Just my quick 2 cents: comparing being on the bow of a bass boat using the electric trolling moter and being on the bow of a ski boat under way of the big gas motor is apples and oranges and a silly comparison. The person on the bow of the bassboat is running (in control of) the electric trolling motor...a device designed to move precisely around underwater obsticles. Operators of these trolling motors seldom move more than 1 mph. The big motor is not controlled by the person in the bow, is not designed for precise movement around underwater objects right at the bow and seldom will cruise down under 2 mph unless they have a trolling plate or sea anchor deployed.
Fishing in the manner shown in the picture is dangerous and if not illegal, certainly should be. Despite what activities passengers are doing, ALL should be in a seat when the motor is in gear. This was on my boating safety courseware and is "the law" in my boat.
...just my two cents...all others are free to break laws or act recklessly at their own peril as long as they don't endanger me or those on my boat. Its only then that it becomes my business.
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