BAD DRIVER ALMOST TAKES ME OUT IN BOAT LANE (How to drive boat lanes) 

Probably a Pro-Staffer about to take a big hit to his pride when he sees this 😂. $20 bucks says he’s the type of dude to wear a jersey to the classic expo.

Your so right I have lived on Toledo bend for over 20 years and have seen it all ..hell some don’t even use the boat lanes (scary to watch) there is also no fishing etiquette among a lot of these people and have seen a lot of that on Rayburn as well just because they fish a few tournaments they own the area and the lake it’s all about respect common sense these younger fisherman and older need to understand that acting like a ass on the water will get you killed or worse someone else ..thanks glad you are safe

He is lucky cooler heads prevailed, a lot of people would have chased him down.

Anyone can buy a boat and motor if they have the money. Defensive boating is as important as defensive driving I guess. Around here, its a breakdown in the wilderness of Montana we concern ourselves with. Good call Tod.

I like that defensive driving on the water attitude

A video breaking down how to properly or safely adjust to boat traffic in boat lanes or in narrow lakes. Seems like common sense but unfortunately it’s not. Sounds like a how to drive at high speeds is needed too!

Great content. Thanks for just reminding all of us how it can happen so quick.

Great topic, glad you are safe! I drive defensively all the time, and especially on Toledo. One thing I do is hold my arm up and make a fist when I'm slowing down or stopping in a boat lane, especially if someone is behind me

People need to calm down on the water. There is no fish worth killing yourself over. I fish a lake with stumps all over and NO boat lanes. Some of these stumps are hidden just a few inches beneath the surface. I see guys flying through known stump fields with no life jacket, and no kill switch all the time. I guess everybody is invincible once they get on the water...

Lmao this is nothing…. You didn’t “almost” get taken out. You were fine tf stop being a baby. Slow tf down when you see incoming traffic to be able to veer off. Speed is always relevant… wtf how is it not? If you saw them “3mile as you said you did, you can :slow down bro…. Stop being a Karen… get good.. get better. ,

Happen to me on Fork a couple of days ago. With everyone on the lakes enlight of current events, defensive boating is a must on all bodies of water. For those boaters who aren't aware: A boat must always be navigated on the starboard side (right) of a river or channel. Each boat alters course to starboard (right) and passes port to port (left). Always assume this situation exists. A boat approaching from your starboard (right) side has the right of way

only places i've fished with boat lanes is Fork and Millwood and i never run full speed and keep my head on a swivel. gotta be careful out there for sure. good video!

The scary thing is you don't know if the guy getting passed is unaware another boat is overtaking him and he might get startled and take some kind of evasive action (not necessarily the right evasive action) or just turns for no reason, now the guy passing has to take evasive action, then things go to sh#t!! He could have waited just a few seconds to start a pass when there wasn't a boat coming toward them. ALWAYS assume the other guy doesnt know you're there!!! Really good you took the right action get the heck out of the way. Better to be the one that chickens out and moves over than getting in a boat collision. Too many people don't respect the dangers of driving a boat. I have seen people just shut down for some reason when you are following them, guess what no brakes in a boat. Give plenty of room for that! Great video and good lesson for some boaters to learn. You are absolutely right most boat collisions happen in the daytime with clear visibility and smooth conditions. Everyone be safe out there and don't become one of those statistics.

Those thumbs downs are the ones driving like an a$$!!!

Please do more videos about this I am very unfamiliar with Boat lanes I’ve only been on a handful of lakes that have had them for the most part I’ve had good luck but in the back of my mind that has been my biggest fear

Yeah,I fish small lakes that are idle speed only and it amazes me how disrespectful and stupid some people are. We dont have many trees and their not marked but we know where they are. Ive seen countless people go over the top of them trying to show out. My favorite was a few years ago when the water was down and you could see tree tops but dude gunned it anyway. Needless to say his boat got pierced and spun circles on it till he figured it out. I just cut the corner minding my own. Ill always stop to help if needed but I dont pay stupid no attention.

Lake Seminole is the same, boat lanes and people not being safe.

Good subject bro! This needs discussed more often.

Question, does Toledo have an active Coast Guard Auxiliary? Also, is there common usage of the VHF marine channel 16? If channel 16 is used, why can't you guys use close talking microphone headsets like aircraft pilots?

Todd, I’m thankful that with your boating experience and by paying attention you managed to get out of the way. Some folks are in to big a hurry. Thanks and continue to be safe.

The last 2 weekends onToledo iv almost been killed. I'm running south down the lake at 72mph on the Louisiana side hugging my side of the lane and a bay turns dead in front of me to catch E/W lane. The wake throws me 8+feet into the air and when I hit I come completely out of my seat and into the floor. Kill switch did its job killed the motor. La GW came checked me out I said I was ok and he took off and caught the bay boat...they got a BUI. Similar situation on Texas side with pontoon boat last weekend.

fortunately toledo in most places gives a good 30-35ft on either side of the lane, the fact that he felt the need to pass on your side is rediculous

Where I fish we have main river channels, creeks, bays, canals you name it. Tree lined where you can’t see oncoming boats. There have been so many accidents because of people not paying attention here it’s amazing more people haven’t died. Being able to afford a boat doesn’t mean that person has the ability to pay attention or has the skill to operate it. Speed plays into a lot of the accidents when people don’t fully understand their boats capabilities but more times than not it’s just not paying attention. I know people who have lost their lives and have been injured for life that I thought were very capable and experienced boat operators. Don’t get so big headed and offended it can happen to the best of us.

It's much like driving on the road more manuverable boats yield to less manuverable boats stay on the right & don't get too close and be curtious to fishermen who are fishing and also use common sense. Oh and pay attention to your surroundings and the other boat traffic around you when your moving at speed. Better to be safe then sorry & all.

Fools on the water are a problem everywhere. Watched a ski boat pull a skier through a stump field on Guntersville that is clearly marked on every map. Studying a map of a area you are not familiar with is must.

Lake Seminole has a boat lane between windgates and spring creek I was running up it one day and a pontoon boat was in it sideways bream fishing. This boat lane doesn’t have water on each side it has dirt banks. I squeezed my boat between them and the bank don’t know how because there shouldn’t have been enough room but somehow I got thru and I said never again I will take the long way from now on. But after going the long way a few times I went back to running the boat lane.

There should be qualifications to drive a boat, now a days rich ppl see a cool bass fishing video and the next day they go buy a bass boat and gear and now there pro anglers and thats the ppl that do this crap, and they have no idea they are doing anything wrong and that is the most dangerous thing on the water. Those same ppl will drive to the one person on the lake thats catching fish and start fishing 50 yards in front of them. I see it almost everyday, it is really irritating!

Man, that's crazy. I'd of had to bleep the video a lot. Good informative video. Glad you saw it coming and everyone is good.

nah that dude could’ve been patient you shouldn’t be in such a hurry to hurt someone. if your going at a good pace why do u need to come around like a bat out of hell. my grandfather would’ve followed them to the pocket do a 360 around them and take off

You described a lot of issues i see. The problem i see the most is people driving on the wrong side of the lake, then when they go around points they meant you head on if your on the right side. I have had to run down a couple of people and straighten them out and explain we are not in europe. We see it all. Great info man.

I’m from Michigan with grass lakes. Went down to lake fork and I was scared to start the big motor and run. Glad I learned a little something there lol

Todd. I learned the details are called atmospheric pressure changes !!!!!!!! Some are good some are bad for fishing , some are good fore hunting

Good grief. Some guys are just an accident waiting to happen. I try to keep my eyes peeled all the time. You handled it very well 👍🏻

Yes sir people dont pay attention for sure i fished a tournament awhile back with a shotgun start my partner said this is crazy I said all i gotta do is look behind me we will be alright

Your right its a "me first" attitude with some boat drivers, thank God not all. You have to have your head on a swivel when your out there, be proactive and alert. Glad you are ok.

THEY DRIVE THEIR VEHICLES THE SAME WAY, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ANY LAWS, ALCOHOL AND WATER DON'T MIX, BUT THEY DO IT ANYWAY..

Most boaters are clueless of the rules of the road and are oblivious to their actions and the danger they cause. Had a close call last week be a use of a boater not paying attention and aimlessly turning.

Thanks Todd for sharing this. Hopefully this will wake up some of these idiots who think just because they have a big boat they have to go wide ass open and drive like idiots. Defensive driving is the mind set to have!! In the lake and on the road. Thanks again Todd.

Ignorant people do ignorant thing. You've got to be aware of your surroundings, what's going on around you.

Good PSA there Todd.... don't want to see somebody's "perfect" day be their last.....just like on the highways, always watch out for the other guy.....

it’s so bad on lake houston on the canals and sand bars in the lake almost no space but they are still halling ass washing people on the bank

So glad you shared this. Maybe it could save someone from a very bad situation. Something else I see on TB is people pulling their kids on skis or a tube IN the boat lane... with boats racing by in both directions. Very scary to watch!

Dude.... That is scary stuff............ Just a little common sense.... and oh yeah........ maybe just slow down for a quick second...... You handled yourself well.... but I'm sure the thought of running this jack a$$ crossed your mind.... Keep these great vids coming...... Great learning tools for all of us....!!!!

Nice couch Castledine, I have one almost like it but tan lol On a serious note this kind of stuff happens sooo frequently. Im just North of Tulsa and fish on smaller lakes (smaller than Grand). On almost every outing I see boaters, and anglers that are dangerous on the water. I try to guess on it, if its inexperience in boating, not knowing the body of water your driving on, or just dumb and dangerous people. Whatever it may be I just tell myself be very careful and stay vigilant on the water, because at the end of the day I want to have fun and go home safe, and especially when I have my wife and kids in the boat with me.

Leaves to wonder if these same boaters operate their vehicles as careless on the highways as they do their boats on the waterways!

GoPro doesn't do this situation any justice. Glad nothing serious happened

Wow!! Some people just don't give a crap about anything, anyone, or even themselves for that matter. The ignorant idiots just keep getting worse and worse in todays society. Glad you were ok.

Who are the jackasses that thumbs downed this? Probably the kind that do stupid stuff like passing on the wrong side of the body's. This is a video I really appreciate, thanks.

no boat lanes where I am but I did have a guy staring at his map on his graph about T-BONE me...I had to crank the boat and get out of his way. he came back and apologized but still. ppl just dont pay attention

Pretty crazy stuff. Glad you're alright.

Just part of being on the water. A lot of boaters should not be boating.

It doesn't matter what lake you're on. There's that one person. Driving a boat that thinks they have the right away. In any lane. I had the pleasure of running into one on Beaver Lake in Rogers Arkansas. I had to come to a complete stop to let the idiot by.

Looks like every weekend in front of Housen. Funny it wasn't a pontoon boat pulling kids on a giant float in the boat lanes. Where are you supposed to go? In the trees?

The number one cause of boating accidents is human error which usually involves a dude who thinks he is the Dale Earnhardt of bass fishing!

People don’t care or respect anyone anymore it’s unbelievable

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Great driving skills. Way to get that Ranger nose up ready for the waves.

He shouldn't have been driving that fast with kids in the boat.he should have just followed the guy in front of him.

Not to suggest in any way that the guy wasn't a total idiot because he was driving extremely recklessly...with kids in the boat no less! But I live in Michigan, on an island in the Detroit River between Michigan and Canada, I went through the Michigan safe boating course back when I was a kid which included how to read channel markers in international water. The way Texas marks channels is ASSININE! I've fished in several different states and their system of marking only the center of a channel is something I have not seen in any state I have been to. It's dangerous and it is not intuitive to people that aren't aware of "their" system. Red and Green is the standard in most states and although Texas (and any other state that just marks the center line of a channel with a marker) would have to purchase double the amount of channel markers, is a much safer system. That being said; that asshole put you in danger and I would be pissed off too.

I drive a boat like I ride motorcycles, head on a swivel.

Don’t stop in the boat lane without looking behind you.

This video is major misleading the north and south boat lanes on the bend are 100ft wide to put that into perspective thats a 8 lane interstate from what i can tell the boat that passed other was headed north just south of mcgees flats and maybe to reason he passed on left side is because they where coming up on crossover boat lane. Meaning boat he was passing could of been making a right turn . Same as driving on the roads you pass on left side . In noway shape or form was anybody in this video ever at risk . You had roughly 4 interstate lanes on your side. To make people believe they should hit a stump field because of this is ridiculous. You where never out of the boat lane in the video like you made it seem

How close would you say he was when he passed you?

I believe rules of the road would be applied to passing situations as the boat with the green would have the right away (crossing they would be coming from your left or starboard) which would have your green running light has the right and you should give way and if they have your red (port side) they should give way. That's navigational rules 101 which everyone should know not just licensed captains. Sounds like Louisiana uses proper navigational bouts for their lanes which would make it easier. But then the rule that trumps them all is avoidance which states you do everything possible not to have an accident.

Did you get your feelings hurt why do you only make some comments public? You could cause more harm than good by telling people to overreact . You should let people know main boat lanes are much wider than you led on and purposely driving in stumps for no reason is not a good idea

I recall years ago on Back Bay in Ms., Fishing a tourney. Beautiful summer day, lots and lots of recreational boat traffic. I was running a channel that was pretty narrow with lots of on coming boats. I was doing around 55 maybe, because there were 2 big jet skis in front of me (appeared to be a family, each one had a child on the back behind a parent.). A huge yacht was coming from the other direction. All of a sudden both skis sat down directly in front of me🤬. Again it was a packed waterway, lines of boats. I missed one of them by a foot and the yacht by maybe 3 ft. I actually thought I was going to run over the ski. Either that or commit suicide by colliding with the 50' yacht. Bottom line is there are so many inexperienced boaters on the water. The general population will go out purchase a water craft and hit the water with family and friends and never take a single safety course, nothing. Buy and ride. That was my scariest moment on the water.

I'm constantly looking 360 around me because I know one day some Stump Donkey is gonna run right into me .... he better hope the Lord takes me ....

Racing to get to carrice bridge first 🤣

Many years ago I had a pontoon almost run over me, my wife, and kids. I was graphing a brush pile about 30 to 40 yards off the bank doing a circle around the pile. I did see them coming but didn’t pay much attention to them because it was the only boat around and it was about a mile wide area and they came within 10 feet of hitting us. What pissed me off was they waved and said sorry with their beer in their hand. I should have called the game warden because I’m pretty sure they were very drunk but I didn’t.

Crazy people.....saw two boats hit sides on a foggy mornin....guys watch they’re tracks to stay in the lanes, and I’ve done it, ....but forget about other boats. The one guy was hooked up to a buoy it looked like fishing. Luckily no one was hurt nor killed. Turned around to check on him and he was fine, had to tell this young man that he was going to get him and his girlfriend killed if they didn’t ease out til the fog lifted...

This can be a learning point for new boaters to see first hand what not to do.

This is the first video of yours I've seen and thank you for sharing. I moved to Toledo about a year ago and have been learning the boat lanes as Idaho doesn't have any and I am always looking out for other boats because we never run so close up north

I'm in Georgia and on Lake Lanier I had a dip wad turn left in front of me in a Creek with a tuber and I saw it coming was already trimming down to slow down and literally washed dip wads boat from my hard left turn. It was exactly defensive driving from my end that saved his tubers possible life. ALWAYS BE PAYING ATTENTION WHEN EVER YOU HAVE TO MAKE A TURN AND AS STATED ALWAYS LOOK EVERY DIRECTION. THANKS FOR THE VIDS

You need to have these type videos at least 2x per year. Won’t go into details - but have seen similar situations - that didn’t have the same ending. This ONE topic will take someone years to recover from - IF they are lucky. You can’t fix STUPID - but repetition on this topic - can’t hurt. Thanks for sharing this.

This is definitely a topic that needs to be discussed. To many idiots on the water running 70+ mph in places they shouldnt, just because they can. You nailed it when you said they are not paying attention. And it's not just bass boats. I can't tell you how many wake board boats I've had to dodge this year.

I'm sure you've seen the big covered loading dock just north of goosepond on Guntersville..we were on upriver end of it fishing the bank and 2 young guys came flying right up thru that building wide open and blew by us..I yelled and threw my arms up..they just gave a dumb stare..so aggravating!!

I fish Lake of the Ozarks here in Missouri and if it one thing that I have learned is to have your head on a swivel! We don't have boat lanes so it's a free for all. .Lots of big boats and jet ski's.Plus lots of idiots! Knowing who has the right of way is important but not everyone knows the rules so you can't assume anything. Be aware of your surroundings and if you have someone with you,, have them be your eyes behind you. It's not easy to see what's coming up directly behind you. Be safe everyone!! Some people are stupid!!

Well I live on fork and this is nothing new to see. When you hey weekend worriers that have more money then sense ahit like this happens. Matter of fact my boat is in the shop right now because a moron did this same thing to me about a month ago in glade creek trying to be first to the spot to fish. If I hadn't been watching out for idiots it would've been much worse then just a lower unit repair. It very well could've been a search and recover dead bodies. People have no respect for the other guy on the water. I refuse to be that person who caused a death or injury simply because I was in a hurry to fish. Sorry you had this happen to you but people just don't care nor have any respect for others.......Be safe and keep the videos comming......And they still talking about the whoopin you gave them on Sam Rayburn a few weeks ago........Fish on brothef

You just have to pray for people like that. Wish the boat was more recognizable but he knows who it is. I’m seeing more inexperienced people than ever in high powered boats that’s have no clue really. 70 mph with there eyes glued to the sonar screen. Scary out there.

I've got buddies that have fished for years but are now getting boats. I tell them there is more to driving a boat than just operating the trim. Tennessee boaters license is pretty much a joke, but I recommend to them to take the test anyway. The lakes we fish don't have boat lanes but there are proper ways to maneuver when running the lake. It can be very intimidating to see an oncoming boat and you don't know if they know which side they should be passing on or not. I've backwashed my back deck several times.

Just left toledo bend 4 weeks ago and this happend. Not only that while you are fishing if you are near a boat lane expect a boat to run 70 3 foot away instead of slowing down. Be safe and have respect guys

Great advice! What wasn't said there that some people just should not have a boat that is capable of high-speed! Speed can be a rush and it is for most people ... but speed needs to be done under control and some people just don't know how!

Unfortunately most boaters don’t understand driving boat lanes. Which side they suppose to be on or how to turn pass. Keep posting you have a huge audience an if u can help 1 more protects us that know the etiquette an rules

I’ll say it so you don’t get flagged or knocked by a sponsor Todd. Tip 1. Don’t be a F’in idiot and learn how to drive a boat. Especially if you have kids in your boat.

Idiots all over , we see it everyday in Florence Alabama on pickwick we have issues with them kayaks an fun boats so to speak , make of our folks never have run our lakes an rip foots off an stuff which they should have to take some sort on water training for sure great video.

I've noticed the Go Pro distorts the actual distance. When you slowed, how far away (guesstimate) were you from the boat and buoy ?

Good safety video! Another issue i see on TB in single lanes are boats either fishing in the boat lane or just idling in boat lane. Ii coming at 45 mph and they see me but stay in lane. I slow down because never sure what they will do but its a little aggravating.

Sad part is the guy probably thinks he did no wrong. Chances are he’s done it before and will do it again. Too many guys think the lake is a free for all!

Toledo Bend is my home lake. I have to drive defensive all the time. Especially in the creek boat lanes. Most people don't use the markers correctly. And those creek lanes are skinny!!!!

Glad your OK & didn't knock your lower unit off. Had the same thing happen to me on Fork 2 weeks ago. The man's wife was showing him something on her phone, they just kept coming towards me. I had to go way out in the stumps so we wouldn't collide.

Thank for video ur so right . and plz make one on the boat lanes on teldo bend havent been there in years want to go soon any help will be great. Good fishing to u

Just stumbled upon your channel this morning and watched 6 vids in a row. Great informative stuff, especially the flipping Jigs in grass video!!! One suggestion, maybe mix in a couple bank fishing videos for us guys who are new and don’t have a boat yet? YET!!!!! I got the ok from wife to buy a boat but I have to have something to pull it with. So either a hitch on my SUV or a truck , but then I’m gonna get an aluminum tracker or Express. BTW, I’m not a COVID fisherman, I actually picked up Bass fishing about 2 years ago when we moved to SC.

No boat lanes on Lake Cumberland so or surrounding so I've never had to drive in them but I'm use to dodging tourist's (mostly Buckeyes) that think they own the lake and dont care bc THEY are on vacation. They will run you right up against the bank if your fishing or running like you dont exist or trap you between wakes running several abreast and you can go anywhere but between them when your running, esp curvey channels, and ..oh shi* there they are. They will cut you off on points or run u into one they do not care. If your fishing a bank they will pick that area to pull a tube if they are the only ones out there...not kidding! Many jet ski's have went between me and a bank or point I was fishing...grr. It's hard to contain your composure...ok rant over.

Two years ago I had a friend killed in a bass tournament by another boat. The other boat turned hard left rather than staying straight a T-boned my buddy killing him instantly and his partner "another friend of mine" was in the hospital for weeks. It's so important to obey the rules of the water just like you're driving on the road. Blast off at local tournaments here in south Alabama scare me now. We have so many young guys 19 and 20 years old driving bullets 90mph passing in curves or running three wide on the river. I just stay out of their way, no fish is worth dying over.

Yeah ik how close you where to him bc ik how far apart the boat lines are there I haven’t had a situation like that before out there but that boat looks familiar

I live on Toledo and I just bought my first big bass boat and I’ve been seeing a lot of this and it drives me nuts because I’m being so cautious trying to get used to operating the boat on the big lake and stuff. I have my head on a swivel the whole time I’m out there. Stay safe dude!

This is my home lake we fish out of holly park do you have a personal preference on which end you like to fish? Grew up on Sam Rayburn and been on Toledo a year now and man what a different lake even though they're so close. Been tough to adapt especially on the north end but each trip gets better and better.

Never even knew about boat lanes. Nothing like that around me and I've always wondered watching videos on here how you guys know you're not going to smack into a stump or something. Appreciate the insight into this.

I really like it when the boat in front of me at take off on Lake Cumberland heads off in the same direction as me and then suddenly decides to make a hard left to go up the lake and cuts back across the field of boats coming his way.......really makes for a less than enjoyable moment!

Hey Todd I have never had a boat before and I honestly don’t know what I’m doing in a boat but I’m about to buy one in the next couple of months. But I’d like to get some advice just like in this video.

That guy was so in the wrong! I think I did hear you say something about a boat coming into the main channel should yield to boats already in the channel because they have the right away? According to the states boater safety coarse if two boats are approaching at a right angle then the boat on the right is the stand-on vessel (has the right away) so if that is the case per the boaters safety then the boat in the main channel should give way to a boat coming in from his right correct?