Packing while Fishing

NW Sportsman Mag ^ | 2/1/2016 | Terry J Wiest

[w1n1]

Carrying a weapon on the rivers and lakes is a personal decision; here's why one Northwest angler brings along a handgun when he’s chasing steelhead and salmon.

I used to never think about packing a gun while fishing. I never had a reason to until several years back while out on the Green River alone. This would change my opinion on carrying a gun, and it still lingers in my mind some 15 years afterwards. I was wandering back to one of my "secret" holes, one I'd discovered as a teenager and had never, ever seen another angler or trace of another human at since the early 1980s. I'd only shown it to two of my fishing partners, both of whom were sworn to secrecy and who knew I'd disown them if word ever got out.

I was 20 minutes into the usual 30-minute hike on animal trails when a person appeared from nowhere. I literally almost jumped out of my waders. The dude, who looked strung out and definitely not a fellow fisherman, asked, "Hey, you got some smokes?" "Nope, I don't smoke," I said. "Do you have any money?" "Nope, I'm fishing."

"I need some money!" "Sorry, I can't help you." "Dude, you don't understand, I need money." "Sorry, can't help you," I said, and walked by him. Was I scared? Yes, sh*tless!

I reached my fishing hole but couldn't get the thought that he was stalking me out of my mind, or that I would meet up with him again on the way back to my vehicle. Neither scenario materialized, but afterwards I drove straight to a gun shop and purchased my first self-defense weapon. Now, if I'd been packing and ran into the guy, would I have drawn my weapon? No - I did not feel my life was threatened.

Would I have felt more comfortable? Hell, yes! Should my life have become threatened, I would have had the tools and knowledge available to use them. From that point on I realized that the outdoors aren't just filled with friendly fellow anglers and hunters. There are also tweakers and criminals out there.

I PICK WHEN to carry. If I'm alone, you can count on me being armed. If I'm with friends, it all depends. Drift boat or with a guide? Nope, I don’t see a need. Banking it? Yep, usually gonna be packing. And that brings me to another incident. Read the rest of the story here, what about you?, are you packing as well while out fishing?

[CommerceComet]

I was hiking once along the Clearwater River in Idaho right around dusk. This very undesirable guy suddenly emerged on the trail right in front of me. I was startled by his presence and he was started by the Irish Wolfhound who was walking with me. The dog who was usually the friendliest animal who ever lived immediately became really agitated and defensive. The dog didn't trust the guy.

I have always thought that encounter might have been much different had there not been a massive dog on full alert between me and him.

[Travis T. OJustice]

I find it very tiring to carry, and when I do surf fishing, that’s very taxing as well. I would be too tired to drive home if I combined the two.

[monocle]

You dress them after shooting them.

[Blue Collar Christian]

Why would I not be packing just because I’m fishing?

[eartrumpet]

Oh, I remember you two.

[JAKraig]

My advice is that if you carry, then carry. Always carry. Never be without your protection. The chances of your ever having to use a gun are slim to none but the minute you leave it at home is the time you will need it.

[CommerceComet]

Oh, I remember you two.

I'm sure the guy remembers - a snarling Irish Wolfhound is pretty impressive and memorable in nightmarish way.

As a former undesirable, you clean up pretty well. ;-)

[archy]

Carrying a weapon on the rivers and lakes is a personal decision;

Here fishy, fishy, fishies!

[Squantos]

Ammo box filled with sand for weight with 3 each M112 blocks of C attached is a better lure if ya have to feed a few hundred locals within the hour....... but I like the way you think.....