I also run very( comparatively ) small craft , and , have been in similar situations . While no one has had the cajones to try to physically grab or take control of my vessel , yet ( they would be wiping their butt with a hook if they tried ..) , it is always a possibility .
Good thinking with the flares , I would have let Mr Colt talk to them , untill he was completely out of " breath " ...
I stick to waters that usually preclude the presence of these kind of morons . I.E. the most snag infested , hull ripping waters you could imagine .
It is what the wave makers and gas wasters avoid , where the best fishing to be had is usally found .
On waters that that are open to all manner of idiots , I try to set up in a locale that allows me to fish in relative peace , while holding extreme dangers for any craft that attempts to buzz by in close proximity .
For those unfamilliar with a body of water , these may be hard to find untill you learn the water and develop a bit of evil strategy , but , it pays off in the end .
I call this the rope a dope method . Anyone stupid enough to screw around is going to find themselves the direct victim of their own actions and ignorance of the waters .
Yes, I get my jollies baiting more than just fish , but , I never try to escalate directly . Let the fools make victims of themselves if possible .
Barring this option , it is best to just report the fools to the local constabulary , and , not try to escalate the confrontation .
It may be they desperately deserve to be handed a reality check , but , you have little right to escalate or provoke a confrontation unless they are directly threatening your safety and/or that of your passengers .
A cell phone is great , especially if it has a camera . So are witnesses .
Yes , your local cops and DNR are interested , but , they need info .
They do not like these aholes any more than their victims , but , they need more than just a vague description of a craft and the operator .
I would advise you to go out with a partner or 2 in seperate crafts , but , these type of idiots are random and fishing partners are often hard to come by , especially good ones .
