The other day, I was sitting at home when a buddy sent me a shocking screenshot: an angler had pulled a gun on another fisherman out on the water. The incident happened on a local stump-filled lake here in Virginia. One angler was navigating the main channel to avoid submerged stumps when another boater got upset—so upset that he decided to brandish a pistol. Thankfully, the targeted angler sped away, called the Virginia Game and Fisheries (VGAF), and the aggressor was charged and will face his day in court.
What’s most disturbing about this situation is that it wasn’t during a high-stakes tournament or a heated competition—it was just a regular day on the water, where people are supposed to be relaxing and enjoying the sport they love. So, I have to ask: How many times has something like this happened to you? And more importantly, what has happened to fishing?
The Rise of Hostility in Fishing
Fishing has always been a peaceful pastime, a way to escape the chaos of daily life. But lately, it seems like tensions are rising. Whether it’s disputes over fishing spots, boat right-of-way, or just general aggression, the sport isn’t as friendly as it used to be. Social media amplifies these conflicts, with videos of shouting matches and even physical altercations becoming more common.
But pulling a gun? That’s a terrifying escalation. It’s one thing to argue over who was there first or who cut off whom on the water—it’s another to introduce lethal force into the equation.
What Would You Have Done?
The angler in this situation did the right thing: he avoided confrontation, got to safety, and let law enforcement handle it. Even if he had been armed, escalating the situation could have turned deadly. The best move was to disengage and report the threat.
But it makes you think—how would you react? Would you stand your ground? Would you try to defuse the situation? Or would you do exactly what this angler did and remove yourself from danger?
Why the Hate?
It’s hard to say exactly why tempers are flaring more than they used to. Maybe it’s the pressure of social media, where every catch (or lack thereof) is scrutinized. Maybe it’s the increasing number of people on the water, leading to more crowded conditions. Or maybe it’s just a reflection of society’s growing impatience and aggression in general.
Whatever the reason, it’s a sad trend. Fishing should be about camaraderie, respect for nature, and friendly competition—not hostility and violence.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, we all share the water. Disagreements will happen, but they should never turn dangerous. If you find yourself in a tense situation, the best thing you can do is stay calm, walk (or boat) away, and let the authorities handle it.
Fishing is supposed to be fun. Let’s keep it that way.
What do you think? Have you ever encountered aggression on the water? How did you handle it?
