Yesterday, me and my 19 yr old daughter fished a tournament on a local lake. Had two keepers within the first 20 minutes and never stuck another keeper the rest of the day. Anyway, it was nice out and every person with a rod and reel was either on the lake or fishing from the bank. Kinda aggravating as people were throwing rocks at snakes in the water 20 yds from where I was fishing, but that's their right. My problem started when 4 young thugs fishing from the bank observed my daughter in the boat and started running their mouths about what they would like to do with her. Now, as a former MP, Former Correctional Lt, former college Line-Backer, and very protective father, I took offense to this pretty quick. I made mention that they needed to shut that crap up in a hurry, which didn't go over so well. I probably did the right thing and left that area against my inner devil who told me to dismount the boat and express my distaste in a different manner. I didn't see any park officials to run those punks off. Anybody ever have a situation like that? I couldn't hardly sleep last night  thinking about that confrontation.

If you had popped a few caps in their direction, they might have had a different outlook on life. ;D

You did the right thing and showed a lot of good judgement and restraint.  Must have been really hard.  Amazing how disgusting some of these punks can be.

Yes, you did do the right thing. I always bring a camera with me in case I catch the big one.

Last summer I had a problem while fishing from shore. I had a group of punks causeing problems in a pontoon boat. They would keep passing by the people fishing as close to shore as they could. They all thought it was funny. On top of that, they were drinking as well. Also the HP was over the lake limit. So I took out my canon (I wished it was a real canon) and started taking some photos of the punks And gave them to the sheirfs department.

The following weekend I was fishing the same place and there were them punks again. Then I saw a little flat bottom boat with one person is it heading right towards them. Withen 30 seconds there were 5 shreifs cars pulled down to the shore line.

I have to tell ya, I didnt catch any fish that day but it was still a good day. The sherifs took their boat. And I havent seen them punks sence.

Well, I think you did the right thing. I'm not one to back down either, but sometimes you have to sit back and think about what might come of it. No need to really hurt some kids or get shot or go to jail when you can avoid it. Sometimes if it can't be avoided... you just have to do what you have to do. Most of the time it can be avoided though. This reminds me of a 2 friends who got into it at the boat ramp with 2 other guys over something stupid. My 2 friends really hurt the other 2 guys and they both ended up in the hospital. Both friends went to jail over this and it cost them a LOT of money with lawyers and so forth and all over something stupid that could have been avoided. I always try to avoid these situations these days. It's just not worth it unless someone actually attacks you or something. I have a teenage daughter and understand what you are saying though. It would be very hard to hold back!

I have a 7 yo and a 2 yo daughter.  I can't wait for this crap  :

I think you made the right call and set the right example for your daughter.

Your personality traits and qualities are what she is going to look for in a "man" later on in life soooo.....well done.  Tough one to swallow, but well done.

LBH hit the nail on the head.  The real issue here wasnt the thugs, it was how your daughter saw you resolve the situation.  I think you set a great example for her.

I had a similar experience once, and simply asked them how they would like it if I spoke to their mothers, or sisters that way.  They shut up.  Most thugs are the wanna be variety.

I believe you did the right thing!

and better luck next time on the fishing!!

Recon

As hard as it must have been, you did the right thing. You set a good example for your daughter, and avoided a possible ugly situation.

Well done,

Falcon

If you had popped a few caps in their direction, they might have had a different outlook on life. ;D

I know jigman was kidding, but there has been a disturbing trend on the forums recently.

There is alot of talk about shooting at people who are trespassing, or suspicious, or trash talking, or whatever.

I'm a firm believer in the second amendment so please let's not go there.

It's just that I have been following this forum for years and this shooting at people stuff is a new thing.

BW.  You absolutely did the right thing.  Putting your daughter at risk by confronting 4 thugs would have been irresponsible.

Thank God you didn't have a gun.  Just pointing it at them to shut them up is a crime and you could have been in serious trouble.

Just my .02