Yours was a frustration situation Iron. While thereis no answer that will feel good to you perhaps the best thing to do is to find the high ground. It is always easier to defend. When I was your age I watch the fish cops beat the crap out of the indians that choose to exercise their treaty rights.
That course of action only lost ground for all of us. It is most important for all of us to recognize the diversity of our society. We all have our quirks and ways we like to do things. Dosn't make us wrong or bad just different. Same goes for those we share the rivers with regardless of the type of gear we choose to use. Be it bait or hardware or flies or net. All are fishemen. That is our common ground and it is there that eentually we must all meet if there are to be any fish left in the rivers for my grandkids to chase.
Iron, it was a hard spot you were in and in truth I would have acted no better when i was your age. Today I would try to do differently. Thanks for the fishing tips Good luck and tight lines

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