fishing with strangers

[jross]

I'll be heading down this way over my spring break. I should say hopefully. If we come, we'll have a brand new baby in tow. But hopefully I and momma will get to go fishing while were there. Let me ask you guys on fishing with strangers. I learned during duck season up here that it's better to meet and hunt with the other guy if they're friendly to it. Do you guys do your fishin that way? I mean I hear a lot of people are going to be around. Is it an ok thing to walk up to someone and chat a bit and then fish together, or is that not a good thing?

[Green Weenie]

...depends if they're catching fish.

[Rog 1]

I have hooked up with a fellow board member who fished the same area I enjoyed and had a great day....learned a few things and got some new perspectives on some old water. I have never had a problem with sharing info or even flies with anyone I have met on the waters I fish...I have never had anyone ask to join me in all the years I have been fishing....imagine this is a personal matter and I would probably wait for an invitation.

[David Knapp]

I agree with Rog 1, only fish with someone by invitation. If you're wanting to meet up with some new people, you might put out a request for a fishing buddy here on the message board. I've done that a few times and met some good fishing buddies that way. There's probably someone around willing to meet up and show you some water...

[russ]

If a stranger walked up to me while I was fishing I'd be more than happy to talk to the guy, maybe trade some flies, tell him what's biting, or more likely what their not biting on, etc. But I'd be pretty nervous if he wanted to actually follow me and fish with me. Sad to say, but in this day of age you never know what someone is going to do or what their motives are.

PA is correct though. Asking to meet up with someone from the board is perfectly fine.

[scflyfisher]

I agree with the previous posts. I have met up with several people through this board and all those experiences have been great. Unfortunately I to would be a little cautious if approached by someone wanting to follow me around the woods fishing. Its sad that our society has come to this, but its reality. I have only fished with a stranger one time, and it turned out fine. I wasn't in the GMSNP, I was in a relatively populated area and had my 120 lb great pyrenees with me. To some extent my dog probably gave me a false sense of security. I know she would have attempted to protect me, but she wouldn't have stopped a crazy person if they were determined to do something. Had I been alone that day I probably would have pointed him in the direction of some good water, offered a few flies and tried to politely move on.

I would highly recommend asking around on this board if you want a partner, lots of good people and good fishermen willing to help.

Matt