Theft on Eagle Creek!

[CZ]

Yup, I knew I should have been more careful. I left a rod and reel in the canopy of my pickup truck while fishing at the mouth of Eagle Creek (Clackamas R.). The truck was parked in plain view and the rod was taken in the middle of the day today. Unbelievable - is that why so many people avoid the Clackamas???

Redeeming point - I caught a mint bright 7lb. hatchery hen before discovering the ******** had stolen my other rod. Reported it to the police, but chances aren't good of recovering anything.

Keep an eye on your stuff and report suspicious activity if you see it!

[birdhunter]

I hear ya. I was fishing up at the base of River Mill and had parked in McIver park. Had to get a pass and everything so I thought that I would be safe. Left some of my gear in the back, covered with a blanket, and went down to try bobber fishing for springers. Came back about 3 hours without any fish and found out I was also missing a window. Someone had broken the window out of the jeep and grabbed all my gear. Extra tackle box, 2 lamiglass rods with abu reels, a pair of neopreme waders, the wading shoes, one glove(?), and a flashlight. Ouch. Needless to say I wasn't too happy. Park staff and the police weren't too surprised. They said it happens all the time. I was amazed at the audacity of it too. Plenty of other people around. Really turned me off from fishing for a while.

Glad to hear about your steelie. Good luck with the metalheads.

[Trout,myster]

Another reason why I quit fishing up there altogether. A few years ago, a warning was posted in F&H News (probably the only worthwhile posting they've made in years) about rig being vandalized. No real theft issues, just punks coming along and smashing windows out, kicking in doors, etc.. That whole area is out of my use for good as it's not worth it in my opinion. Would be good to catch some of these low-lifes, but that just leads into Pilar's problem a few threads back on the idiot that decided to take everyone on. My choice is to avoid the area completely. Maybe the park officials will catch on when they go broke! As for the other side of the river, you're on your own since there is no state park. Shame to see good fishing being put essentially "off limits" by worthless people breathing up air someone else could use!

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Troutmyster

[Rippenlips]

I would love to have my way with someone breaking into my rig! Hang-um from there... It just disgusts me that people can do that to someone elses property.

[Fishhead]

This sounds like a good time to ask. If I catch a guy breaking into my rig or walking away with my stuff, is it OK to break his fingers and get your stuff back? Its not so much getting to break the guys fingers as it is teaching him a lesson. Had my rig broken into up the Clack at roaring river a few years ago. They took a camera that had my little kids Halloween pictures in it, that tought me a lesson to never leave anything in the rig worth loosing! Sorry to here of your loss CZ and cool about the fish!!!!...............Fishhead Vic

[Trout,myster]

FH -

You raise an interesting question on getting your stuff back if you catch someone in the act. I think you, or anyone else, needs to use some sound judgement. If you happen to 6'6" and 275# or so, and the thief is obviously smaller and probably not armed, that would lead to getting your stuff back. If you're on the other end of the spectrum, and there are 2 or 3 thieves, you may want to consider the value versus risk.

Everyone has the right to protect what's theirs within reason. If I caught someone in the act of vandelizing my rig or breaking into it and had even remote thoughts of turning the situation into my favor, I'd bust their head! It's amazing what a "persuader" can do (2 or 3 inch by 3 foot green tree limb). In most of these situations, there's nobody around but you, them, God and thin air. That's why they are doing what they're doing.

Don't take me wrong here, I'm not a violent person and definitely not condoning taking the law into your own hands, but this would be a little different situation than a confrontation on the river bank or a yelling contest from my point of view. Like I mentioned in Pilar's incident, always make sure your brain is in gear before you engage your mouth or, in this case, do something stupid that could put you in danger. The rig and rods aren't worth that, that's what we pay insurance for.

My nickle's worth on the subject.

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Troutmyster

[Mikie]

Bummer CZ . Good to hear you got a fish, that may take away the sting a little bit. If not here's a little hint, AMBUSH THE SCUM. Now I'm not condoning violence or anything of that nature however , a little southern justice so to speak. Load you up some ROCK SALT loads 12 guage or 10 bigger is better. Make sure you aim low - from the waist down ought to do it . Got hit with that stuff when I was a kid for fishing on a private pond in ARKANSAS, never fished without permission since. Don't steal Don't cheat And never do anything without permission. Just my $40 worth. MIKIE.

[rob]

Sure you can put a beatin' on somebody who's stealing your stuff. After all, that tire iron that was behind your seat, they were swinging it at you, weren't they?

[Dances]

Too bad about you gear CZ.
now me personaly if a guys is bigger then me which they usualy are hit em down low. I know its like a cradinal sin but thats ok. Sepacialy if they are stealin your fishin gear.
If I ever caught some one stealin my gear there would be hell to pay and because I rearly fish alone even if there were two or three guys more fun right

More then likely they are the same kids doin all the stealin so you could always park you rig am hide for a little while waitin for them to commit another act of volence and even if it is not your rig the guys who's owns the rig will probalble be very thank full and you get revange

weather that amkes any sense at all i dont know but thats my $.31



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Work is for people who dont know how to fish

I would like to hear from FishCop on this one, regarding what you can do when someone is in the act of vacating your vehicle without your permission. I mean, some of those places I fish are a bit out of cell range so calling the cops is out of the question.

When I had my rig broken in to along the Sandy I had dreams of camouflage and blowdarts dipped in extra-fine grain salt. Quiet, yet effective.

There isn't enough money in the police budget to patrol these spots all the time, so I almost feel that it is up to the public to deal with these things on our own. It's wrong, I know, but what are choices are we left? I find it unacceptable that we have to give up prime fishing waters because some little nugget-o-dung is smashing windows.

Open season on the thiefs, I'm thinking. Hafta check the local hock shops for a blowgun soon.

[rob]

The guys who do that stuff amaze me. They are putting themselves in a very dangerous situation and they're bold about it.

[Steelheader69]

I've had my personal rig broken into once (was doing a hike in the cascades and had stupid little stuff stolen out of car at trailhead) and had fishing gear stolen out of my Dad's truck years ago. I've learned these key points....

Never take more gear then you're willing to take out of your car to fish with. I know some people like to have lots of stuff, but never have more then you want to lug to the fishing hole.
Never have stuff in your car that would act as "camoflauge" (ie. clothes, blankets, etc.). All they do is attract thieves, instead of repelling them. I try to keep my rig pretty much clean (ok Os, no jokes here, I mean clean in the no clutter, not clean as in no dirt). If a thief looks in and sees nothing, they're more then likely to move on. Lots of clothes and such and there's a possibility to find goodies stashed.
Never leave any rods/gear in sight if you do leave the car. If I pack it in my truck, it comes with me. Once you leave that rig it's open territory. If I leave something behind, it's something I could care less if it's stolen.
Never pack your vehicle for a trip unless you plan to leave that vehicle in the garage. A vehicle is never safe in the driveway. I know this is off the point a bit, but still a good point. The only instance I've had of stolen gear happened when my Dad and I had our yearly trip planned back in 83'. Had rods and gear and camping gear loaded. Woke up next morning to all fishing rods gone and most camping gear gone too. Insurance paid for gear, but doesn't bring back sentimental memories of lost gear or does it bring back that violation you feel having been robbed. I know my Dad lost a custom built yellow blank Fenwick built by his dear friend who had at that point already died, and he couldn't replace the rod at any cost.

I feel your pain, it sucks royally. I know alot is just pranks by kids, but stealing is stealing.

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

[Crusty]

Something that hasn't been mentioned is anyone's right (duty) to make a citizen's arrest if you catch someone in the act of any crime. Citizens have all of the rights of a police officer. That includes using any NECESSARY and REASONABLE force to detain the subject.

Let common sence be your guide. Make sure that there was a crime and that you actually witnessed the crime occur as opposed to finding someone in suspicious circumstances (in which case you would be better advised to take down license numbers, descriptions, etc. to turn over to the police later). And yes, in Oregon you can carry a concealed weapon while hunting or fishing without the need for a permit. (Check this. It has been a long time since I wore a badge and the law might have changed.)

Crusty

[smoky]

I fished Eagle Creek also both days this weekend. Sunday I left a Loomis GLX and a Shimano Stradic in my rig.

Now Im doing something that I absolutley love
to do.....fish, and all I can think about is someone breaking into my rig. It is a shame. No break in, but thanks to your post, Ill never leave gear in rig again.

But, guess what I saw when I did get to my truck? A 10# buck laying right next to the trail. Someone bled it and left it. Not a chromer, but definitely a keeper. Why? Fish was still there 2 hours later.

On the brighter side.....Hooked 5, landed 3.
14# very dark native buck, released in water
10# very dark hatchery buck
10# chrome hen!!

Lost another chromer and a large fish that I could not pull out of a very deep hole.

[Dances]

hey smoky
The one you lost was about 40# or 50# right
Hey thanks for all the freat info I used to leave my extra rod on the dash but now I will leave it at home.

[hawgcatcher]

I try to be careful but even with care it can happen. What drives me crazy is the amount of dummies that leave their truck parked while they go fish or hunt and leave a rifle or shotgun in the back window. We have enough gangbangers with guns and to advertise that there is another one to steal and use on someone is plain stupid. A few years ago, up on the Clackamas, a guy was fishing and someone broke into his cab and took his new rifle, a shotgun and 2-9mm Auto. and he couldn't understand why. These guys get caught and get 30 days with 29 of them served at home.

[NWRedside]

I'm glad to know that I wasn't the only one. I was fishing around the old ladder up river from the park two weeks ago and had my canapy broken into. They stole two full rod and reel set ups. It was a real bumber since on of the reels was my buddies old shimano bantom, about 15 years old and in perfect shape. We didn't catch any fish that day so all in all it wasn't a great day. I wish something could be done about this; somebody is obviously having a hay-day down there.