I own a number of firearms and fortunately have never felt the need to carry one while fishing. I would find a new fishin' hole where I didn't feel a need to protect myself from criminals before I started packing heat. There is a lot of great fishing around that you can enjoy without the distraction of worrying about your personal safety.
By the way, the cover of the winter 2002 issue of Flyfishing & Tying Journal feature a picture of an armed angler...most likely protection from bears. That is the only situation I can imagine carrying a gun. Backcountry fishing were encounters with bears were probable/likely. Don (Spokane) ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 6:05 AM Subject: Weapon? > Any thoughts out there, or personal experiences, where carrying a weapon while flyfishing has been an advantage. I have a concealed carry permit and have had for at least 30 years, as I used to make bank deposits for my company after hours. Even though I have retired from that company, I have kept the permit current, but rarely, except when going somewhere remote, even take my weapon. Several years ago I was fishing the Yak just off I-90. I was parked on a frontage road less than 150 feet off of, and in full view of the Interstate near Easton. I was on a dead end frontage road and had turned the car around prior to walking down to the river. Upon returning to the car, two unsavory looking fellows driving an old blue Nova came tearing down this frontage road and spun their car around and deliberately blocked my car from going anyshere. I had my pistol in the trunk, as as they were getting out of their car and approaching me, I quickly walked to the rear of my car, and po! > pped the trunk opener. I then re > ached into the trunk, grabbed the gun which was in a clip on holster, and walked back to where they could see me put it on my belt. I never drew the weapon, just showed that I had it. The fellows involved left so fast that I am not sure their feet or the car were even touching the ground. > The purpose of bringing this up is that I have had several instances over the past five years where, when by myself, I have been accosted. In each of these merely letting the other party be aware that I was armed, by letting them see the holstered weapon, made the difference. I know from reading past posts that some in this group hunt as well as fish. I am sure that some feel very uncomfortable around firearms. The purpose for my question is not to get into the the guns versus no guns debate. Rather I would like to see if it is just me who is running into situations like the above, or if it is becoming a widespread problem. In none of the situations involved have I even instigated so much as a conversation beforehand with the perps. Just seems to be a bunch of people out there looking for trouble, kicks, etc. I know many areas have experienced car breakins, etc. The basin lakes in eastern Washington seem to be a hot spot for this type of activity. I have been threate! > d several times at Nunnaly. If > any of you remember Gene Armstrong who worked at Kaufmanns in Belleve, he had several similiar instances he related to me. > > I know guns, know how to use them, was brought up with guns in a rural setting, and feel comfortable around them. I also am keenly aware that if one carries a gun he better be prepared to use it, and not have it used against ones self. I am also well aware of the legal and moral ramifications of carrying and using a weapon. > > I would really appreciate thoughts, experiences, etc. on how to protect yourself. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more a common occurance. > > Thanks, > > Roger >
