Oconee River -Watch out!

[Fendercaster]

I just read this on another forum...you Middle Georgia bassers better be careful![cool]
The Associated Press

Published on: 05/23/07

GREENSBORO — An 86-year-old man didn't want anyone getting too close to his fishing lines, so he took a few shots at a pair of fishermen who did, authorities said.

John Burke Yearwood of Madison was jailed on a charge of aggravated assault and later released on bond.

Greene County Sheriff Chris Houston said Yearwood has been putting his fishing lines out in the area for decades.

Two men competing in a fishing tournament Saturday on the Oconee River told authorities that when they got close to Yearwood's lines, Yearwood raised a rifle and fired two shots which hit the water in front of their boat. A sheriff's department report says Yearwood — who was at a fishing camp but was not in the tournament himself — fired a third shot which hit Craig Barnett of Sycamore as he sat in the boat.

The men said they sped away in the boat and used a cell phone to call 911.

The sheriff's report says Barnett sustained a wound under his left arm and gave authorities a small-caliber bullet that he says went into his arm.

Investigators found Yearwood at his home.

"He was just trying to warn (them) away from the fishing lines," Houston said Tuesday.
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[mattscru]

Im glad I dont fish the Oconee! I know alot of people do though, thats scarey to think about being shot while your trying to fish. A few years ago up in the north georgia mountains the same thing happened with with a few goldpanners that got into an argument over a site. And remember a few years ago in WI when that guy killed all those people deer hunting with a SKS? You just never know who are what your going to run into when your out in the woods are in the water.
Matt
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[Tarpon4me]

LOL, you know, it's kinda funny if you think about it. Picture an old man fishing in his boat and a couple young anglers roll up trying to ease in his spot. Bang! Bang! LOL Of course, someone actually getting hit isn't cool, but the "warning shots" is funny. That actually happens more often than you think, especially on the river I fish up here. The little Pee Dee is famous for it's old "hillbilly" anglers. Nicest people you want to meet, but don't cross them. If you find yourself checking one of thier fish traps, or throwing a massive wake towards one of them while they are anchored fishing; you may want to remember to duck 'cause you're probably going to get a pop shot cracked at you. [] It just goes to show you that being respectful to other anglers is more than just morally proper, it might just save your life. [sly]
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