There's no reason to pack a gun just because some bully might cork you. If you show a gun it better be a life threatening situation, like your head is underwater for 2 min or he is beating you silly with his ugly stick.
Ive had the same thing happen many times on the Sky/Sno, and i found the best way to handle it is to find a less crowded spot. I know it seems like your just giving in to the idiot who corked you but fishing wasnt meant to ruin a day.
Remember, you have a better chance of catching 1 undisturbed steelhead than a hole that has 100 hard hat steelhead.
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"I have a fair idea of what to expect from the river, and usually, because I fish it that way, the river gives me approximately what I expect of it. But sooner or later something always comes up to change the set of my ways..."
- Roderick Haig-Brown