Weddy-If you lived here in Arizona you would probably give up fishing, because without a boat, you won't catch much except bait. You just can't access fish habitat on Arizona lakes without a boat. Period!

And about the guy with the paint ball gun. Is he suicidal? If he pulled that out and aimed it here in Arizona, he would be answered by live fire. I carry at least 2 firearms on board my boat. My designated boat gun, an M1911 .45, whichever concealed weapon I happen to be carrying that day, and my snake gun in my tacklebox, a .22 caliber revolver loaded with snake shot. This time of year I might also have my 12 guage on board for shooting quail while fishing near shore. It's called "cast & blast'' here by game and fish.

Good topic!  I LOL'd at the comment about the 350lb Hillbilly.  The comment about the having a gun in AZ doesnt suprise me, I used to live in NM and it's a different world down there, you definetly need to be prepared!

I have been in several situations, boat and shore, where someone on the opposite side will just show up and begin casting, or drifting over the spot I am clearly fishing.  A couple of occasions they have come within mere feet so that when I ask them to move, I dont even need to raise my voice.  It would be a different place if people were a little more considerate of other people.  Maybe people in AZ wouldnt need to carry guns on their boats (at least not for protection)

I'm basically just a gun guy. I have a concealed permit and I don't go anywhere without one. It's a dangerous world and I feel a lot more relaxed when I know I can defend myself if things go south.

Arizona is one of those places where a person of reasonable character is allowed to carry a firearm, most of the places where self protection is most necessary, concealed weapons are banned exept to the chosen few and those who don't give a rats eyelash about the law and the rights of others. Courtesy and consideration should always be major considerations and in many areas and from many people, they are rare. There are many places where people would carry if they could and more than a few carry in some of those areas in spite of the fact that they cannot do so legally. They have to be very carefull but they do it. Those do not care about the rights of others, say "Permission, I don't need no stinking permission." and do as they will.
As an anecdotal aside, in a survey, it was found, a number of years ago, that nearly 50% of the students at a college in the Chicago area carried for protection even though it was not legal, they figured the potential problems of illegal carry were a lessor risk.
I don't carry, I've thought about it but decided not to at this time. I have told some friends not to get a gun (attitude) and some others who were not too familiar with firearms to talk to a professional as to choice and training.
Wow, I am "loquatious" today. All for now, Allen

We have concealed carry here in Ks. also. We also have ''no gun'' signs on many businesses. I get a kiick out of those, like a bad guy is going to pay attention to that! I don't carry or even own a firearm for various reasons, such as a stroke leaving shaky hands, and curious grandchildren.

The biggest problem with concealed carry is alcohol. Way to many people don't get the message that guns and booze don't mix very well (see P. Burris). Most of the anti-gun lobby would dry up and blow away if there wasn't an issue with irresponsible gun owners. My son has a brother in law that owns a .357 for home defense. He has NEVER fired this weapon even in practice. By the way he has 12 children, at least 9 of which reside in his home. Is this a responsible gun owner? I think not. Thoughts? Tom

I grew up in a hunting family. Always had firearms around the house. I remember my Grandfathers gun cabinet with @ 4 shotguns, @ 6 rifles, and numerous handguns. I learned to shoot before starting school! I'm very comfortable with and around firearms, however, I'm also the first to agree that they are not for everyone.

Pegsguy, the guy you described is a great example of someont that should NOT have a gun. Odds are he can't hit his target with no experience shooting this weapon. and I seriously doubt that there is any firearms safety being taught in this household.I don't shoot as often as I'd like to, but I am proficient with my weapons and hit what I aim for repeatedly. I hope I never need my skills, but if I do, I will not hesitate to defend myself,  my family, or those either incapable or unwilling to defend themselves.
Many firearms opponents cite depending on the police to defend you. All the police I've ever had contact with have said exactly the opposite, that it is up to the individual to defend themselves. The police are responders who investigate crimes and arrest perpetrators, not public defenders. The damage is nearly always done by the time they arrive.

I should have noted that shooting at someone with a paintball gun would be considered "assualt" in most places. And yes, if one considers carrying a firearm for defense, learn the rules and spend enough time with the firearm to understand it. Bass or bass is citing the synopsys of a US Supreme court case RE a lawsuit against the DC police. Basically, the court said it was not the police depts job to protect you as an indevidual, their job was to protect society in general (someone may have the exact quote).

you sir are so full of{1}**** it makes me sick. I have never met one pure bass fisherman with one once of  respect.  In new york state the boating laws state you will reduce your speed to no wake when passing boats at anchor , divers , swimmers, boats  not under way engaged in fishing. I have had bass boats rip me off anchor while fishing with no regard to the laws.

you sir are so full of{1}**** it makes me sick. I have never met one pure bass fisherman with one once of  respect.  In new york state the boating laws state you will reduce your speed to no wake when passing boats at anchor , divers , swimmers, boats  not under way engaged in fishing. I have had bass boats rip me off anchor while fishing with no regard to the laws.

Hey catfisherman....which one were you referring to as "full of{1}****"?                                                                                                                                                                                                    

I agree that speaking in absolutes is ALWAYS a good decision. I told my mom when I was young you CAN judge a book by its cover. All trout fishermen smell like fermenting onions and walleye fishermen are all unemployed, deadbeat fathers

I fish for trout AND bass so what does that make ME!? Some of you guys (Channelcat) need to mellow a bit! Don't be so bitter!

On all of my fishing trips I target bass (stripers too where they exist), channel cat, and flathead cat, as well as sunfish for flathead bait. And quail when in season (cast & blast). So how do you categorize me?  Bass fishermen around here are quite considerate. The ignorant morons around are the pleasure boaters (partyers and drunks) and jet skiers (partyers and drunks).

THREE POUND BASS MAKE GOOD CATFISH BAIT.....That's what I tell all the "Bassmasters" I come in contact with.

Why can't we all just agree that we all love fishing? Regardless of the species!

Good point CQ...I can't imagine limiting my fun to only one species!

I agree with Pegsguy about BASS being like NASCAR. Just look at all the sponsors all over there jerseys and boats! LOL, But seriously, tournament fishing is highly competitive and there's lots of money on the line. So with a faster boat, you can get to your spots and make it back before check in time. Keep in mind the Elite Series tournaments are held on huge lakes and rivers, so there, they can open up there boats. But It's the weekend guy that THINKS he's an Elite BASS Anglar, that has no respect for others. Some states require safe boating courses before you can operate a boat or jet ski. I think ALL should be required to take some kind of boat safety course. There's just way too many people that are operating boats and water craft that don't know the Rules of the Road or COLREGS. And it's not just when a boat in underway, it's the fisherman as well. There are many good fishing spots here in Jamaica Bay that you have to drift over because they are in the navigation channel...but guys do it all the time, they anchor up in a NAV. channel. When your passing them at 25-30 knots, they look at you like your an ass, but the reality is they should not be anchored in that spot to begin with...so it definitely goes both ways. Oh...I agree...we all love fishing...lol

guys, maybe all of us have had some bad experiences with people being disrespectful in hi powered boats, but that doesnt give all bass fishermen a bad name. most i've met are very polite about sharing water. really, some of you guys need to loosen up a little bit.

Posted By bass or bass? on 05 Dec 2011 08:09 PM 
. . . fishermen around here are quite considerate. The ignorant morons around are the pleasure boaters (partyers and drunks) and jet skiers (partyers and drunks).

I agree with B or B. Sometimes those high powered bass boats can be annoying, but in my experience (frequent CT yaker) most of the time they are considerate.  It's the pleasure boaters and jet skiers that run back-&-forth, up-&-down the lakes/ponds burning fuel and impressing their girls (or guys) that are the most troublesome for fishermen.