Mecca

DukAddict · 07-14-2005, 07:40 PM

How safe is it to fish mecca alone? I am just getting into fly fishing and I am 18 years old. Paul from the Riffle told me I should go down there and fish so Im going to tomorrow but would like to know how safe it is to fish alone? Thanks

paulie · 07-14-2005, 07:49 PM

I've never fished mecca, but I do fish alone a lot.

Always let someone know your plan, where you are going, when you expect to be back, etc.

When fishing alone, I do not take chances, watch my step, and do not wade out very far.

Take plenty of water, be safe, and above all- have fun!! :smile:

I suspect there will be others around, as mecca is a popular spot.

Pete · 07-14-2005, 07:53 PM

You won't be alone at Mecca at this time of year. I'd count on at least a dozen tent campers, half a dozen bank hikers heading north and a parade of floating things. I wouldn't be too worried about safety there. Besides, once you're over the big hill, the sky widens and worries lighten. Have fun!

lilnorthfork · 07-14-2005, 08:15 PM

Fishing alone is a matter of comfort... the majority of my fishing days have been solo. If you are worried about falling in and filling your waders with water and drowning, and you are thinking it would be safer to not be alone in a situation like this, think about this... In the middle of winter on the Metolius, two feet of snow on the ground and heavy squalls in the air, a certain ifisher who shall remain nameless (but probably not for long) lost his footing and hit the water with quite a splash. Now it is debatable whether he bobbed two or three times, or more for that matter, before finally regaining his footing and managing to drag his head-to-toe soaking self to shore. Was he alone? Not at all, there where four other Ifishers less than a 3-weight's roll cast from him... all doubled over in laughter.

TillamookChinook · 07-14-2005, 09:50 PM

LNF,

That nameless (shameless?) IFisher was demonstrating how to handplace the fly in the fish's mouth, so it was really a controlled plunge into the water.

I understand he presented the same demonstration from a casting rock on the Deschutes during last year's IFish float on the Deschutes, but I did not actually witness that dunking as I was busy catching fish further upstream.

But you are correct in noting that the presence of other IFishers in the vicinity offered no safety factor whatsoever.

TC

Johnny Utah · 07-15-2005, 06:09 AM

Make sure you tighten up your wading belt! A wading staff can help you know what is ahead also.

frankenfish · 07-15-2005, 06:27 AM

Wading staff, tighten your belt, don't wade out too far. All good advice. Add to this cleats or chains on your boots AND an inflatable PFD. You can get small waist inflatable PFD's which just feel like a bulky belt and don't restrict you at all. As a veteran of many a dunking and several near drownings, I highly recommend one of these.

Riverkeeper · 07-15-2005, 06:28 AM

I'll keep an eye on ya

DukAddict · 07-16-2005, 08:47 AM

Hey guys I went down to mecca. Just about the only scary part of it was all of the rattle snakes :shocked:

Other then that I had a good time, thanks for the info.

Brett Neffendorf

lilnorthfork · 07-16-2005, 09:39 PM

Cool

Thanks for the report.

lnf

Ryan Pultz · 07-16-2005, 10:15 PM

So did you catch any fish!?! rp

Big Ben · 07-17-2005, 01:13 AM

Buy your snacks and Gator-aid at the store The Riffle is connected to and do not go into The Rainbow Market.

You'll be fine at Mecca as long as you keep an eye out for snakes.

If you ever need help with your fishing/casting, Corky and Paul are two of the best guys to get advice from.

DukAddict · 07-17-2005, 08:47 AM

I am not a very good fly fisherman yet so other than what Paul told me to do, I hadnt a dang clue of what to do down there. I didnt catch anything but it was nice to go out there and see the area and see what it was like and what I need to learn.

Brett Neffendorf