Hi Moley and welcome to Talkangling. I’m personally glad you have taken the time to write this post to see things from the other side, so to speak.
From reading your thread it would seem that you are the ideal person to be navigating a narrow boat through a match length, unfortunately there are other skippers who are not as considerate as you. I fish canals on a regular basis and have seen all sorts of encounters from very irate anglers to very irate and abusive narrow boat passengers!
Some anglers detest boats passing through their swim, especially if they are catching well, or after they have introduced feed only to have an irresponsible skipper come along full steam ahead like a ship going to war with total disregard to anglers. This generally means that the feed they have introduced will be washed well away from where it was introduced and generally a mouth full of abuse to the Captain.
Personally I don't have any concerns with boats passing, providing they are responsible in doing so, and I will generally speak to the Skipper and ask if any more boats are following. Depending on their reply depends on how I approach my fishing after that.
The waterways are there for us both to enjoy and were purpose built for narrow boats not for anglers. You as a boater pay fees for the use of the water the same as anglers, this is compulsory for us to enjoy our pastime. Cyclists and irresponsible dog walkers on the other hand should be banned for life! They have caused me more grief and financial hardship than all the narrow boats put together.
As an angler I welcome your views and once again thanks for raising your head above the parapet.
