Should You Carry A Firearm While Fishing?

[@weshensley6082]

I just retired after 37 years in municipal policing. I am a strong 2nd amendment advocate. I agree with everything that’s been shared by Randy and several commenter’s. Know the laws in your area or where you plan to fish. No booze and the only time to draw your weapon is when some one forces you to be more than a good witness. Good topic! Gods bless!

[@michaeltravis8749]

Most states allow to open carry when going and coming from camping fishing and hunting cause there has been cases to where people have been robbed going to and from those 3 activities so just check with the states regulations you're in at the time

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

I'm retired law enforcement too and I agree.

[@MikeB-1965]

@Wes Hensley and @ Steve H, thank you for you service!

[@lynncowden5740]

I never leave home without my .45. Boat ramps can be isolated and outside cell phone range, exactly where scumbags would find easy prey.

[@josephvanchierijr.2486]

I do carry all day every day. I try to avoid areas that restrict my right to defend myself, family or stranger. I have for many years and haven't even come close to ever having to use my carry. I hope and pray I never do but I would rather be prepared than defenseless. Training is a must. Thank you for bringing this up.

[@cliffmiller2130]

Thank you for addressing this issue. I am a 36 year law enforcement vet. I read all of the prior comments after watching your video. Many good points were made. I found one important thing left out for those that are carrying. A person needs to be extremely familiar with the operation of the firearm they are carrying. If they choose to bring it out in a time of stress, that's no time to try to figure out how to use it. And only use it if you are in fear of your life or protecting another life. Every one BE SAFE!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx Cliff..

[@t_mcguireoutdoors]

Ability, Opportunity & Jeopardy are things that responsible carriers need to know and completely understand! We LEO folks can quote it like scripture due to years of repetitive training. Unfortunately a lot of folks may not fully understand and be able to employ it during a situation.

[@retiredboxingref7620]

The Rules: Never argue. Never trade words. If it's not life and death... Leave. 22 years CCW. 24/7.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

👍

[@danham3344]

Glad this came up Randy and I really appreciate your commenting on this subject. I’m 62 and retired from 30years state LEO experience. You did a great job covering the subject, but like a few of the other commenter’s I feel I must reiterate that TRAINING is everything. There are far too many carriers out there that qualify quarterly on a stationary paper target and think they are ready for high stress instantaneous decision making. Not good. Go get training, real training if you plan to pack. Thanks again Randy, love your channel. C’MON 100K!!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man

[@thomashicks7164]

Great video topic Randy, wisdom is preparation. Lots of great comments and thanks for your service to all the Leo's out there, especially the ones that realize they may not be able to get there in time to assist, and recommend protecting oneself.

[@georgiabowhunter]

Yes, you should carry one everywhere. Your personal safety is always your responsibility. A gun is like a life jacket. I agree you can prevent most situations like you can prevent most but not all boating accidents.

[@davidmelvin5524]

Couldn’t agree more Randy. Carry everywhere you can legally. Praying you never have to use it, but prepared if you do. Also, I saw a video on this subject on the USCCA page. Check your state laws because depending on where you live maritime laws may differ. Great video Randy.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

18 year LEO. I never leave home without one. Good advice, Randy. Thanks for touching on a subject that a lot of folks are scared to talk about anymore.

[@russellkamp8923]

Perfect Randy. There are people who needed to hear this. I 100% agree.

[@lowspeedhighdrag566]

Good advice Randy. I have some knowledge in this area. You are likely facing bail bondsman, lawyers, a long court case (year or more involvement), and the old figure was around 50k in attorneys fees. Some people handle the emotional impact better than others, some never have a good nights sleep the rest of their life.

[@stevebishop6799]

21 year LEO. Good advice Randy. Glad to know you are pro 2A. I was a little worrried! Always be prepared physically and mentally. If you decide to carry, be proficient with your weapon of choice. Protect your loved ones.

[@LookIDrum]

Little out there to be worried, I haven't met a single person left or right who wanted to get rid of the second amendment. Hell, the only prominent politician in recent years who actually talked about taking guns, and without due process, was Trump. More people on the left own guns than you would think, just don't make it a personality trait. Hate to say it, but I think there are people out there that just shouldn't own guns either.

[@LookIDrum]

@@christophervandenberg4830 nah I'm a progressive, libertarians are rife with people who want to get rid of age or consent laws. Trump is the guy that literally said, Take the guns first, then go through due process" and banned bump stocks. By the way, liberalism is a center right position, it's not on the left.

[@LookIDrum]

@@christophervandenberg4830 maybe you should stop listening to right wing talking heads painting people with broad strokes. You seem to fail to understand that beliefs exist on a spectrum. Just because I believe in things like universal health care, better wages, and unions does not mean I want no one to have guns at all. This is one of the big problems, that people like you are willing to just paint everyone with broad strokes and not care that people can be more nuanced than a generic label. It's almost funny, the number of times Randy has told people they shouldn't do exactly what you're doing, and yet here we are.

[@stevebishop6799]

@@LookIDrum guess you’ve never heard of Beto O’Rourke

[@LookIDrum]

@@stevebishop6799 who has never said take away every last firearm. He talked about AR-15s and similar styled firearms. I know you need a boogeyman, but hey the facts straight.

[@patrickmcgee6917]

Wow it’s just so sad that we have to deal with fishing, and possible hostility nowadays while fishing. Wtf?!!!!!! Think about that for a second. It’s just so insane. We went from Opie and Andy Griffith whistling going fishing, to bullets flying around, and talking about carrying guns in your boat. We live in a F’ed up world now.

[@unitedivide2789]

Love your channel . I am 47 years of age and have a 3 year old . I have been a musician most my life. I started back fishing about 4 months ago. And I am in love with again . So much I have fish brain. Love your content and thank you for your shared knowledge

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man!

[@bobwalsh84]

I am also a musician(62) who is a Bassaholic. If you ever have any questions or want to fish the Potomac/Lake Anna Get in touch! Maryland/Virginia area

[@bobwalsh84]

@@Theburningseason The Tide vs wind can make it Rough! But when it comes together.. Wow! Thanks Aaron

[@dustybanks8650]

Great video. I agree 💯. I do keep a pistol in my fishing bag on my kayak but it’s for wildlife. Have had a couple scary encounters while kayak fishing with snakes, gators and one time a very pissed off beaver. I’ve never had to shoot anything but it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

[@thedarkmittetoast7967]

It's like a condom, better have it and not use it than not having it and need it 🤣 ... and don't have these kind of question, in France, guns are supposed to be forbidden

[@alone1again]

I got jumped by a bunch of drunk 20 somethings at one of my favorite fishing holes. I'm a half crippled up old man and thank God there was another bank angler that happed to be packing. He touched a round off and sent them on there way. I now also now pack.

[@PCAPastorTrav]

My brother’s college roommate, who I know, had to shoot an armed criminal who broke into his house with a weapon high out of his mind. He had zero options and killed the man. It haunts him to this day. You are absolutely right, worst day of his life. And that is with the police reassuring him, never taking him in or anything. “It’s a terrible thing to kill a man.”

[@MrGogogordo]

We need more of you guys around our schools!!

[@garrettparkerfishing431]

I completely agree with you! Always avoid conflict at all cost

[@Duschbag]

A very good, and well worded video on a serious topic.

[@AZ_Raven]

I agree wholeheartedly with everything that you said. I'm in AZ and have carried for 21 years. Only once in those 21 years have I been in a tense situation and fortunately changing direction, repositioning myself, and hence gaining distance, allowed me to exit (win) that situation without incident. The OODA concept, learned during my CCW training, served me well. However, twice in IL and once in WI I was in very dicey situations. I was not carrying in any of those incidents because it was not legal at the time. Of the four total incidents that I've been involved in, two of them were in places that most people would never imagine something like that happening. One of them was while I was in a boat in the middle of Lake Wisconsin. It was dark and my brother-in-law and I were on the lake anchored near a railroad trestle that spanned the lake and we were fishing for catfish. We'd only been there for 15 minutes maybe when we heard voices and saw two people on the trestle. I don't know how old they were as it was dark. They started throwing rocks at us in our boat. These rocks were about baseball size judging by the size and sound of the splash. Large enough that they could have killed us if hit in the head or knocked us out and we could have fallen overboard. We were anchored fore and aft. My brother-in-law started pulling in the rear anchor while yelling at them, and I started pulling in the front anchor. He started the motor. While we were doing this, the rocks kept getting closer as they got "dialed in"; they were hitting as close as two feet from the boat by the time we were powered and moving. Leaning over a boat pulling up an anchor and wondering if a rock is going to hit you in the head and knock you out and overboard to drown is not a good situation to be in. It was probably only 30 seconds from the time the first rock hit the water to the time that we were powered and moving but it was a long 30 seconds. This is the only situation of the four I've experienced that, had I been carrying, I would have issued a verbal warning and then fired if they had not stopped. The point of this story is that you never know when or where something might happen that you'll need a gun. Don't fall for the, "We'll be in the middle of a lake, what can happen?", or, "We're in a nice neighborhood, what can happen?" Crime has no boundaries, no schedules, and no holidays. There may be some armchair quarterbacks that read this and say that we should have, shouldn't have, could have, couldn't have, etc. done this or done that. Well, as a "veteran" of four dicey situations like this, I have prevailed in all four with no one getting hurt so that means something. Unless you were there, you don't get to tell someone how they should have responded. My wife was initially opposed to me carrying. She said, "You've gone 40 years and haven't needed a gun." My response, "Great, I hope to go at least 40 more years and not need one. But, I could need one tomorrow, you never know." She now insists that I carry.

[@darkside2329]

I absolutely HATE trying to load/unload at the ramp with the local crazy country people fishing the banks, drinking and half of them strapped on the hip or 20 feet from the rifle in the truck. It's scary as hell and unavoidable when trying to load up at the end of the day. It's the worst part of fishing.

[@fritzbucher4726]

Every state I travel into I check to see what the firearms laws are. And where my concealed permit is reciprocal. I’ve been put in a few sticky situations. I drive a tow truck for a living. 99.9% of the time carry on the boat. But I also carry rat/snake shot for any aggressive mr no shoulders. But also for my safety at some sketchy boat ramps I use. Randy you are 100% spot on in your assessment. You don’t wanna have to pull the trigger. It will change your life. Situational awareness is key. Even drawing down on someone can have mental effects that can be life changing. Training Training Training! There are so many drills you can do that don’t involving actually firing your gun. Which means you can practice them in your home.

[@foreverfishingillinois815]

Hey Randy Foreverfishingillinois here I've been watching your success on KZbin you put out some really important info that people understand I watched you go from like 20 thousand subs to what you have now I said when he hits 50 thousand a hundred coming quick thanks bro

[@ernest9606]

👍 up before watching video. Yea you should carry your gun while fishing 🎣 In day I carry cci shotshells in my ruger gp100 357mag. And they do come in hand. I shot a couple cottonmouth snakes. Buy at night I load it with Buffalo Bore cast ammo just incase. You never know what can come out of them woods around 1am with a hungry belly 😂

[@OLDAVE1000]

You are fair man with an awareness of self. Your points of view are always substantiated with a reasonable set of beliefs and I appreciate you for that. I wish that there were more voices that supported responsibility like you do and you are man enough to promote love. Your sons are fortunate for your example. True American. keep up the good work. Kindness and gratitude in all things!

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx man

[@SpookyRedz]

It’s sad now a days cause I find myself sitting in a public place watching who is coming in like a restaurant, just to protect my family , my eyes are wide open always now

[@normanham6142]

Good for you Spooky. You have to be aware of your surroundings and what’s going on around you to effectively protect your loved ones. That my belief anyway, and I’ve been well-trained in ground combat and subject control. Right on to you brother!

[@TheReelAPFishing]

It’s not just now a days…. Some people have always just had bad intentions. “Some men just want to watch the world burn”

[@SpookyRedz]

@@normanham6142 thank you

[@SpookyRedz]

@@TheReelAPFishing I believe that too , thanks

[@danramzinski2957]

Randy, you did a great job of covering this very serious issue. One thing I’ll mention, hotheads should leave their guns at home.

[@majoroz4876]

It depends. When I lived in Maryland, years ago, I fished the upper Patomic extensively. In the fall, I always carried my old Ruger Standard 22 semi-auto. Grandson has it now, teaching my great grands how to shoot (MD has gotten goofy as a bedbug about guns recently.....so be careful) Went home with bass, catfish.........and squirrels. Occassionally a cottontail. Has worked for me everywhere.

[@oxyfee6486]

I was launching my kayak at four in the morning at my local lake, this was three weeks ago, I decided to wade out waste deep and fish until it got a little brighter. I was about forty feet from the parking lot, I heard two people whispering, then I heard a female voice say, “Do it now, he’s in the water “. I heard a crash, then the alarm went off on my Jeep, thankfully everything valuable was in my kayak. I jumped in the yak and paddled out to the middle of the lake. Police told me that two crackheads were sleeping around the lake, they had been called several times for the same thing. I have to admit I was scared, im a big guy, but I’m getting older, you never know when these degenerates are gonna pounce, stay safe everyone.

[@Chris_24]

That’s scary! Glad everything turned out ok

[@trimbaker1893]

Good topic Randy. A weapon is like a fire extinguisher. You hope you never need one, but you should know how to use one and keep one around.

[@catchofthedave8681]

Yeah you bring up a good point about using force and all things that could go wrong during and after. it is much better to avoid any and all situations where you might have to use deadly force. if you do god forbid, ever have to use your firearm in that situation, afterwards, throw the gun out in front of you, put your hands in air, and say NOTHING to the police. They will try their hardest to get you to say anything to incriminate yourself. They will cut out clips of conversation taken out of context to make it look as if you were the aggressor, or there was no need for deadly force. whatever they ask you....politely say "I am invoking my right to silence, here is my id, I don't answer questions, Call my attorney" Then afterwards anything at all they ask...... your response should be "attorney" and "I don't answer questions" They will tell you "Hey man, it was self defense, you didn't commit a crime, only criminals need an attorney" to which u should reply "thank you, but all the same, I don't answer questions, please call my attorney" otherwise, they might interview you, let you go, then 3 months later bust down your door and search everything and take you into custody, or they might take you into custody right then and there. It happens all the time. I work in the legal field and help get relief to wrongfully convicted people. It happens all the time, this is not a one off thing. it happens every day, be educated. theres anywhere from 10%-15% of prisoners conservatively who are wrongfully convicted, and many more overcharged and oversentenced. then another ridiculous amount of innocent felons who took a plea becuse they didn't want to risk going to trial. We are the most incarcerated country in the world because of private prisons, the war on drugs, aggressive prosecutors trying to build political careers off big court cases and their conviction rates. I took a plea 15 years for something I didn't do because it was that or sit in jail for over a year waiting to go to trial. If it was a situation where the police were on film with someone in an armbar saying "plead guilty now or I'll break your arm" people would be outraged. but that's exactly what our justice system is. Most convicts would take a broken arm every year over what the justice system offered them....... Plead guilty now and we'll let you out on probation as a felon, but you'll be free.......or Stick with your innocence story and wait for trial locked up with a huge bond you can't pay, and sit in jail for 2 years only to go to a trial where the power of the state with millions of dollars and incentivized false witnesses, and junk science, and incentivized "experts" will get up and lie on you, and any exculpatory or character evidence will not be allowed in court, deemed inadmissible, irrelevant, or privileged because the judge, prosecutor, and public defender all play golf together and are best buds and political allies who all benefit from people being locked up.........most felons would have gladly taken a broken arm. it's crazy some of the stuff you see, and still see in cases like this. it's not a problem from the 80s and 90s, there are still wrongful convictions and overly aggressive prosecuting every single day. so dont talk to police, for anything. most people dont know that you don't have to go get interviewed by police. you might spend a night or two in jail, but its much better than the alternative.

[@byronhendrixfishing8393]

Better to be judged by 12 then carried by 6

[@jessicadawson9391]

😆

[@jefffrancis7614]

Always have mine

[@stevekeen7035]

I ALWAYS carry anywhere I go. I hope I never have to need it, but the boat ramp at 3 in the morning on a weeknight on some of the lakes I fish is primetime for thieves. Occasionally a fisherman gets robbed at gunpoint too. I try to maintain situational awareness so hopefully I could see it in time. I dont forsee me ever having a confrontation on the water coming to that but I guess it could happen.

[@ri-jm5tn]

I realize I’m “late to the party”, but I just came across this one. I’m 100% with you on this, Randy. I think a lot of people suffer from lack of situational awareness nowadays. I still hunt and enjoy target sports, but it would an extremely rare occasion when I would feel compelled to carry. I once had a carry permit and it only took a few days for me to conclude that I was a lot more comfortable being unarmed than armed.

[@larrymarket9658]

Someone posted a video on facebook yesterday of people in a yacht intentionally zooming past a couple paddlers in a no-wake zone, causing both of them go under. This is why I encourage anglers on kayaks to be strapped.

[@zacheryboggs9700]

I’ve had to pull a gun 2x in the last year to keep from being attacked by vicious dogs (pit bulls). Once in my own yard in a nice subdivision. You never know what might happen. Train, be well educated and carry. It might save you’re life. Or you’re families.

[@PCAPastorTrav]

It’s weird how dogs seem to understand firearms. I drew on an aggressive St Bernard. He stopped cold and left.

[@02gtvert]

@@PCAPastorTrav Probably more so than most humans.

[@joelrobertson71]

If you drink while you fish, please leave the gun at home. Other than that I have no issues with this.

[@brianpierson7708]

I have always carried my 45.colt then my 32.auto over and under in my pocket everywhere I go and then my Remington 22SPEEDMASTER and during the winter I have my shotgun of a morning and do a lil blast and cast then my 30-06 or 308 goes in and I fish until I get to my stand to deer hunt until after dark and then fish on the way back to the camp for supper

[@georgelightfoot7660]

I’m retired LEO. Randy your exactly right about knowing the laws before you decide to carry & having some firearm/law training. Most of the problems I’ve seen are at the local night tournaments and at boat ramps.

[@sportsman9971]

Off topic here. Have a suggestion for next video. Randy, if you had to move what lake would you live by. I live in mississppi, lakes here stink. Thinking of chickamauga, or the rayburn area. Love to see a video from you...

[@eugene955]

It might as well be my tackle box, never leave home without it when I’m fishing. I’m a bank angler and I never know how may walk up.

[@jimmadgic2945]

First I'd like to say that this was a great video and I agree 100% with you, and thank you for expressing it so articulatly. CT laws make it hard sometimes depending on where you're fishing, but if you can carry, you should. I mostly bank or kayak fish and mostly bank. All types of predators out in the woods around alot of the lakes I go to, so my opinion, I agree with you better a worrior in the garden.

[@ronhickey8137]

That is a great video. I'm was formerly in law enforcement. I carry when I am on the water. The best thing anyone can do is remove yourself from any situation where you think a firearm is needed. You are not being a coward if you get out of that situation. The only reason I carry is if I get in a situation I can't get out of.. There are some people who won't let things go no matter what you do or say. Be smart even pulling a gun out and not using it can cause you serious problems.

[@lesterreaper9696]

Thanks Randy for all you said. Right to the point!

[@lennymachowski5660]

Great video/topic. i conceal carry 24/7. great point about situational awareness. highly recommend anyone who does carry to check out "firearms legal protection". this world we now live in cant have enough qualified and trained citizens for if "that" situation cant be avoided.

[@bourgetfilms]

Number of anglers I know who have used a gun for self-defense = 0. Number of anglers I know who have accidentally shot themselves = 2.

[@dallaswood4117]

Yep I’ve owned guns my whole life I just don’t feel the need to carry a gun with me anywhere. That said I live on the border of Utah and Idaho in farm country not much violent crime going on around here. Even being very careful an accident is still more likely than needing a firearm especially while fishing. Keep them at home for home defense but that’s it

[@richardbumpuscjf347]

Years ago when I was a homicide detective I had to investigate an officer involved shooting. Long story short, bad guy kills woman and flees. Comes nose to nose with the responding cops at a creek crossing. Bad guy pulls gun. Bad guys pulls a second gun. Deputies shoot bad guy. According to the deputies bad guy fought until he bled out. It’s not like in the movies. You don’t just shoot somebody and they fall over dead. This guy had a through and through in the chest from a 12g slug. Only one large hole in the guy. I took him for radiographs prior to autopsy and he also had a 40 cal in his chest cavity. The cops shot him through the same hole. That comes down to training. Shooting center of mass. If your going to carry a gun, get some advanced training. These deputies attempted first aid on this bad dude until he bled out and he fought them the whole time they were applying direct pressure to the gaping wound.

[@beebob1279]

I was upstate pa and fishing at a trout lake. I must have made an older man nervous. He told me a story about shopping with his wife at the outlets when two guys told him to give up his wallet. He drew his pistol and they walked away. He then showed me his concealed gun. Dummest thing he could have done. All I would have had to do if I was a thief was to wait. When not looking I could have blindsided him, took the gun and rob him. Never tell someone you’re carrying or show them. It turns in their favor if the situation arises

[@djtexicano]

There's a nice lake I like to fish when I visit Lubbock where a year or two ago, a man was fishing and was robbed and beat to death. It sucks that we can't even enjoy fishing without looking over our shoulder.

[@martymooney8099]

I don't personally know you Randy, but, you come off as a pretty cool dude... I can tell you have empathy and the world is starving for empathy here lately. Keep up the great work sir..✌🖖

[@fishingwithrusty]

4 words: Shall Not Be Infringed ;)

[@theultimatesteelshooter8610]

I’ve had a concealed carry license for over 10 years and always am armed when I leave my house. Concealed carry is binary, either always do it or never do it and regularly train with that firearm or your just as likely to get shot with your own weapon then have it save your life. With 37 years in the military firearms have always been part of my life. However, you are absolutely correct, the first advise of all personal protection trainers is the best way yo win a gun fight is to avoid it in the first place. Don’t put yourself in a situation where needing a firearm is even remotely likely …

[@JamesP29]

Definitely carry in case someone is on my spot I have to get rid of them!... joking of course but having situational awareness is some very good advice! There are definitely some crazies out there.

[@fjkaiser]

I carry on the boat for couple reasons some of the landings I use are pretty sketchy,middle of nowhere. Second for the same reason I don't like to leave anything of value in my car at these sketchy ramps

[@t_mcguireoutdoors]

As a retired LEO, I tend to have a handgun and take it on the boat. Please don’t leave it in the vehicle at the ramp. I took countless entering auto reports at the boat ramps over my 20yrs. Sketchy boat ramps are your most likely areas to encounter criminal activity. Be responsible, protect yourself and others (if need be) and follow the laws of the state that your in. You are “spot on” with this topic. Thanks for discussing it.

[@lesforet4495]

I had a buddy get attacked by a rabid coyote on a wooded trail checking out a fishing spot on a creek. All he had was his pocket knife. He was messed up pretty bad and ever since then I never go fishing without a firearm..

[@alanwinge8775]

I've never worried about other people where I was fishing but did encounter a mountain lion while bank fishing in Kansas one night. I lit it up with every light I was carrying and it just froze for a few minutes and went on its way.

[@gillgetter3004]

Was on boat fishing on the US side of the Detroit river. DNR was pulling up to our boat and asked if anyone was armed, a friend said yes I’m an armed Federal Agent (IRS). They told us everybody hands up. Detroit police boat also responded they boarded and secured weapon, checked hid ID returned weapon. The Detroit police left and DNR did boat safety check.

[@maxcole3930]

I've been carrying so long now, it doesn't feel right to not carry one on me. I carry conceal everywhere. I don't like leaving a firearm in my truck in attended either so I keep it on me, so I take it in the kayak with me. Noone in thier right mind hopes they get to use their weapon! I pray I never have to use it ever!!! But I'd rather have it than not, better to be prepared! Now that I love down south it's nice to have as peace of mind incase a big gator decides it wants to act stupid. I don't even want to shoot a gator because I love mother nature. But I would if it was attacking me in my kayak!

[@erokraider1690]

Just started learning to shoot because I want to carry one with me fishing. Mainly for when I’m out at sketchy boat landings by myself in the middle of nowhere.

[@rayminthecat]

My sister is licensed boat captain in South Carolina and had an encounter which ended peacefully after 2guys attempted to moor up to her boat on the open water. As they approached she got her revolver out in plain sight and when they saw it they quickly pushed off and apologized. No telling what they were up to but the gun made them change their minds real quick.

[@shanescott3168]

Situational awareness is definitely good, but there are thousands of times every year in the US when having a gun saved a person's life.

[@tbenson5966]

I carry everywhere Randy. Even fishing. Get the right gun and holster you never know it’s there.

[@j.d.conlee3330]

I agree with common sense and awareness. I fish mostly on Lake Amistad and the Rio Grande. If you’ve seen ANY news you’ll know where this is going. I won’t let any thugs take my boat and gear without confrontation just because they can. I try to stay away from everyone else but they can ease up on you and block you in. And they WILL be armed.

[@tomsales263]

i carry a 410 single shot break over shot gun with number 4 shot. i have had 3 different times a cotton mouth snake tried to come in the boat with me till i convinced him otherwise.

[@ccsocal768]

Maybe in Alaska. No need any where else but maybe Central Yellowstone with Grizzlies.

[@bobbyswain7049]

Before even watching the video...the answer for me is absolutely. I would rather have it and never need it than to need it and not have it. I hope and pray I never need it...ever. 🐟🐟🐟

[@SpookyRedz]

I agree with you completely

[@alpaca7886]

Absolutely!

[@bigfish8473]

I agree totally. But with that being said i do carry all the time . The Lake were i fish in the summer we fish nights because of the boat traffic. I can rember one comeing in early from a tourment and there were 3 men. one was hidding behind the restooms one was on the side of the doc the other was in the woods, as i was getting close i hurd one say he is alone. at that moment i knew what was goingno. so right then and there i politly suggested to them that they picked the wrong man tonight. when i told them that they got in there car and left.m a peaceful man and the last thing i want to do is hurt anyone. But i will if here intention is to harm me.

[@stevesteve4350]

Dude great shows today really nailed it.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Thx Steve!

[@jamesscarberry3128]

Excellent advice Randy. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. And remember there’s no substitute for practice.👍🤠🇺🇸

[@DFWdarin]

It's wild that you're posting this video today me and my wife were talking about this last night. I fish at a lake 20 minutes outside Dallas often from the bank at night. There's one bridge I fish particularly that more than four or five times I've been approached by panhandlers and drunk people maybe on drugs I don't know, acting crazy and making me feel uneasy. Reason we were talking about this last night is because last night I went fishing and there was one of these guys come walking down the road screaming cuss words and all this stuff and I just turned off my headlamp didn't make eye contact didnt do anything to get any kind of attention to me. I don't even know if he even knew I was there but he was looking for some trouble. About 2 minutes after he walked past me cops came showing up in apprehended him. I keep a 380 in my tackle bag when I go fish there but never once I think about being a hero or anything like that it's just to help keep me from getting mugged and something like that. It's actually not a rare occurrence around the metroplex. I don't know how my mindset is compared to other gun owners but the thought of shooting someone was really far from my head I would deescalate and everything I can to not have to pull it out because if I did pull it out that would mean that I'm about to have to use it that's the last thing I want to do. At the same time I don't want to be another one of these guys that got beat to death or what not left on the side of the road just for the wallet in my back pocket.

[@tomcaldwell5914]

Excellent advice and great to know you feel like do many of your subscribers.

[@Mobmancc]

I keep a Byrna pistol in my tackle box ,a lot of drinking smoking going at some of the local ramps.

[@kennethcorbin7317]

You are 100% right. Great advice Randy.

[@joshrobinson6806]

This was an interesting video! I understand why you would want to carry while fishing. For me, the only close calls I’ve had while fishing were related to almost drowning. I’ve been in a couple very scary situations mainly due to having crappy boats/ equipment. Never had any close calls with other people, but that’s not to say it couldn’t happen. I know Randy fishes much more than I do.

[@jeffsmith3744]

I am in NC and a LE officer, a pro 2 amendment, I always carry and encourage people to carry if you want and get you a CCW permit.

[@mgdwj]

My way of thinking is…. I would rather be looking at it then looking for it.

[@eastguntucky9268]

Hell yeah especially bank fishing

[@markbrooks8472]

I remember a few years ago a man and his 11 year old son were shot and killed by a couple losers at a boat ramp at daylight so they could steal their truck and boat. Thats when I started to carry a firearm when I took my son fishing. I was prior military and want to protect my family at all costs. I carry at all times, with in the laws.

[@TheReelAPFishing]

Make me think about the guys who had run ins with the cartel when fishing certain Texas lakes near the border ……

[@bobbyshockleyfishing9079]

Great video. Important topic and I feel your comments were spot on!

[@jaw8369]

Vietnam vet here and I promise you if you ever take another’s life it something you never forget.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

👍

[@MrMichaelDodd]

Research in the 90's showed that only 1% of automobile drivers thought they were below average drivers. Humans are emotional, terrible at assessing risk, and even worse at evaluating their own skills. I'm not opposed to guns on boat. I just hope the guy carrying has the training and a tiny bit of ...idk...humility? I love that Randy always talks about walking away. Having a gun for many can make that a tiny bit harder. I don't carry, but can imagine situations in which I would. I confess I do get tired of the clamor of guns rights drowning out a discussion of gun responsibility.

[@wiscocoaltrain1955]

Absolutely.

[@lonwoock9881]

If you need a weapon and you don’t have one, THAT will be the worst (and maybe the last) day of your life. Agree on awareness and avoidance.

[@Liz_Zervos]

Being a bank fisherman I fish in some sketchy areas, and at times either extreme early mornings or evenings. I’ve been pondering carrying as I’m alone most of the time. I haven’t come to a solid conclusion as of yet, though.

[@pipsqueak87]

As another bank fisherman, this is something I've been heavily considering. Right now I have pepper spray on me but not sure how effective it'll be in some of the more remote spots I fish.

[@Opiemus]

Here in the state of South Carolina you can carry a gun to and from hunting and fishing without any CWP, but it needs to be exposed. I was a LEO for 28 years and in the Marine Corps prior to that. I am now retired and carrying my retirement certification as well as a CWP. I carry a pocket pistol with me 100% of the time it's not that I'm paranoid it's kind of like using the kill switch on your bass boat. You may never need it but if you do you'll wish you had it. I never try to put myself in a bad situation and usually you can avoid them but sometimes not so much. I have been the situation where it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck and I had my hand in my pocket ready to go but luckily I've never had to pull it on anyone. Now that's in the civilian world, as a cop I had to pull my gun several times but never had to use it. I am very pro carry as long as it's a competent person with logical critical thinking skills. 😁👌 By the way I worked the weigh in for the bassmasters Megabucks on Lake Murray South Carolina in 1995 and met a bunch of you guys. I also got to ride with Mike Wurm on the last day of the tournament as a observer and had a ball! I tournament fished for about 15 years and always wanted to turn pro but it was just way too much work and too expensive. I have much respect for you guys. 👍

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

👍

[@bloodybonescomic]

I never carry on a boat or when I'm backpacking. Generally speaking people you meet on the lakes are very friendly. When I'm camping I definately am armed. I once confronted 2 guys who were attempting to steal my outboard. With a revolver. Still have that motor and nobody got hurt.

[@MAB1907]

I carry almost all the time !!! I like to night fish, and coming in to the boat ramp at 3 to 5 am you bet I carry !!!

[@hectorhinojosa5168]

I'm a 14 year Correctional Officer & a Fisherman for over 40 years. I've had my conceal carry for some years now but I don't carry my gun in my boat unless I'm far from home. But I do agree with every thing you said but also would hate not having my option if something beyond my control would arise. Better to be safe than sorry. Just my opinion. Thanks for your awesome videos.

[@lovetogun3611]

Not just carry, but wear and conceal

[@harryduncan6699]

I started carrying years ago, especially when fishing at night and coming to a ramp where I’m the only car in the parking lot. More than once I’ve arrived to load my boat with a car, engine running, lights off in the back of the lot. In recent years ramps late at night are prime for drug transactions…..car with lights off, engine running, another car pulls up to driver side and in a few minutes leaves. You always worry what a desperate person might do at 2am on a boat ramp. One possibility is rob and kill the witness, take the boat back out on the lake, tie on an anchor, dump the body overboard, go back to the ramp, leave the boat on lake abandoned. Victim is presumed drowned….body not found. Many of our local ramps are also poorly lit. So the choice is don’t fish at night, or be aware and prepared.

[@wags162]

Great video Randy!

[@swamp_rat_fla1126]

Always have the marine edition shotgun in the boat and 00 buck. 👍🏻

[@freedomhard2310]

I just fish small local lakes in a pretty safe area so I've never had on in my boat . I can think of other lakes and areas I would have one with me at. If you get stopped by water patrol there is no need to blurt out that you have a gun. You might think that's the right thing to do and you are helping yourself but you are not. This goes for in a vehicle also.

[@aaronjones3925]

Even here in looney California we’re allowed to carry when fishing, no permit needed.