So a couple weeks ago, went fishing with a friend. As we were idling back to the ramp we heard something overhead only to look up and see a small drone directly over us. Only about 30' above us and it was obviously focusing on us as it followed us for a short time. 

I actually found the guy that was operating it on the local Facebook forum. He does a lot of aerial drone pics and videos of the lake and he admitted he was the one following us although he said he wasn't recording at that particular time. 

 

It didn't really bother us at the time but I'm not real sure that I like the idea of one of those "stalking" me. Lol

I'm curious if others have had that happen or how do you feel about it? 

I mean I know they are out there during tournaments especially televised or pro tourneys.

Thanks!

 

 

I'd try and catch it, but that's just me.

A guy in a house on one of the lakes always has his drone out hovering close to fishermen. I casted at it if he came within a few yards, but I saw a guy take it out with a cast before. Right into the water haha.

I don't like 'em.  Not just on the lake, but anywhere, really.  We've got a couple in the neighborhood where I live and if it was a little more rural, I'd be standing by with a 12 gauge.  

I hate the drone movement.

Can understand photographers and
videographers using them....

49 minutes ago, Choporoz said:

I don't like 'em.  Not just on the lake, but anywhere, really.  We've got a couple in the neighborhood where I live and if it was a little more rural, I'd be standing by with a 12 gauge.  

there's one in my neighborhood i've seen twice now....  sounds like a bee buzzing around.  i too would opt for the anti-aircraft weaponry if i were more rural!

if it's a friend that is using it for footage then i understand but someone just watching over you probably recording looking at the spots you're fishing i hate that idea

Only a matter of time before some type of legal ramifications end up in court regarding drone usage. Is it legal to spy on someone fishing in a possible secret spot? Is it legal to take one out with a cast or shot? Its a hobby/toy that has grown beyond its original bounds into a wide array of possible legal trouble including FAA.

I had one follow me around this weekend at smith mountain lake. I don't like them unless it's being run for a tournament to get aireal photos. But I was fishing shoals in the middle of nowhere and I was the only one at that spot.  I flipped him off. Felt like a big invasion of privacy to me. If I knew I could of casted and took it out I would have... Would of loved to see the guy try and retrieve it from 80ft of water.... 

As long as it doesn't hit anyone else, me, the people I'm with, or damage anyone's property or boat I'm okay with it. If it's high above my head I could care less. Do they annoy me ? Yes, but I'd trade all of the Wake board boats, jet boats, cigar boats, runabouts, seadoo's , jet ski's , etc for drones any day!! Privacy? Who cares...record me, take my picture...what are they going to do with it?  Relax peeps.

they wouldn't last long in Alabama, that's just goo target practice, especially after most of the folks have had a few beers

Shoot down that sob drone.

They don't bother me. In fact, I would like to have one but I wouldn't be flying over other peoples boats/homes ect simply because I know some people get annoyed with them. More out of respect then privacy. Privacy laws are already in place in most states. They differ by state. Some states you must have at least one persons permission to record, others see it as if you are in public you have no right to privacy.

Public lakes are just that, public, there is no expectation of privacy. Seen several around the local lake, ignored them and kept fishing. No different then people out with regular cameras taking pictures.

4 minutes ago, BrianinMD said:

Public lakes are just that, public, there is no expectation of privacy. Seen several around the local lake, ignored them and kept fishing. No different then people out with regular cameras taking pictures.

Agree unless someone were to come close in another boat and start filming you without permission? Where do you draw the line?

Generally if someone points a camera at me, I'm going to approach and see what's up, but typically won't mind. I think the part that gets on everybody's  nerves is the anonymity of the operator.

If I'm on the lake who cares not me. If someone is bored enough to be filming me fishing I kinda pity them cause I'm the most boring person in the world according to my 12 yr old. On the other hand if it's flying over my house (I live out in the sticks btw) it's going to suffer impact damage.

A misplaced cast with a 1/2oz jig and braid would take care of it 

22 minutes ago, slonezp said:

A misplaced cast with a 1/2oz jig and braid would take care of it 

Is that what "fly" fishing is all about?

1 minute ago, Scott F said:

Is that what "fly" fishing is all about?

Good one!

8 hours ago, riverbasser said:

they wouldn't last long in Alabama, that's just goo target practice, especially after most of the folks have had a few beers

This one was in Alabama. Logan Martin lake. 

Had one following me on my private pond, 12 gauge with size 6 birdshot took care of it. Owner found out real quick I don't like people snooping around me on my own property. 

BareHook, its on public areas they are not doing anything wrong. I am not going to let someone doing a different hobby than mine ruin my day. Only exception is if they start to interfere with me doing my hobby. I have even turned around one time to find a photographer had setup a tripod and was taking pics of me fishing. Caught a nice one, turned and smiled while I held it up. They stayed for a few minutes and left without saying anything. No idea what they were taking pics for, don't care.

Now, on private land like Lanier brought up its a whole different ballgame.

I would like to have a drone just to take some of the beautiful pictures I've seen others do. No way would I infringe on others privacy by following or buzzing someone,but I think they are pretty cool if used respectfully.

That being said, if one of those makes more than one pass over or around my place I will assume someone has their nose in my business,in which case the drone isn't likely to return to its owner in useable condition. 

An awfully expensive toy to be harassing fisherman with!!!!!!!!

Maybe those using drones are trying to find out new fishing spots by observing fishermen. Too bad for them that having a good spot does not guarantee them the same success as the fisherman they are observing with the drone.