dealing with rude ignorant people while fishing

[Big bass hunter]

Ive been having this problem more and more often i fish the boise green green belt most people are nice and helpful. But ive been getting more and more people just angry and trash talking me while im fishing and trying to instigate a fight. While i would enjoy putting them in there place cause i wish Karma could act as fast as my right hook. I love shooting guns and would hate losing that privilege even tho its a right to bare arms. probation doesnt. See it that way or getting a felony for assault and battery losing it forever. But i had a guy tonight making some pretty crazy accusations that would make blood boil about fisherman. I was able to walk away. So my question is does any body have this happen to anybody and does any one have any advice on. How to deal with people like. This

[Dye99]

Ive been in the same boat. And I also carry a CCW, and  shoot competitively so I really choose my battles when it comes to arguments.

Its really not worth getting into it with people. On a few occasions Ive been verbally berated for fishing a private lake ( where I was clearly wearing a guest pass and was perfectly legal ) and did not want to over step my bounds by fighting with a member. Also once in a main lake I had a nice bass boat just roll into a teeny little cove I was fishing in my kayak and basically tell me its HIS spot.

That one got real interesting!

 

I just mind my own business, smile and be polite. Life is so short so unless I really feel in danger I stay frosty.  Just turn on the go pro so if it goes sour, you are covered in the eyes of the law.

[Kevin22]

If you have multiple people arguing with you and wanting to get into fights, I have to wonder what they are accusing you of doing??? I can't say as I have ever had someone yell at me or want to fight me while fishing. I've had people cut me off when in the boat, I've had people fly past me going WOT 50 feet off my side, and while shore fishing I have had lots of people throw at my feet from boats.. I always choose to keep calm and ignore it and not yell at them. I've never had someone yell at me. I guess those instances I mentioned would be rude, but I never wanted to assault someone for doing it. 

[Big bass hunter]

Its mostly people trying to impress there friends or gangmembers seeing me as target cause i dont look like them. Or someone hates there life i guess or something just cant stand someone enjoying the little things i would tell you  what we as a fisherman from all walks of life were being accused of but would most likely be banned for those types of l language and references. It just kind of sucks dealing with those types of people already and summer hasn't even hit but will be looking into a GoPro and pepper spray if I'm unable to walk away just sucks though

[j bab]

1 hour ago, Dye99 said:

Ive been in the same boat. And I also carry a CCW, and  shoot competitively so I really choose my battles when it comes to arguments.

Its really not worth getting into it with people. On a few occasions Ive been verbally berated for fishing a private lake ( where I was clearly wearing a guest pass and was perfectly legal ) and did not want to over step my bounds by fighting with a member. Also once in a main lake I had a nice bass boat just roll into a teeny little cove I was fishing in my kayak and basically tell me its HIS spot.

That one got real interesting!

 

I just mind my own business, smile and be polite. Life is so short so unless I really feel in danger I stay frosty.  Just turn on the go pro so if it goes sour, you are covered in the eyes of the law.

Excellent advice... There is no way you can win with these types of people. I have also had a situation recently on a private pond that I was on legally, and with permission. Some people can't just let a couple guys enjoy fishing, they have to assert themselves and make sure you know it's "their" pond even though they are actually wrong (and they don't even fish it). 

[Bluebasser86]

Call the police, don't take it into your hands unless you have no other options. Today's world is not the place to try to be a Lone Ranger. If you really believe that the people that are there are gang members and possibly doing illegal things you can let the police know that they're there and they can try to contact them. Most likely they're not going to want to hang around an area if they keep having run ins with the police. 

[Big bass hunter]

The gangmembers are not in groups usaully but with there mian squeeze and childern but still like to make noise so their not up to illegal things other then harrassing instigating the issue becomes a game of he said she said as far as the goes but would call if i had something that would stick i go for the cops will call the department tommorow and see about what i can do about that issue cuz it is more then one type of gang i have had a an issue of hassment from

[kcdinkerz]

I just ignore them and move on. Never know what people will do now. Don't feel like getting shot or shooting someone....

[Hurricane]

I would just find a new place to fish..

[Fishing Rhino]

Are you fishing from the shore?  Maybe "they" are "angry" because the shore is littered with debris left behind by fishermen.  It is not uncommon to see plastic bait baggies, and other debris such as coffee cups, and other drink containers littering the area around launch ramps.  It's so bad in some places that it looks like an unsanitary landfill.

Granted, it is not all from fishermen, but discarded line and other items linked to fishing point an accusing finger at fishermen.  It's small wonder that some folks would resent fishermen, and be vocal about it.

What really concerns me is the impression that the only thing keeping you from dealing with the "problem" physically, is that it could cost you the privilege to possess your guns.

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, LastCastChris said:

I would just find a new place to fish..

X2 ~  

I'd recommend finding a different place to fish.

Something off the beaten (or gang member & main squeeze) path.

A-Jay

[Hurricane]

50 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

X2 ~  

I'd recommend finding a different place to fish.

Something off the beaten (or gang member & main squeeze) path.

A-Jay

Exactly... Let the fish be the ones to give you problems.. Not other people.. 

[Turtle135]

2 hours ago, LastCastChris said:

I would just find a new place to fish..

X3 - I imagine you are like me, you go fishing to enjoy the outdoors. If possible find a better environment with some peace and quiet. A call to the police about the problem area certainly would not hurt. You may not be the first to report an issue and if they have had a number of complaints maybe they can do something about it, maybe they can't. Good luck out there!

[avidone1]

whenever I here complaints like those the op stated, my first reaction is to say "look in the mirror"

Yes, there are rude and aggressive people out there, but I have fished for many years and have had only a handful of problems.

Perhaps your doing something that is provoking these outbursts.  If a couple is being intimate in a secluded lakeside spot and you decide to fish through is it really a shock that there will be some harsh words?   Mind you I'm not saying that you are doing anything wrong, all I'm suggesting is that you examine your own behavior before giving up on your favorite fishing spot.

[d-camarena]

I agree with avidone1, yesterday i went to one of my spots and when i got there there was a couple there getting intimate. When they saw me i told them id be on my way and i was gonna look for a different spot. They told me to stay and even offered some vodka shots. The only reason i stayed was because i was invited. Gotta respect peoples space

[Dye99]

After reading this thread, I will definitely say I agree with everyone who has said to move on, and find a new spot.

With the mention of firearms I would suggest that you remember one of the tenets of carrying a gun for a defensive tool is that the firearm is the last link of the chain of defense. And the first is always situational awareness.

Do not put purposely put yourself in a situation that you see violence as a possibility, for a recreational sport.

Move on, find a different spot to fish.

[J Francho]

Find a new place to fish. 

[flyfisher]

save up money, buy a kayak to get you off the bank or find another spot.  

[Kevin22]

Is this seriously a question? What to do when street gangs attack while bass fishing???? 

Fish somewhere else

[Master Bait'r]

I use the force.  I just let em know these aren't the droids they're looking for and let them go on their way.  

[CarolinaBoy4Life]

I've had an interesting exchange with a few fellow fisherman a time or two. Nothing really gets under my skin unless its blatant disrespect. I tend to be cautious on how I approach the situation until I know for certain they are doing it on purpose. I'm an easy going guy don't give trouble but don't expect it either. Every situation is different and requires a leveled approach. Now with that being said I always carry a pistol for protection. You hate to have to think of that as a requirement but in todays world it is unfortunately. I don't understand these peoples mindset and over aggressive approach. I've trained mixed martial arts for over half my life and I have always noticed you cannot judge a book by its cover. 

[fishinfiend]

what are they saying?

 

How old are you? lol 

[J Francho]

If you feel threatened or harassed, call the police.

[BassB8Caster]

This sounds bigger than a fishing issue. Maybe find a better place to live? This is a big country, and if you have to worry where you fish without getting shot, in trouble etc, what about where you walk with your son/daughter, sister/brother, mother/father. Sounds like a pretty crappy area to live. 

[Last_Cast]

Bring your gang!

Have a duel for the lake.

Just kidding..I agree with people on here, just call the cops or leave and find a new spot.

Hope you have better luck next time.