Herman Creek Punks!!!!!

[High School Fisherman]

What is it about Salmon fishing that brings out the worst people and the worst in people?? I thought I would share this with you guys since im EXTREMELY upset and needed to share before I explode. I just started fishing Herman creek three days ago and am relatively new to the area. Before tuesday I knew of only one boat ramp, which was about 1/4 of a mile from the confluence with the creek and the columbia. Yesterday, I was fishing the bank and was suprised and happy to know there was an unimproved " boat ramp " right next the creek which was used by 5 driftboats yesterday morning. Since the boaters were doing all the catching, I figured I would bring my 15' smokercraft to improve our catch. We put in the boat around 5:30 and decided to pull in the gear around 9 after hooking into 2 nice silvers. One our way in we noticed the bank was full including the "boat ramp." With no where else to go, we went straight into the ramp which was occupied by two boys ( well probably in there 20's, but acted like boys!). When we hit the bank we were greeted by loud profanity and threats to kick our butts ( to put into lighter words). After quick appologizes and moving the boat out of there way so they could continue fishing (which was delayed by maybe 2 minutes) they continued to threaten us and yelling obscene words to us. Being a younger fellow (18) I decided this was enough and let out a little yelling myself but being a smaller guy also, didnt want to get myself into anymore trouble and left. As we loaded the boat up and drove away they were still yelling at us, and to top it off they got an older boy ( about 60-65 years old!!!) to join in on the yelling. It was a relief when a few nice bank anglers told them to knock it off. So I will ask this question one more time, What is it about Salmon fishing that brings out the worst people and the worst in people (Eagle Creek, Clackamas)?? images/icons/mad.gif
After today I probably wont be back there for awhile in fear. Why should you fear a fishing spot, that's ridicoulous. Thanks for listening gang, its a relief to get this off my head.

[Johnny Mac]

HSF- Sounds like they werent getting any bites and they wanted to make it somebody's fault other than their own. images/icons/wink.gif

Dont sweat the small stuff/ hook into the big stuff. Learn from all of it, and dont ever be afraid of a fishing spot. images/icons/smile.gif

[Pilar]

Sorry about that laddy buck. You knew this already but an A-hole is an A-hole all day long. There is little doubt in my mind about who has the right of way on a boat ramp. Anyone fishing on a boat ramp is only borrowing it until the next boat goes up or down it.

You did what you had to do and it sounds like you have a cool head. Me, I would have cleaned my fish right there on the boat ramp after trailoring my boat. But then I love to grind on people like those you described.

Don't let a few bad apples ruin your fun. I bet that at least one of those guys is kicking himself for leaving his drift boat at home. Especially after watching the enterprising drift boaters catch the fish. Chances are good you'll see them again, in a boat. Then its time to give a little fishing lesson. 'Till then keep your head up. After all you're having Salmon for dinner while the pond scum are having crow.

[willierower]

HSF,
Dont worry about it. Next time something like that happens just smle and keepto yourself until you have the boat loaded and are out of there way.Then ask what the big deal was. I bet they wont have an answer to that. Or next time you go up there bring a big ugly mean looking friend with you. Big ugly dudes are always a good thing to have around when dealing with idiots. I need a new big ugly looing fishing partner, Mine moved to Alaska.

[FM2]

HSF, don't sweat the talk. I have been fishing around here longer than you have been around images/icons/grin.gif and believe me I have heard many-a-verb slung. In all this time I have never seen anybody get physical. So my advice is to let the cheap talk roll off and continue to do your thing.

Did they look like this !

http:// http://www.ifish.net/uploads/324020246.gif

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

That's why I recommend even a bank angler to always carry a "fish" whacker with him at all times.

Sorry about that dude. Should have whipped the General out and tainted the seam they were drifting. images/icons/wink.gif

Next time, just duke it out if you have to, at least you know you were in the right and can prove it in a court of law.

[Spooled]

H.S.F. Those guys were out of line. I would use the regular ramp this time of year. It is a little longer row or motor, but is the best way. When you go out the creek, stay left going out as there will be bank fisherman all along it on your right. When you hit the main channel, stay left going out there too. You will still inconvienence a few, but that is the main boat "channel". The bank guys have way fewer places to fish there than boats. It was a good ol' boy fishery at Herman Creek, and now it is zoo. I think this adds to the tension there.

[Fishhead]

HSF, That sucks when all your doing is trying to have fun, out doing the thing you love to do. A relaxing day of fishing ruined by some loud mouth with a half rack in him. Consider the source of who it was and keep on fishing. I'll bet you'll run into guys who'd stand up on your side of the ramp and tell those slobs what to do with it. Just remember there's still a few of us good guys left out there who like to defend the little guy. Hope to see you out there sometime. Dont take crap, Dont give crap and I aint in the crap business. images/icons/grin.gif ...Good luck fishin ..........Fishhead Vic images/icons/grin.gif

[High School Fisherman]

Thanks a lot fella's images/icons/smile.gif I feel ten times better now!! Now back to fishing, instead of herman im headin to the siletz tommorow for sea-runs, hopefully no yokels around there.

[Firedog]

HSF, I have been in more than one argument with doughballs on the river. They are always just ignorant S.O.B's who dont have a clue. Like the guys you were dealing with that were fishing in the boat ramp. Keep a cool head and dont let them get to you, can be fun to through out a few pointed remarks because they usually arent samrt enough to figure them out and it just confuses them and they get an even dumber look on there faces. Good luck on the Siletz.

[Fishing freak]

HSF,

Have had a number of unpleasant encounters at the boat ramp over the years (both launching and taking out). There are some ignorant SOB's who must think that it was intended to be a fishing platform. I have the same problem with raftors and kayakers who sit their rafts on the ramp and are not smart enough to "lift " them out of the way so I can remove my boat. This is a big problem on the Rogue in the spring (anybody who fishes the upper river spring run will attest, I am sure). I just try to be congenial to them, but if they don't get it I let them know what the intended purpose is for a ramp!!!!!!! Good job on the silvers!

[Chris Nordling]

HSF,

I agree, use the ramp by the hatchery. The creek is closed and just make sure you stay left in the shallows. I was fishing there a month ago, and the crowds and the jerks started to pile up awhile ago. Be careful out there, about 2 weeks ago 2 guys "went swimming" after falling out of their cartopper. They sure looked wet. Good thing the water is relativly calm there. As far as fishing bringing out the worst, I think it's the lack of catching that combined with several quarts of beer that usually does it. Most people don't realize that there are plenty of fish to go around. images/icons/grin.gif

Chris images/icons/cool.gif