Aggressive Lobsterman - what to do?

[iguana1]

Looking for a little non-violent advice.

On my last three canyon runs I have left the harbor @ 4AM. Apparently this coincides with a local lobsterman's departure. Each time he has been about 1/2 mile behind me in the channel. He lights off his very powerful search light and trains it on me and chases me down at about 10 knots (I do 5-6 in the harbor in the dark). When he passes he then turns the spotlight and keeps tracking me. I end up driving exculsively by electronics as I can't see a thing.

So the problem is that I can't stand 24/7 guard on my boat, and I am struggling to think of how to address this without this goon doing something to my boat.

Any suggestions that will prevent me from turning my basement into a mini-torpedo research lab this winter are appreciated.

[dunn6253]

Just curious as to why he does this? Did you cut off some of his gear, or is he just being a dick? Did you guys have words over this yet? To me, it seems like you are being awfully calm, when he is putting you in danger. Sounds like hes a mad dick.

[shoefish]

One word.....mirror

[iguana1]

Dunn - I havent done a thing to this guy. I think he is just an old salty dude.

Shoe, good idea. May have to hit Target today for tomorrows run. Simpler and safer than my flaming oil slick idea.

The problem still seems to be that short of a 'knockout punch' I am just picking a bigger fight with a crazy *******.

What happens if I get on channel 16 and report it to the coasties?

[Avenger]

I guess the best answer is to identify this guy and go have a polite conversation with him. Maybe you are unaware that you are doing something that annoys him too, and he is too much of a boob to talk to you about it. If you believe he can find you I'm sure you can find him too.

Option 2: When we had spotlight-drivers aim at our bridge we would usually just aim right back with our own light, the biggest one we could get. It usually makes the point.

[nautiduck]

I would do whatever you have to to get his Hull #'s and report it to the Coasties. Or just report it to them tell them when it happens and see if they cant just happen to be there when the schmuck pulls his crap. I would definately videotape the incident if nothing else for liability issues in case you collide with something while this is happening. I believe interfering with the navigational abilities of any vessel underway is a pretty severe offense. First order of business though is report it.

[Double D]

1. Talk to him if you can

2. Leave a few minutes earlier or later

3. Give him a shot with your spotlight, usually does the trick.

[Sea Draggin]

1. Are your running lights working properly? I have been known to do the same to boats with out lights.

2. Raise him on the radio

3. Hit him back with Big Black from North Tool. It is 40 million candlepower of blinding revenge.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...1824_200361824

[Ace1st]

Just go talk to the dude first, be cordial, introduce yourself and just tell him you are the one that he spot lights and you didnt understand why he was doing this. If he has no reason then tell him it is hindering your ability to navigate and ask him to discontinue this.

Then next time he does it, walk down to his boat, snatch the spot out and break it on the dock and walk off.

Usually works for me!

[Tuna Meltdown]

Just beam him back with your spotlight. Thats what you do when your driving car and someone forgets to dim their lights at night. There is no harm in that. If he continues then I would have the heart to heart talk with him.