05-08-2006, 07:31 PM
[cool][#0000ff]I have not personally been back on the Gorge since moving back up to Utah from Arizona. But, one of the things that holds true of all waters in all states is that if enough concerned anglers get involved, there can be something done about a problem.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]With today's technology, most of us have GPS, cell phones, radios and digital cameras. There are cases all over the country where irate anglers have zoomed in on violators, taken incriminating pictures and then radioed or called authorities to come apprehend the bad guys. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Before you go out, know the channels or phone numbers you need to call. It does not hurt to communicate in advance, with the proper authorities, that you intend to do something about the problem and advise them of how you will handle it. They may have special requests or procedures to follow.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just as important is to use good sense and proper caution. Lawless anglers are sometimes armed and not afraid to use weapons to protect their "sport". No sense becoming a statistic while protecting some fish. Sometimes there will be several boats in the same area, all snagging, and with everybody in the party working together. That could get ugly if you forced a confrontation. Discretion is the better part of cowardice.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After several close calls with wackos and criminals, I seldom go anywhere without my "45 friends". But, I do not care to provoke anything if it is avoidable. Who needs the OK Corral at High Noon in the name of fun and fishing?[/#0000ff]
[signature]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]With today's technology, most of us have GPS, cell phones, radios and digital cameras. There are cases all over the country where irate anglers have zoomed in on violators, taken incriminating pictures and then radioed or called authorities to come apprehend the bad guys. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Before you go out, know the channels or phone numbers you need to call. It does not hurt to communicate in advance, with the proper authorities, that you intend to do something about the problem and advise them of how you will handle it. They may have special requests or procedures to follow.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Just as important is to use good sense and proper caution. Lawless anglers are sometimes armed and not afraid to use weapons to protect their "sport". No sense becoming a statistic while protecting some fish. Sometimes there will be several boats in the same area, all snagging, and with everybody in the party working together. That could get ugly if you forced a confrontation. Discretion is the better part of cowardice.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]After several close calls with wackos and criminals, I seldom go anywhere without my "45 friends". But, I do not care to provoke anything if it is avoidable. Who needs the OK Corral at High Noon in the name of fun and fishing?[/#0000ff]
[signature]