Maybe I was that guy you saw...I've been doing it for years.
I definitely try my best to be aware of the casting limit of the shore fisherman. Most of them are fishing within a couple rod lengths of where they are standing as that is where most of the fish are - close to shore. But there is always someone casting a spoon or bait as far as they can.
With that said, there is a seam you can fish between the shore fisherman and the boats that are trolling, or sometimes anchored.
I use a floating line with about a 6-ft straight leader. The water is very shallow (about 6-ft where you'll be fishing). And I mostly troll or cast streamers. If you're a bait fisherman, that will work and then you can just stay stationary out in the water in a safe place.
I've had some good days, but I know I don't catch as many as the shore fisherman (where most of the fish seem to be), but the trade off is a free running fish without worrying about "fish left - way left". I'd rather catch 1 or 2 out from shore than 10 shoulder-to-shoulder.
I've had a few occasions where shore fisherman were rude, but for the most part I stay out of their range, and the few times lines have crossed, most are understanding and patient.
post edited by imrinc - 2010/09/09 07:06:50