Would you have turned Around?

[dryflyguy]

SM - Dont blame you for getting out of there.
Think I would have done the same thing too
You just never know

As for Betty Knox road - I fish there occasionally.
Usually in the morning before heading over to the Yough
And I park right by the hole I'm in and dont move much - to keep and eye on the vehicle.

I once had a guy - not just "high hole" me there - but actually moved within like 20 feet of me.
Casting right into the hole from the opposite side.
Using a very large streamer that could have been used for saltwater
And totally spooking the fish, which had been rising pretty well until then

Thought of saying something to him
But he was a big burly guy, and carrying a large knife in a sheaf on his belt
Decided not worth a confrontation - and moved on...

Another time there, a young lady came walking down the road from upstream
And asked me if I could give here a ride to somewhere
Given the reputation of the area, I didn't think that would be very smart
And politely declined

 

[Broodstock]

When we are out in nature, we are more in tune with our instincts since there are a lot less distractions.
Trust your instincts, you made the right decision - as other have said.

One thing worth mentioning when fishing alone, no matter how remote or not, is always have a friend/spouse/other who you have told roughly where you are going, and when you expect to be home.

 

[poopdeck]

You absolutely made the right call for yourself. I would have avoided the guy as well. You’re from Delco so that makes you smarter in these situations than most. I would recommend adding pepper spray to your pack.

 

[Swattie87]

Definitely made the right call. Better to be safe and cut bait and get out of there.

Reminds me of an encounter I had a number of years back now. I took a similar avoidance approach. Recounted it here:

SGL 211 Weird Encounter

 

[DaveKile]

Another time there, a young lady came walking down the road from upstream
And asked me if I could give here a ride to somewhere
Given the reputation of the area, I didn't think that would be very smart
And politely declined

I must live under a rock, what is with that area and what do you mean?

 

[Swattie87]

Deleted. Misread and started to answer the wrong question.

 

[Esoxbum]

Dunbar creek in Fayette county? Are they still bleaching holes and fishing with m80s over that away? I recall it as a scary place when we lived in uniontown.

That’s the one. And only

 

[AndyP]

You made the right choice. Always listen to that "little voice"....

 

[Esoxbum]

I must live under a rock, what is with that area and what do you mean?

Just very remote. Betty knox is a gravel/dirt road that goes back into state game lands. Outskirts of Dunbar, which I guess would be comparable to a WV holler. Deliverence comes to mind 🐷

 

[rustbeltwilds]

Yeah always listen to that voice. But in the meantime always atleast have a knife mace or something ive had some sketchy folks i crossed paths with over the years while out in the woods never ever had to use my firearm. But felt alittle safer just having it... seen a mangy crazy feral dog a few years back on other side of creek baying and showing teeth. Believe me if it was on my side of the creek im sure i would have been put inti a decision to use it

 

[Esoxbum]

Just very remote. Betty knox is a gravel/dirt road that goes back into state game lands. Outskirts of Dunbar, which I guess would be comparable to a WV holler. Deliverence comes to mind 🐷

I’m exaggerating, of course, but not much. If the moniker ‘fayettenam’ holds true, Dunbar would be Khe Sanh, Hue, you can insert whatever ‘shithole’ comes to mind

 

[Esoxbum]

That's your call. Whatever makes you feel safe. Not everyone is comfortable killing another human over a stare. Better safe, than sorry doesn't require a firearm. Just common sense.

I’m more of a ‘shoot them in the leg and see where it goes kinda guy,’ unless, of course, they’re a Flyers fan. Then it’s definitely a junk shot 😂

 

[dryflyguy]

I must live under a rock, what is with that area and what do you mean?

Vehicle break ins have been reported from other fishermen
Along with other weird behavior from the locals

While I've never been broken into there, I have seen other people just driving up and down that road.
What they're looking for - who knows?

 

[Esoxbum]

Vehicle break ins have been reported from other fishermen
Along with other weird behavior from the locals

While I've never been broken into there, I have seen other people just driving up and down that road.
What they're looking for - who knows

I’m more of a ‘shoot them in the leg and see where it goes kinda guy,’ unless, of course, they’re a Flyers fan. Then it’s definitely a junk shot 😂

in all seriousness no one is getting shot over a stare. I’m not from Dunbar

 

[The_Sasquatch]

Lots of big talkers here on this board. Lame.

I fish in a region that has a LOT of uh...interesting characters like this. Whether I'm packing or not, I try at all costs to avoid unnecessary confrontation. Meth makes people do CRAZY things. I'll do whatever I can to avoid being put in a situation where I "need" to draw. It's just fishing, not worth it. Lots of water out there. I can find somewhere else.

 

[brookiefan]

I'll second #23 above, add pepper spray, but not to your backpack: on your belt or somewhere you can get to it fast. I sometimes carry bear spray if I'm in bear country.

 

[Bamboozle]

I open carry when I fish, mainly because I can in most places and where I can't, I carry concealed because I can and at least I know I may have a chance against some of the things one can encounter while fishing.

The peace of mind I have knowing at least I have a CHANCE, is why I carry.

That being said, I have never had a reason to draw my weapon except one night when an aggressive raccoon was getting a little too close for comfort. Eventually the bright light of my headlamp did the trick because I might have missed. 😉

That being said, avoidance if it is an option is always the best tactic in all situations...

I lived in NYC, walked the streets and rode the subways at all hours every day & night. MANY times I got off the subway at a station late at night because I felt uncomfortable with some of the passengers getting on the car; KNOWING I'd have almost an hour's wait until the next train....

Other nights I'd go BLOCKS out of my way to avoid someone(s) walking down a street who just made me feel like a potential target or just uncomfortable. And this was at a time in my life when quite frankly I had the chops so I felt invincible if I had to go toe-to-toe with anyone...

AND I was typically armed with something that was illegal in NYC... 🙄

Bottom line, I may have been young, but I wasn't dumb...

In the case of Streamagic; totally different situation & circumstances, but even with a pistol on my hip, I would have got off THAT subway train because it wouldn't have been worth it to find out what this person's intentions were....

Good move Jess!!

 

[tomgamber]

I’m more of a ‘shoot them in the leg and see where it goes kinda guy,’ unless, of course, they’re a Flyers fan. Then it’s definitely a junk shot 😂

Cant shoot a Penguin fan there. 🤣

 

[Kms]

You made the right choice.

FWIW I would recommend bear spray over a handgun. Easier to aim, less lethal, and generally more likely to deter both bears and crazies (still potentially lethal on people, so be aware).

 

[The_Sasquatch]

I open carry when I fish, mainly because I can in most places and where I can't, I carry concealed because I can and at least I know I may have a chance against some of the things one can encounter while fishing.

The peace of mind I have knowing at least I have a CHANCE, is why I carry.

That being said, I have never had a reason to draw my weapon except one night when an aggressive raccoon was getting a little too close for comfort. Eventually the bright light of my headlamp did the trick because I might have missed. 😉

That being said, avoidance if it is an option is always the best tactic in all situations...

I lived in NYC, walked the streets and rode the subways at all hours every day & night. MANY times I got off the subway at a station late at night because I felt uncomfortable with some of the passengers getting on the car; KNOWING I'd have almost an hour's wait until the next train....

Other nights I'd go BLOCKS out of my way to avoid someone(s) walking down a street who just made me feel like a potential target or just uncomfortable. And this was at a time in my life when quite frankly I had the chops so I felt invincible if I had to go toe-to-toe with anyone...

AND I was typically armed with something that was illegal in NYC... 🙄

Bottom line, I may have been young, but I wasn't dumb...

In the case of Streamagic; totally different situation & circumstances, but even with a pistol on my hip, I would have got off THAT subway train because it wouldn't have been worth it to find out what this person's intentions were....

Good move Jess!!

well said.

Also, I'm a big fan of bear spray. Stray dogs are also a problem down here in these hills, even just on our neighborhood walks. I've been rushed by a pair of German Shepherds....I don't wanna kill any dog, but dang. That spray was pretty close to coming out that night. Fortunately, the owner got to them PDQ.