Park. It soon became obvious that this guy was shadowing my every move. Me and my crew were laughing about it, as I'm sure his poor crew wasn't. At the completion of one drift, my intent was to head a bit north for a repeat drift, but, just for fun, I throttled up the MegaByte and headed due West watching this (and I use the term loosely) captain follow us until, after about 5 minutes I suddenly made a 180 degree turn and headed back. You should have seen the look on his face as he swung around and then resumed his position as if he was a trolling lure off the MegaByte. To give you an idea how close this fool followed me all day, one of my crew sprayed him with the wash down (which he later blamed on me, but that's another story).
Well, my point is this, ask and you shall receive. I don't know of anyone who would refuse a friend who may be having a hard day. I know I wouldn't. In fact, I may even help out with other information. And, return the favor. What goes around comes around. I keep a mental note of those who helped me. And there have been many. But I have my "other" list as well.

Good Fishing - Captain John
(cr) June 2002