It's called fishing. It's a fishermans responsibilty to tend his lines. Not just float them out there. A golfer is responsible for the flight of his ball and a fisherman is responsble in the same manner.

I've had a few encounters with fishermen and I try to avoid them when possible however when they fish in channels or near them or float thier lines far from the shore I have no mercy.

Lastly I wouldn't have given him a dime. What would have happened if the line had popped up out of the water and caught you in the face. Who's responsibily would that be??

Next time tell him to tend his lines.