The only reason I would need a gun fishing here is to protect myself from all the nuts running around the woods with guns. So far I haven't felt the need to bring a gun river fishing. I might think about it when the halibut start running up the rivers.

S&W 38 special Lady Smith---small, light & accurate. Fits in a jacket pocket. 38 is also good when you come out of the woods to where your vehicle is parked. (22 is enough gun for a cat, they are really 'pussys')

I carry a Beretta mini-cougar ( no pun intended )in .45 ACP it holds 8+1, I shoot 165gr. Federal Hydra-Shok high energy ammo. I would rather have it and not need it,than need it and not have it.

Watch out for Sasquatches...

Dont need to pack heat for those guys. An extra pair of skivies is likely.

The first rule of a gun fight is........

I receive lots of joy carrying a fishing rod through the woods to the river. Can't say that about a handgun. There's never been a documented fatal cougar attack in my state (Oregon). It would seem silly to take a gun for them. The day I need a gun to protect myself fishing is the day I take up golf! I've never been threatened by an animal while fishing. I have been threatened by a macho idiot with a gun. Seems I was standing where he caught a steelhead the week before. It took very little brainpower to deal with that threat! A sharp mind is all the weapon you need out there, fella's. Fewer guns on the river would be a good thing.

As some has said i think the first rule is if your going to pack, be trained and up to date with your skills. And here in oregon we have had many more attacks than previous years. I have had 2 cougar run ins. And the second one was with a cat less than 50 feet away screamin her head off. Not a pretty feeling. You look at a normal house cat thats 8 pounds. And look how fierce they can be. Add 150 pds to that and see what you got.