Confrontation With A Dock Owner After I Caught This PB Fish!

Would you have moved? Fishing under docks is extremely popular in many parts of the country. This is what happened when a dock owner took exception to me fishing near his dock. Supports my latest book, Fishing the Edge - Techniques and Tales from Surf, Boat, and Kayak: amzn.to/3TQtFvq.
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[@GROUNDPOUNDERFAB]

Some battles just aren't worth fighting.... you did the gentleman thing and moved on. Just shows how respectful and mature you are as a person. I think it was a good call on your part.

[@Chris-zo5ze]

Couldn't agree more. It would have been hard for me to leave since the dock owner came with an aggressive tone, but the angler was definitely the bigger man for leaving. We need more of this these days.

[@mcvennison1101]

You also need to stand up for your rights. The fisherman was doing nothing wrong

[@Chris-zo5ze]

@@mcvennison1101 No, he wasn't doing anything wrong... Sometimes it's better to just say sorry and move along even if you're right. Lesson I learned with my wife YEARS ago. You don't have to go through life proving a point at every turn even when you're right.

[@tray22]

Catch 22. Reinforcing bad behaviors like the dock owner is bad for everyone. I would have told the owner to call the DNR or the cops.

[@axminsterz4151]

It’s just like somebody being butthurt about parking in their usual spot on the street, the neighbors may respect his wishes but if I’m just an infrequent visitor they can miss my ass.

[@rickfazzini22]

I have never heard any dock owner ask so nicely so I’m with you I would have just moved on. Nothin wrong with being a gentleman, this world is definitely short on them lately.

[@WhiteGhost21]

it is trumps fault

[@rrrttt1112]

"Peggy, I tell you what, I'm going to have to ask that fellow to not fish my dock" ....Hank Hill 😆😅🤣

[@deej9367]

​@WhiteGhost21 good lord. You're part of the problem

[@PhillyJohnny]

You are never wrong to show someone a courtesy. Good move John

[@builderman912]

Best comment.

[@tymesho]

@@builderman912 Yep, what I thought too.

[@2341659]

Don’t let 15 seconds ruin a whole day

[@bernieforshaw]

You never know what else the dock owner is dealing with at the moment which may have affected his judgement........now I have had time to think about it further, if the same happens to me I would offer him a fish for dinner to make sure that there are no hard feelings. He most probably would refuse the offer but would think on his actions. Great video and congratulations on your PB !

[@FloppyFlounderr]

That guy definitely is wrong but just proves who the better man was by you moving and god rewarded you!

[@mikeinnj4424]

The guy was Not wrong in that he didn’t say he couldn’t fish there but rather asked nicely but firmly to fish elsewhere. I saw no issues and felt the situation was handled appropriately. We don’t all have agree but we should never forget we are still neighbors. It’s a big ocean and karma rewarded John.

[@fishingthemidsouth]

Yeah, the guy wasn't wrong. It's no different than saying "I'd appreciate it if you didn't wear sunglasses inside". It doesn't mean you aren't legally allowed to, but rather an expression of preference and a polite request that you not do it.

[@everettparkin9795]

The world is getting smaller every day and I guess we still have to put up with people who think that wherever they put their stuff that they own it

[@jamesyoung1022]

You pretend to know that a god rewarded him?

[@josephdoran1399]

You made a good decision to move on. Sounded like an older guy. You showed some respect Mr. Skinner.

[@dashriprock5720]

You're a good man John, right or wrong to stay and keep fishing doesn't matter, rather than stress the guy any further by sticking around, you took the high road and moved on.

[@testickles8834]

He wasn't belligerent about it at least, stated his concern calmly, explained his POV, and never outright said you have to go. Honestly, that's the calmest "confrontation" I've ever seen.

[@El_Estudio]

The waterway is public, but the dock is not. As long as the dock is not damaged, stood upon, or tied off to, you are fine.

[@buckunderwood8865]

The dock is their property, they own it. The do NOT, however, own the water.

[@wolfpackflt670]

Nor anything that LIVES in the water.

[@lucaspensinger7774]

You were perfectly withjn your rights to fish there and I think it’s more than a little weird that he asked you not to. However, you made the same call I would have. Not worth the aggravation (or potential for escalation) to stay. As always, love the content!

[@fishingthemidsouth]

It's not weird. Perhaps he has grandkids that swim over there and doesn't want one stepping on a hook that broke off. Perhaps he has done a lot to attract fish to the dock and doesn't want others to benefit from that (kinda like when someone plants a brush pile in a lake). Sure, he doesn't have a legal right to tell you to leave, but he does have a legal right to ask you to. It's also complicated by the video recording. If you pull a bunch of good fish there and post the video, there will be a boat show there for a while. That's the drawback of posting videos -- people want to "find spots".

[@jackbentley9530]

In this age it seems everybody is looking for a fight, you handled it with class! I was fishing in Sebastian in Nov. when another fisherman thought I came to close. I always try to give others a wide berth. Yelling at me I just said,"Look,do you want to fight or do you want to accept my apology. He smiled and apologized too and said that he might have over reacted. Thanks for the great video!

[@randybecker4824]

Very respectable thing to do, especially with what seemed to be an older gentleman. The old saying, “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should” came true. Just not worth giving someone a heart attack over - and the dock owner was respectful too. Great job! I was just at my mother’s home on the Indian River. A boat with three fishermen with a guide came up on my mom’s dock. My mom got a little upset because they were so close, but being a fisherman myself, I explained they aren’t causing you any harm and they have every right to fish there. Well done sir!😊

[@JoePeanuts68]

He was probably wrong, but you did the right thing in moving. I think you nailed it when you said he was affected by the storm, so he has earned the right to tell others to not fish his dock and said it nicely. You're a good man John!

[@marksuperfly8426]

He has "earnted" nothing. But JS did the classy thing by avoiding an unnecessary confrontation. At some point it will be necessary - the only way to disabuse the dock owner of thinking he owns the water as well as the wood.

[@mk-xh6jt]

I don't think he's wrong. The onslaught of our once "Trash" fish..fishery is " insanity " because of all the youtubers hyping up the LAST fn fish left

[@reelsweetfishing]

You did the right thing moving on...as you mentioned he asked in a respectful way so you ultimately responded with the same level of respect.

[@BlackRockian]

I wish more interactions these days could go down like this one. A true gentlemen.

[@stsomewhereP30]

I understand both sides of the situation. I found his request the most appropriate of those I have heard in the past. He just said he would appreciate it if you didn't fish the dock. I think that covers the situation perfectly. He didn't say you can't, he just said he would appreciate it if you didn't. Well done by both of you in my humble opinion.

[@wrvrider]

He acknowledged you were right and said, still though Id just appreciate it. You didnt have to move but, he appreciated it, so you did him a kindness.

[@donaldmarx1]

You are a classy and ethical fisherman by respecting the wishes of the dock owner.

[@chinncannon]

This interaction you highlighted in the video just goes to show that you are a class act, sir. You are right, as far as I know that you had every right to fish that dock but respectfully moved when he asked 'nicely'. I have read online (so take with several large grains of salt) that in florida there is a statute that it is a class ii misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine to attempt to interfere with a fisherman or hunter in the lawful taking of game fish or animals and an navigable waterway including docks as long as you don't tie to or stand on them are part of the waterway. Great PB btw!

[@thegteam4349]

A pretty civil discourse, refreshing actually. Similar to Get Off My Lawn, tho…

[@drewferry3565]

Good on you brother for keeping the peace. Fight the good fight.

[@joshrussell9460]

Love that big grin on your face when you were showing that pb . That's what it's all about congrats on that one. !

[@lukeweeks]

people always say “if you woulda asked nicely”. well he did, so good on ya mate for moving

[@bumblur]

I think you took the high road with the dock owner and applaud you for it. Thanks for sharing...fish on!

[@ingyham]

He was pretty polite and asked nicely. I think you did the right thing.

[@Joe-zd3se]

John much respect for all. Nothing wrong with fishing it. They don't own the water. He did ask nicely. Nice to see respect all around fish on john.

[@robertfahey3875]

New subscriber, I learned something from your interaction; not every issue is worth a battle. Well done. Btw - love your videos!

[@danconklin9280]

You showed good grace during this encounter. I for one don't understand how people believe that they own the water. Our licenses pay to protect the fisheries.

[@chriscaporaso442]

you where just being the bigger man mad respect to you and he did ask nice and gave his resin why he was protecting the baby grouper is what I herd

[@mako184]

Very class move by saying your peace and moved on.. Great channel.

[@jonpicker5141]

You took the high road and expressed your opinion, that is what a true sportsman does and that’s why I watch your channel.

[@Conchycracker]

Amazing video. Thanks so much from an east coast Fl native 70 years.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I appreciate that coming from a long-time Floridian. Thanks.

[@snookman9920]

I respect you for moving. More importantly you probably were wise from a personal safety perspective. I'm familiar with his dock and it would seem to be a primo spot but it's not worth the confrontation. Love your videos.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks for your input and the kind words on my videos!

[@rgonzo1979]

What's the concern with fishing on someone's dock?..I ask from a position of full ignorance.

[@snookman9920]

@@rgonzo1979 there is zero problem and it's your legal right to fish there. No one owns the water, including the water that your dock sits on. My point is that if someone is a little worked up, why not move on? As John proved, there are plenty of fish in the sea!

[@johntuttle9544]

@@rgonzo1979 People own the dock so they think they own the water and fish that live there, cause if no dock, no fish. Unfortunately, that is not the law and you are always within your legal rights to fish the structure from the water. Regardless, is it worth fighting over? Probably not.

[@vlcthefish]

@@rgonzo1979 Because fisherman will end up snagging the dock with their lures/hooks...leave braid hanging. WTF wants to deal with that? Skinner wasn't fishing just near it....he's casting within an inch of the wood. Also just annoying you have a dock and this strange guy is hanging right by it. Sure it's not illegal but plenty of things that are not illegal people don't do in public for courtesy.

[@RayA-rt6tp]

You handled the whole situation perfectly John. Good move.

[@UltimateFishingFloat]

Class act John. Not sure I could have acted as civil but I hope so. Congrats on some beautiful inmates.

[@vincentsalentino9906]

On that dock situation john you did the right thing some people are weird like that no fishing near their dock i personally would allow it myself but the guy ask nicely so i would just catch fish like you somewhere else awesome video john

[@Fishing4Reel]

That was good info on how to handle a Sheepshead bite. I just moved to the Milton, FL area and am looking forward to a whole new set of fishing adventures. No one should own the water, but you proved you were the nice guy. I owned a dock on a lake and planted brush. I didn't mind is someone in a boat fished it. Comes with the territory. Even if they got a lure hung on it I wouldn't have objected to them getting on it to get their lure back. Having lost more than a few, I can understand them wanting to get their lure back. Civility is a virtue that works both ways.

[@nealbell5529]

As a former dock owner I can tell, you that the docks are built on land leased from the state. The water is state property. As, long as you don't touch the dock you can fish.

[@unionsquaregrassman]

Dock owner was polite (if incorrect), so you did the right thing, in my opinion. Thanks for the video.

[@daviddiehl-gy2sq]

The one i love is when the come yelling you're catching my fish.

[@surfin90]

You did the right thing John, but legally you are allowed to fish that dock, but some battles just aren’t worth fighting, as you said there’s plenty more fish and docks! Great content as always!

[@patmcdermott8547]

Echoing what others say, he doesn't own the water or the fish, and in some cases could be ticketed for harassment. But he could become violent, not worth it for any fish. You made the right move, got rewarded with some nice fillets. Kind of a win-win!

[@teampenn2007]

He asked nicely. You did the right thing.

[@johnlanigan4130]

Hey John, another great day on the water. You certainly did the right thing by moving to a better spot. Some people are just angry by nature. Like they say, theres plenty of fish in the sea. Tight lines my friend.

[@toogirthy7677]

I fish a ton of dock lights and ive had people be nasty and understanding. At the end of the day you were nice and moved. I do the same, not required at all but considerate. Appreciate your way of approaching this.

[@duylam3984]

Love these sheepshead series; makes me want to pick up my rod

[@bowhunt2472]

You did the right thing, not worth fighting about. You handled it perfectly. Maybe he will appreciate the fact you left and will be more understanding in the future.

[@ryanmurdock4275]

I think you were right in with how you handled it. I try and reason with them and make the same points the way you did. Just not worth the effort with so many other fishable socks out there. Great content and catches as always!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks for the kind words about the content and I appreciate your input!

[@anthonylaster2475]

He asked really nicely I would have moved on also. Great job

[@HooksetHarry]

The homeowners approach was definitely respectful. Knowing what people have been through down there, I would have moved on. Plenty of docks to throw at and that is one that you respectfully walk away from. I know the feeling but it was the right thing to do

[@stevemartin4249]

Respect. You handled that like a man. More than a fisherman, A mature adult.

[@johnwood1953]

You handle that like a boss. But I believe that everything happens for a reason. You didn't waste any time or bait at that dock he helped you out.. thanks for sharing

[@thomasbrown8519]

Agree…he doesn’t know the laws, but meant well and was respectful - good call.

[@pittschapelfarm2844]

The guy was course, but polite, all in all.. You did right.

[@darylco5573]

Good on you John. Sometimes it's not worth the headache. However, sometimes people need to get over themselves. They don't own the water. It would depend on what mood I'm in. Good luck.

[@stevenr1983]

You did the right thing...no need for nonsense confrontation

[@josephchristopher7534]

You did good! I usually am accommodating but once in a while...

[@reelsaltkitchen]

Good call all around honestly, he had legitimate concerns and you waived off amicably. That was as good a result as any. I fish up here in Elias' area and docks and sheepshead are the standard, you just have to mentally prepare yourself every trip that you might get into it with a dock owner.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks for that input!

[@FishNassau]

Part of the enjoyment of fishing, in my view, is getting away from people and all the stress they cause. So in that same situation, I would have moved immediately and not engaged at all. Who is right and who is wrong is almost beside the point; there is no enjoyment to be had with someone like that watching you. Thank you for sharing this helpful video John. I am watching your fluke course on Salt Strong so I know what I'm doing when I try fluke fishing for the first time in the 2024 season.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Enjoy the course and good luck with the upcoming fluke season!

[@Michael-ep7lx]

You were legally allowed to be there, but I would have moved on too. Sometimes peace with worth more than "exercising your rights". You still had an enjoyable and productive day fishing. So, you didn't lose anything.

[@googeelou]

You did the right thing Mr. Skinner.

[@brannonwhite3036]

As long as you’re not ON his property, you can fish wherever there’s water! You do need to choose what “hill you want to die on,” and some (this one) aren’t worth it. A-holes be a-holes.

[@bartsherrer4107]

First, I'd like to commend your politeness and sportsmanship for moving when he asked you to. Your correct about the law being on your side as well as "normal behavior" also dictating your right to fish his dock. At the end of the day it's usually not worth the argument to stay where there is a problem.

[@garryhall7986]

I'm in Australia and I've seen a number of videos from the US where dock owners react like the guy did on this occasion. I just don't get it as down here I'm guessing most dock owners love to see people out enjoying the outdoors and engaging in a healthy activity. I have a 50 ft dock on my place and I think it's great when I see people out there trying to catch a fish. It's even better when I see young ones in the boat. Not saying that it doesn't happen here as I'm sure there are people who just can't help themselves when it comes to power games. I've just never seen it along our stretch of water.

[@garrydurfey9700]

My buddy lives on a creek/canal, has the fish light, etc. I am new to all of this, but I have fished docks with an owner standing there and we had a great conversation. However, you were the bigger man. Yes, the hurricane was horrible, etc. you did right, but legally, I think you were in the right. Will follow this to learn because I want to bring home a sheepshead for dinner sometime.

Good on you for being rational and just moving on but I would file a complaint with the authorities and have them remind the person that they don’t own the water!!! 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄

[@robertrogers7871]

Right call to move even though you are within your rights to be there. Being courteous to property owner and respecting their wishes makes you the better person and avoid unnecessary harassment. You are a true ambassador to the rest of us fishers

[@billkehrli112]

LI perspective here. You are more than a gentleman. You did the right thing. I fish stripers from my kayak several times a week and no one has ever said a word. I have a beach I also fish and one of the houses I pass thinks they own the whole beach and put up trespassing signs and a fence below high tide line 12:56 . I always walk in the water as respect to him but its public domain below high tide line just like the water under a dock. Just a crotchety old man. You did the right thing. Better loose this battle and fight with fish elsewhere.

[@artbobik3516]

I have lived in SE Florida since 67 and do not see an issue with fishing anywhere that is not posted - but also as soon as he asked, I would have moved, there are a lot more places to fish and it is not worth a fight -

[@NotOfThisWorld567]

Reminds me of how society USED to be, consideration for others. Even in his selfishness, the dock owner was considerate.

[@FMorgigno1]

You did the right thing John. I've been looking at some properties in that area. There are some good deals on canals with docks on the southern tip of the island with lifts and canopy's. I guess the storm has people throwing in the towel. You boated some nice sheep!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's not exactly a fire sale, but at least there's a little inventory.

[@FMorgigno1]

Not at all, its just nice to see properties that affordable with access to the water.

[@TheBlamk2012]

It seems to be me that dock owner was worried about the condition of the dock. He could be worried it would damage your boat and have you snag unseen pilings. He is also worried about the baby fish there. It could be a nest. He asked nicely and you nicely moved. Well done to the both of you.

[@johnsweeney1400]

And congrats to Katie on he first sheepshead.

[@davidbulanowski1091]

At least the guy asked you nicely and didn't run out and start threatening to call the cops and the national guard like I've seen some people do. I honestly believe some of them just want to be on the KZbins. There's already enough of those confrontation videos out there by guys who bait those yahoos to create content. I'm happy to see you show that you have too much class and enough quality content,not to have to resort to that.

[@neild2098]

You had a right to fish there, but doing so would have ruined his day, and to a certain extent, probably your own as well as the situation escalated. It seems you drew in some good fishing Karma and probably helped keep his day on the rails as well. I'll try to emulate your thoughtful decision if i find myself in a similar situation, as i respect you more for leaving than i would have if you won the battle at the homeowners emotional expense. You're a good man Skinner.

[@brendaamador8582]

Florida statute 372.705. If it was public or privately owned fish management area or any state-owned water body, interfering with a fisherman legally taking fish is a 2nd degree misdemeanor. That being said, you were a perfect gentleman in how you handled it.

[@duanekennard3298]

As a person that just finished working 25 years in the commercial/charter fishing industry here on the east coast of Florida yes you were perfectly legal. I've had the exact same thing happen numerous times while Sheepshead fishing. I think you handled the situation very nicely. I even fished one dock where the home owners set up gigantic and very loud speakers on their dock and they wait until you start fishing then turn on and BLARE opera music. It's enough to give you a headache but just to spite them I stay there and fish.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I really appreciate your perspective!

[@UncleKennysPlace]

I have moved on when asked to, and also caught a few under a dock to the delight of the dock owner's kid. I let him touch the fish, and let it go. Never had a hard confrontation, because I won't let that happen.

[@horsepastedelish]

Good move. You tried to reason with him and didn't let it escalate. You never know if someone is having a bad day, they might do something stupid.

[@andrewachoy2684]

i think you handled that situation perfectly, even though you had all right to fish there but it's like you said, you can related and as it turned you, it was for the better.

[@wreckanchor]

I think you did the right thing. I wouldnt want to cause someone to feel put upon over a fishing spot. The owner is probably upset about the loss of his dock and business there and is just taking it out on you but you did the right thing.

[@philcollins2176]

You did good with the person that didn't want you to fish his dock. Having said that the person does not own the water.

[@paulcastelli4844]

You certainly could have fished it legally, but I agree 100% with how you handled this situation.

[@HWCism]

Well finally I see you taking some fish home for dinner! 🥳

[@LongIslandLethals]

You handled it well, I agree with your point of view. He sounded like he has some deep roots there too, I would have given him a hat tip and move on as well. I will be purchasing your new rod in the spring, looking forward to getting a feel for it vs. my go to black fish rod that pulled up that 18.5 pounder. I have the utmost confidence in that rod in the future on the jumbo hunts. The red one looks like it will be a great striper rod for the boat.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I landed a huge tarpon on that red rod in the kayak on Monday. Stripers no problem!

[@Opiemus]

If you don't want people fishing your dock, don't live on the water and have a dock. You were 100 % right and handled it nicely though. 👍

[@michaelreilly8484]

My late dad owned Party Boats in Cape May and for a few years I was his mate. What drove me crazy were the customers who would point their rod right on top of another fisherman's rod because one guy was catching lots of fish and the second wasn't catching anything. Never dawned that there wasn't a hole50 or 60 feet below the surface filled with fish or that he just didn't know how to fish.

[@rsouder953]

The old man asked nicely (yelled from a distance with that southern kindness) and didn't curse you out, you did the right thing. He's probably had people poking around on or near his boat, its Florida, the natives there are crazy and pack heat- you made the best choice, it's not worth getting shot over a fish. You want to catch a 10LB+ sheepshead, try southern NJ in late July- mid September.

[@jgonell]

Pick and choose your battles. You can fish the waters around the dock, but he did ask politely to not fish it, so good call.

[@1hotc]

I would say you did the right thing! Definitely not worth arguing over so many other docks around!😂😂😂😂

[@user-ly9nm3wt1r]

He was polite , not worth the ulcer to have a fuss fight . Yeah, mine was fished hard by folks , especially when the trout were in , I even ok em some coffee down one chilly mornin before I got out to try it .

[@greggalasso5926]

Not worth the fight. However, the land owner does not own the water in Florida. I live in the Tampa area and there are areas you can't go into, found out the hard way, like the Port of Tampa. We saw the sign, but it was up on the land a bit. So we thought it was no beaching the boat and walking on the property. We were fishing the pilings for sheepies. We caught a few when the County Sherriff's boat came flying up to us. Long story short, they politely told us our mistake and to leave the area.

[@bob_atwestmi_fl_us7812]

You did the right thing, even with the guy being totally out of line IMHO anyway.

[@BStavFishing]

John, I believe you weren’t violating any laws but I think what’s most important here is that he respectfully asked and you were empathetic to the issues he’s been facing. Bravo, Skinner. Handled that like a gentleman. Now, had he come at you like an unhinged Karen/Ken, then I would have fished there until the cows came home.

[@MartinVSmith6334]

Amongst your 140k subscribers there must be a member of the Florida Bar. Step up guys! Our guy needs competent advice.

[@GD-xj3jd]

In Texas you may own the dock and trespassing if you get on it but the water is controlled by the State, which makes it public property. While it was nice that you moved, I don't think legally you had to.

[@md-ln4fp]

Dock shooting does piss off homeowners here in Texas and they whine that you're hitting the boats, when the boat is 5 or 6 ft out of the water. Screw em

[@gladesfishing]

John, I have seen this before. Summertime snapper are crawling with jumbo mangrove snapper….winter it’s sheepshead. Some folks feel that because the own the dock they own the water & own the fish there. Not worth the argument /hassle/aggravation. If you really want to push it call FWC. Personally I’d just move on to another dock .

[@donreed417]

Even the honorable Davey Crockett had a saying. If you know you're right go ahead. You handled it very well. But you handled it better than I would have. I'd of educated him..let him call the law.