Why should boaters slow down while passing recreational fishing boats?

Slowing down while passing recreational fishing boats is primarily important to minimize the wake created by your vessel. The wake generated by a fast-moving boat can be significant, resulting in waves that might cause injury to individuals on the fishing boat or damage to their equipment. This is particularly critical as fishing boats may be anchored or have individuals engaged in activities that require stability, such as casting lines or reeling in catches. A large wake can disrupt these activities and lead to dangerous situations.

While other reasons such as conserving fuel and showing respect to fishermen might be considered good practices, they do not address the immediate safety concerns posed by vessel wakes. Avoiding scaring fish away is not a significant concern during the passing process, especially compared to the risks associated with potential injuries and damages from the wake.