07-12-2009, 05:27 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Just so's ya knows, I ain't always been a pacifist complainer type. I been knowed to be a bit more "proactive". [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]As a youngster I made my own slingshots and became HIGHLY PROFICIENT in "flipperology". I could take the head off a sparrow sitting on power lines...etc. In the early days of tubing Willard, late 1970's, there were no PWCs but there were a couple of the water ski boats that delighted in harassing me. When I yelled at them all I got was the "Hawaiian good luck sign". So, I started carrying a slingshot and marbles...along with some 1/4" steel balls. Boats aiming right at me got a marble-smashed windshield. Water skiers got a couple of ball bearings in their butt cheeks as the layed over to spray me. The rangers admonished me (while trying to keep from laughing) that it was not legal to do that...after getting complaints from wounded skiers (who couldn't explain how they got close enough for me to shoot them in the butt)[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]To avoid running (further) afoul of the law, I also carried a rod with a half ounce bell sinker...with no hook. As a pretty fair caster, I made this rig work for getting the attention of potential violators. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On other lakes, at different times, I have carried one rod rigged with an old heavy plug with three sets of trebles. But, I rig with "breakaway" line that will pop loose after I have completed the "hookset". Got a PWC rider around the wrists once. Hogtied and hooked up...bleeding badly. Can you believe he wanted me to help him. The ranger boat showed up just in time. Helped the guy out and removed the hooks so he could sign his ticket.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]But ya know, some of my most frustrating encounters have been with other "anglers". It seems that there is a feeling among boating fishermen that the biggest and most expensive ride has unlimited power over all other fishermen. I can't count the number of times that I have had to dodge wide open bass sleds or had them run between me and the bank where I was casting. If anybody else pulled that on them they would scream like a wounded eagle.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have mellowed a bit in my old age. I now believe that discretion is the better part of cowardice. No need to confront idiots who may be whacked out on "mind-altering substances" or who may be carrying a new toy (weapon) and looking for a chance to play with it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I always carry my camera and take lots of pictures of boats who seem to want to push the limit. You know, it is amazing how many of them shut down the throttle or veer away when they see the camera. Ya suppose they really know what the rules are after all?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As a youngster I made my own slingshots and became HIGHLY PROFICIENT in "flipperology". I could take the head off a sparrow sitting on power lines...etc. In the early days of tubing Willard, late 1970's, there were no PWCs but there were a couple of the water ski boats that delighted in harassing me. When I yelled at them all I got was the "Hawaiian good luck sign". So, I started carrying a slingshot and marbles...along with some 1/4" steel balls. Boats aiming right at me got a marble-smashed windshield. Water skiers got a couple of ball bearings in their butt cheeks as the layed over to spray me. The rangers admonished me (while trying to keep from laughing) that it was not legal to do that...after getting complaints from wounded skiers (who couldn't explain how they got close enough for me to shoot them in the butt)[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]To avoid running (further) afoul of the law, I also carried a rod with a half ounce bell sinker...with no hook. As a pretty fair caster, I made this rig work for getting the attention of potential violators. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]On other lakes, at different times, I have carried one rod rigged with an old heavy plug with three sets of trebles. But, I rig with "breakaway" line that will pop loose after I have completed the "hookset". Got a PWC rider around the wrists once. Hogtied and hooked up...bleeding badly. Can you believe he wanted me to help him. The ranger boat showed up just in time. Helped the guy out and removed the hooks so he could sign his ticket.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]But ya know, some of my most frustrating encounters have been with other "anglers". It seems that there is a feeling among boating fishermen that the biggest and most expensive ride has unlimited power over all other fishermen. I can't count the number of times that I have had to dodge wide open bass sleds or had them run between me and the bank where I was casting. If anybody else pulled that on them they would scream like a wounded eagle.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I have mellowed a bit in my old age. I now believe that discretion is the better part of cowardice. No need to confront idiots who may be whacked out on "mind-altering substances" or who may be carrying a new toy (weapon) and looking for a chance to play with it.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I always carry my camera and take lots of pictures of boats who seem to want to push the limit. You know, it is amazing how many of them shut down the throttle or veer away when they see the camera. Ya suppose they really know what the rules are after all?[/#0000ff]
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