Stuff that happened---

Other than having a good day fishing yesterday afternoon, there were some things of interest that occurred. First, as I was on my way out to the end, there was a reminder of how important it is to stay hydrated and to be aware of the possibility of heat exhaustion. Ranger Randy was on his way to help a very large man sitting on the deck just north of the octi---Norman (fish hook earring) was standing by the guy, with cold water to cool him down and a cart was on the way to help him off the pier. I don't know about you folks, but sometimes when the bite is good, I forget to drink water or postpone it until the next cast or something, and find myself having to catch up. I've other people tell me they're the same way. It's still hot as mama's wrath here in the middle of September.

One of the para-sail boats that didn't have any customers came by and started trolling up and down on the east side of the octi, far too close to be legal or for decency. One of our better fishermen made a cast at his trolling lines, but threw too far behind---the boat was almost within my casting range, so you know it was close. This didn't deter him and he continued to troll as insults were exchanged. Photos were taken and the pier house was informed. In case you're interested, it was a white inboard with the phone number written large on side. Inconsiderate, ditch-born bastids.

One individual decided to test the open carry law vs. the "No guns" rule on the pier and was leaning against the rail with his big Glock and various other items on his belt. This one, I reported when I saw it as I was on my way to the cleaning tables and was later told that he was informed that no guns were allowed on the pier. I'm all in favor of 2nd amendment rights, but I don't think the fishing pier is the place to pack your hog-leg. I might change my opinion if he'd taken it upon himself to give the para sail boat an attitude adjustment with a few well-placed rounds.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are nothing to play with. The key to avoiding this is proper hydration with water and sports drinks such as gatorade and powerade. If you do witness a person having a heat stroke, you want to cool them as quickly as possible. If at all possible you want to immerse the person in cool to cold water. If that is not possible, take cold water and drench their shirt so it begins to cool them, and pack the core points on the body with ice.

Remember though if your out there fishing to drink water along with Gatorade. I made that mistake at auburn rodeo and the Gatorade as well as all the beer dehydrated me quickly, electrolytes are good but too many and not enough h2o can be harmfull

I was the big guy. See my post http://www.gulfshorespierfishing.com...000/#post64436

The whole concealed carry thing just concerns me immensely. Why, on the pier? Armed robbers? Sabiki Terrorists? Why?

In my opinion, and in my experience, the ones that most blatantly spout Second Amendment rights are those that have never been fired upon... or fired on another. After carrying for 22 years in various law enforcement capacities... I have experienced both. And I choose, now, to not carry. I have weapons available, but do not need to let folks know I carry in public. I would never deny an individual the right to bear arms... but letting others know... by "accident" is macho BS. On the one hand, I see these individuals with their accidentally exposed hardware and I chuckle at the "wanna be's" ... but am saddened and concerned at the mentality. This American mentality is as bizarre as the individuals peddling Zombie killing axes at gun shows. It can only lead to bad things.

My father told me years ago that "men who carry guns tend to run into other men who also carry bigger guns." This was a truism I discovered to be factual in my career in law enforcement. And a good reminder for those who show off their hardware in public places. Buy a red Corvette or a fast motorcycle. The death you cause will only be your own.

@ Pete
The regulars at the GSP are some very nice people and more than willing to help complete strangers with fishing, much less health emergencies.
I've been close to being in your shoes before, and one needs to know when to lay the gear down, seek shade and water and cool down.
When you stop sweating and feel hot/dry, get a headache, feel light headed and such, you're well on your way to trouble.
Kudos to those who helped you.

@ Parasail Jerks
Get Lisa out there with a big Krocodile, she'd nailed the Capt at the wheel. :whip :D

@ 2A Issue
Park rules specifically allow for legal Concealed Carry in the park and on the pier.
Randy is aware of this and has no issue with it, most here are aware of it if they wish to CC.
There has been some discussion of it here and I'm vocal about it when it comes up.
If this guy wanted to push the new State Law's limits... Well, he just found out that Public, Private & State entities can make rules regarding firearms on their property.
Why CC at the pier? Why? We don't have to have a reason, but if someone wants one, well, because I can't carry a police officer on my back.
The police are not here to protect us, nor to stop crime, they have no duty to do so... Multiple court rulings on this matter.
I've fire extinguishers in my house/car, I've a toolbox in my car, I carry a pocketknife & multi-tool on my belt and these are all things I hope I don't need, seldom do need, but they are very helpful when needed. Firearms are the same.

There was a different boat yesterday trolling some pensacola kid threw and hooked up to the line for a min then popped of

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mandmalabama

The whole concealed carry thing just concerns me immensely. Why, on the pier? Armed robbers? Sabiki Terrorists? Why?

In my opinion, and in my experience, the ones that most blatantly spout Second Amendment rights are those that have never been fired upon... or fired on another. After carrying for 22 years in various law enforcement capacities... I have experienced both. And I choose, now, to not carry. I have weapons available, but do not need to let folks know I carry in public. I would never deny an individual the right to bear arms... but letting others know... by "accident" is macho BS. On the one hand, I see these individuals with their accidentally exposed hardware and I chuckle at the "wanna be's" ... but am saddened and concerned at the mentality. This American mentality is as bizarre as the individuals peddling Zombie killing axes at gun shows. It can only lead to bad things.

My father told me years ago that "men who carry guns tend to run into other men who also carry bigger guns." This was a truism I discovered to be factual in my career in law enforcement. And a good reminder for those who show off their hardware in public places. Buy a red Corvette or a fast motorcycle. The death you cause will only be your own.

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why on the pier? because I don't want to leave it in the truck where it is more likely to be stolen. sure, the folks on the pier are great and I see no need other than that to carry on the pier. it's getting there and leaving when I don't want to be defenseless. btw, I had mine on me the whole week and nobody ever knew it or if they did, nothing was said.

+1 to what stik ans Chile Relleno said.

Reminding all to hydrate is great advice. I have a bad habit of getting busy and forgetting to drink enough water until my body gets angry with me.
I hate that the parasailing boat operator was so rude.
Mae for carry, I had my permit long before I actually kept a gun on me. Everyone I have net on the pier has been great and I felt safe while there. BUT- after a woman was attacked in a Big Lots store restroom in a small, safe town near me and attacks on the walking trail in my small town, I have chosen to feel safe because I have the means to protect myself. I wish the world was different but it isn't. As for the man who chose to be an attention seeker by carrying open, he is not representative of the majority of folks that carry.
:)