Smith Springs Boat Ramp Shots Fired

[Reel Tune]

Today is the benefit fishing tournament for Greg Hawkins that was murdered at the Mona boat ramp just a few weeks ago.

This morning one of the kayak anglers has reported being shot at while at the Smith Springs boat ramp. These are the only details I have at this time. I pray that nobody is hurt, and they find these people.

If you get a chance today please stop by Murfreesboro Outdoors for a chance at some great prizes in raffles, and BBQ.

[FloatNFish]

Seriously??? What the heck is going on! I have been on edge when returning to the ramp at night the last couple times. Really don't like the feeling...and this sure isn't going to help.

[Reel Tune]

This is what the tournament director said. Police were called, I'll get more information this afternoon.

I do carry all the time, and have never had concerns about coming back to boat ramps between 1am and 4am many times over the past few years. Sometimes I see people in cars at the ramps, and know that they are probably up to no good. But keep my awareness up, and keep mental note of what is going on, but never felt concerned for my wellbeing. A lot of times when I go out and fish from 10pm to 4am, I'm alone. I enjoy the peacefulness of fishing alone. It's my me time.

Now with all this nonsense I feel that I may be paranoid in future outings.

[TnCreekMaster]

Makes me wana carry my AR with me on the boat, I used to frequent smith springs when I first moved down here and got bad vibes about the place so when I did launch out of there I was always gone b4 dark. A few weeks back I was coming back in to shutes and noticed a car parked near my truck shining lights into it so I got closer and lit up the car with my spotlight thinking it was some hoodlums trying to steal something, well turns out it was the wilson county sheriff lol

[Reel Tune]

Keep an eye out for an orange or copper Cuda or Challenger at the boat ramps.

[notorious]

Keep an eye out for an orange or copper Cuda or Challenger at the boat ramps.
What did the cops do? I love JPP, but I have to say all this crap is keeping me away.

[snowman]

Pretty sad when I have to seriously consider carrying a gun just to go fishing....

[jad2t]

I strongly suspect it was the same guy. This fundraiser was all over the news, people know it was specifically kayak anglers raising money for a reward to put this animal behind bars. Then a kayak angler gets shot at the morning of the event. That's not random.

Cops found shells at the scene and got a description of the car. I'm hoping this guy did himself in by pulling this stunt and maybe someone got a plate number or the cops can get finger prints from the shells.

[thehick176]

Do these thugs not realize who they are dealing with?
"Don't poke a sleeping bear."
Enough said.

[XxthejuicexX]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/07/5f8259cafbcedceabb22cbb646089111.jpg

So I guess I load and unload my boat with this pistol hanging on my chest? I was on the water this morning when I paddled by a guy who told me about the incident. I hope it does not become a pattern.


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[tsuggs]

I was @ murf outdoors around 8 talkn to mike dial when someone got the call about shots fired at a boater.The 2 news crews there covering the benefit quickly loaded up to investigate.WTF

[Reel Tune]

It's a sad day when you worry about going fishing. Fishing, or just being out on the water is supposed to be about relaxation, and enjoyment, not watching your back. I hope this is just an isolated incident, but we all need to be aware of our surroundings, and alert of any threats at all times. It's best to have someone with you also, so if anyone needs someone to go out on the water with them please send an open invite of PM someone. Kayak or boat let someone know where you will be, notify them when you get on the water, and off the water.

We are all family, we have to stick together.

[agelesssone]

When coming in after dark, I carry my pistol and a 2 million candle power rechargeable spotlight. I light up the lot BEFORE I go to my car.
Same as when I fish the Cumberland at night. Hard for anyone to see with that light in their eyes. Plus you can see exactly what they are doing, carrying, etc.

[Fishaholic]

I agree its ridiculous that it has come to this but as the old saying goes "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!"

[Reel Tune]

When coming in after dark, I carry my pistol and a 2 million candle power rechargeable spotlight. I light up the lot BEFORE I go to my car.
Same as when I fish the Cumberland at night. Hard for anyone to see with that light in their eyes. Plus you can see exactly what they are doing, carrying, etc.

Good point Merv. A flashlight is a great tool. I cannot carry a spotlight due to restrictions of a small watercraft, but do have a very bright handheld from Rigid Industries.

[jad2t]

I agree its ridiculous that it has come to this but as the old saying goes "I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!"

You won't be judged by 12 for self defense so no need to worry about that.

[Fishaholic]

I have a fairly small spotlight that is LED and uses 4 c batteries so it is pretty compact. It lights up about 50 yds away maybe more in pitch black settings. I picked one up at northern tool then I got another one at big lots they are like $8 and well worth it.

[QUOTE=MidTNKayakAngler;67986]Good point Merv. A flashlight is a great tool. I cannot carry a spotlight due to restrictions of a small watercraft, but do have a very bright handheld from Rigid Industries.[/QU