By Catherine Parmelee
For the Juneau Empire

Go with the flow

Check out the general flow of the runs, recommends Jim Preston, owner of Big Jim's Charters.

For example, if other boats are circling around a cove, join in.

"Zigzagging back and forth makes it difficult for everyone," he said.

The general rule of boating, according to Preston, is that the person with the shoreline at their boat's starboard has the right of way to the shoreline.

Harbormaster Chuck Westcott emphasized respecting the right of way of other boats.

"Don't cross in front of them," he said.

"If there's a line of five going one direction, and another crosses in front of that line, five boats are forced to veer."

Slow down

Be mindful of the fact that others are fishing. Don't zip through their midst; slow down. There's no reason to wake every person you pass.

"You are responsible for your own wake," said Nick Yurko, fish coordinator for the derby.

And, Westcott added, when you're in the no-wake zone, abide by it.

Swing wide

Aim for the least impact on others. When traveling on the waters, give wide berth to those who are fishing.

"Go around," Preston said. "It doesn't take that long."

Yurko agreed.

"Don't run beside another boat," he said. "They're fishing too."

Avoid tangles

Stay alert to noting others' gear, and do your utmost to avoid crossing their lines. On the other hand, consider your own gear.

"If you have a lot of complicated gear, and then go right into the middle of a crowded group, there will be tangles," Preston said.

"Keep in mind people usually don't expect equipment hanging out 200 feet behind your boat."

Be aware

If you see someone working a fish, give that person some space.

"Pay attention," Preston said.

"Everyone is out there to have a good time. You don't have to be obnoxious."

"Too many people don't care who's in the way," Yurko agreed.

"They just focus on getting from spot A to spot B."

Speak softly

Make a point of practicing everyday common courtesies.

"People get frustrated during the derby," Westcott said, "and they do things, like scream on the radio."

Share spots

Don't hog the drag.

"Let everyone take a chance at it," Yurko said.

Follow the Golden Rule

Boating courteously really comes down to respecting others, agreed Preston, Westcott and Yurko.

When fishing the derby, it's not a bad idea to apply the Golden Rule: Do unto others what you'd want them to do unto you.

That doesn't mean if someone else does something impolite that you should give it back.

After all, it's far better to be part of the solution than part of the problem.