"No Boating Within 100 Feet - It's the Law" signs on docks

[JohnF52]

I noticed these signs on several docks to the west of the Prairie Creek Marina. It is NOT the law. These dock owners cannot stop fishermen from fishing close to the docks without actually touching the docks. They do not own the water. These signs are only a scare tactic.

[fishinwrench]

Similar to the landowners signs along the lower Niangua river.

Why are these type signs not considered angler harassment ?

Call the MDC and request that they educate those folks. Sounds like a meaningful project for the MDC to concentrate on for awhile.

[JohnF52]

On Beaver Reservoir in Arkansas.

[J-Doc]

No not fishing....

No boating. Meaning no wakes within 100ft which is the law.

[JohnF52]

Signs say "no boating" not "no wake". They are trying to keep fishermen away from their private fishing holes on public waters. If they can enforce that, next they will say no boats except owners in the whole cove.

[jeb]

I saw those signs the other day when I was out. Seems a call to the AGFC and/or the COE is in order. AFAIK, it's illegal for them to put up signs like that which mistate the law.

I see something like that on TR a lot, where the dock owners put the floating bouys 100+ feet off the end of the dock saying "no wake within 50' of the dock".

[Feathers and Fins]

The signs are blatantly designed to keep people away in their wording.

THE LAW however is

[JohnF52]

I read on another forum about a dock owner (not here) yelling at fishermen and threatening them when they cast near his dock. He was going to install motion activated water sprinklers. The thread ended without stating a resolution.

[Feathers and Fins]

I read on another forum about a dock owner (not here) yelling at fishermen and threatening them when they cast near his dock. He was going to install motion activated water sprinklers. The thread ended without stating a resolution.

If it was in Arkansas he would be in violation of the law.

ARKANSAS STATUTES AND CODES

§ 5-71-228 - Obstruction of shooting, hunting, fishing, or trapping activities.

5-71-228. Obstruction of shooting, hunting, fishing, or trapping activities. (a)

(1) It is unlawful for any person to willfully obstruct or impede the participation of any individual in the lawful activity of shooting, hunting, fishing, or trapping in this state. (2) Nothing in this section prohibits a landowner or lessee from exercising his or her lawful right to prohibit hunting, fishing, or trapping on his or her land, or from exercising any other legal right.

( (1) A court of general jurisdiction may enjoin conduct that would be in violation of subsection (a) of this section upon petition by a person affected or who reasonably may be affected by the conduct upon a showing that the conduct is threatened or that it has occurred on a particular premises in the past and that it is not unreasonable to expect that under similar circumstances the conduct will be repeated.

(2) (A) A court of general jurisdiction may award damages, that may include an award for punitive damages, to any person adversely affected by a violation of subsection (a) of this section.

( In addition to any other item of special damages, the measure of damages may include expenditures of the affected person for license and permit fees, travel, guides, special equipment, and supplies, to the extent that the expenditures were rendered futile by prevention of taking of a wild animal or fish.

© (1) (A) Any person violating a provision of this section and in possession of a firearm is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

( Otherwise, a violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

(2) If the person violating this section holds an Arkansas hunting, fishing, or trapping license at the time of conviction, the license is revoked.

(d) This section does not prevent any wildlife officer or other law enforcement officer from performing his or her duties.

[J-Doc]

He was going to install motion activated water sprinklers.

Hahahahhahahahaha!!!!

In the summer, I would have to yell back, "Thanks dude! That feels much better! It's hot as heck out here!"

Of course I'm kidding. Out of respect, I'd fish another dock and let him have his slice of the world. Plenty of water to go around and in all honesty, I don't care. I can fish plenty other spots. If I sunk $300 worth of crappie habitats (which is way over-invested in fishing habitats) I'd probably want anglers off my dock so my kids/grandkids/guests/etc could catch a few fish. We are in fact in a boat and can fish elsewhere quite easily. Not defending the guy but I try to see others perspectives.

I know of one dock in particular that is LOADED with fish habitats and typically always has fish on it. I've fished the dock with the owner fishing it also. He didn't care and I asked if he minded........he said "go ahead".

Simple communication goes a long ways.