I'd like to start by saying that whilst angling doesn't appeal to me at all I am just as sure that there are countless anglers out there who fail to see the fascination that is boating. However - that is as far as our differences go. We are all users of the waterways system and all respect the water, the wildlife and other people's enjoyment of the same and although there are one or two miserable anglers out there I bet there are at least as many boaters that are thoroughly miserable too, in fact I'm damn sure I've met some of them.

Personally I like to see as many people enjoying the water as possible - the more the merrier, boaters, anglers, walkers, cyclists, canoeists, you name it I appreciate them all. Let me offer you a thought - walk down the street, any street, and see how many people smile, wave or heaven forbid actually speak to you. Now get down to the canal or riverbank and notice how the ratio of 'friendlies' to 'not friendlies' reverses. The more people that use our waterways the higher profile they are in the public eye the more likely we are to maintain and hopefully increase the funding that benefits us all.

As far as boaters go there are two types of fisherman, those using traditional rods and those using the increasingly popular poles, those high tech - reach to the other side devices that seem impossibly long. Not surprisingly the two need slightly different treatment but the beginning is always the same. SLOW DOWN, not just as the front of your boat reaches them, but from 50 or more yards away. Slowly reduce your engine revs to tick-over (suddenly reducing them will result in a temporary loss of steering) so that by the time you reach the anglers you are at a very slow walking pace, as slow as your boat will go. In this way you create as little disturbance to the water and the banks as possible. Doing this simple thing alone will save you from making enemies you don't need and it costs you nothing.

Next, if they are using traditional rods they tend to be fishing the towpath bank side or maybe the centre of the canal. It makes great sense and will be appreciated if you keep away from this area. As far as is possible and in plenty of time move over away from the towpath. Alternatively if they are using poles they will be fishing directly under the end of the pole which almost certainly means the side furthest away from the towpath. So, simple as it sounds all you need to do is steer nearer the towpath than you normally would, looking out for keep nets that may occupy the first few feet.

Lastly - and this is so simple - try speaking. Stunning I know but we've had many a happy chat with anglers on our cruises in those few seconds as we go by and long may we continue to do so. The number of polite and friendly moments we have enjoyed far outstrip the odd 'being ignored' that sometimes happens and I've seen so many boaters go past and ignore anglers that I am ashamed.

So appreciate our anglers, even if it is not your choice of pass-time for they care about the same environment we do.