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Posts: 322
| So several years ago I stopped by a Walmart to grab a few things and when I came out I found a guy leaning in my boat. I immediately yelled and his response was sweet boat man..... I think if I had spent a few more minutes in wally world I would have been out a ton of gear. Since then I have been really crazy about locking gear up in the truck, parking at fast food places where I can see the boat etc. All of my fishing buddies give me crap but hey it isn't their money right.
Anyone else have any close calls with thieves? I am just curious how often things come up missing. |
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Posts: 7010
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Yes, you are paranoid. Probably good to be that way... |
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Posts: 523
| I wouldn't call it paranoid, I'd call it being smart... |
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Posts: 400
Location: Metro | I think we all think about it a little bit when we leave our gear in the boat to go eat, shop, or sleep. This past weekend I was at a resort with plenty of other people and musky fisherman. I felt a little better about leaving my stuff in the boat but still brought my nice reels and rods in. Its better to be safe than sorry as everyone always says. Being someone who has had their cabin broken into, you can never be too paranoid about your expensive belongings even if it is more of a hassle. |
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Posts: 1023
| Yes you are paranoid. And bless you for that. I need to be more paranoid about things like that, too. |
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Posts: 8719
| All depends on where you are. There are jerks everywhere, but I see a lot of guys "Up North" who leave all their gear/electronics in the boat and don't even bother to cover it up. We leave all our stuff on the dock/outside the cabin up in Canada for the entire week. Down here I don't let anything out of my sight.
My old neighbor down here had someone swipe the kicker off his boat right on his driveway. Nice neighborhood. They were well on the way to getting the big motor off the boat when they set it on fire and apparently took off.
It's only "paranoid" because you still have all your stuff. |
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Posts: 20179
Location: oswego, il | Carry a gun. Shooting a person over a Tranx or Dadson is self defense. Or do like I do, wire your boat with explosives. |
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Posts: 170
| Paranoid? Nope
Smart? Yep
Not to sound too cynical, but times have changed and being a little "paranoid" in many cities/locations is not a bad thing. |
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| No, just prudent. |
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Posts: 3136
| I don't care where I am,,even in remote Canada I take rods and tackle boxes out of boat and bring inside,,same thing with locking in vehicle when stopping, I grew up a city boy and saw how fast and bold ripoffs work. |
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Posts: 1168
| I had a pair of pedestal seats swiped out of my boat at a grocery store. No, you're not being paranoid. |
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Posts: 815
Location: Waukee, IA | I do the same thing, and I have a crappy boat with mid-range electronics and gear in it. I can't afford to replace everything easily, so I keep an eye on it |
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Posts: 1416
Location: oconomowoc, wi | "say hello to my little friend" |
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | Not paranoid. Practical. Realistic. And I see all these city references. There are scumbags who live in the sticks as well. But I use to travel and work at night all over NY. Worked in every city. Was robbed in Troy. "Troilet" NY as it's called.
Edited by JakeStCroixSkis 6/6/2016 6:00 PM
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Keep honest people honest there are scumbags all over keep it covered and locked up. If they want your stuff there going to get it just don't make it easier for them. |
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Posts: 470
| Don't talk to me about leaving stuff on the boat.
Everything off at night or when not there.
Only takes one time. Don't let a good boy go bad..LOL |
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Posts: 1220
| This reminds me of the last time the PMTT went to Hayward. Some guy went from rig to rig in the HQ hotel parking lot telling everybody it wasn't safe to leave the boats out. Turned out he also had a large pole building where you could keep your rig safe...for a fee! That's a true story, and nobody's stuff was bothered there, although he did pick up a few customers. Seriously though, there was a nice article in Musky Hunter a few years back on boat security...stuff like parking under a light pole, Lock-R-Bars, hitch locks, security systems, and (my favorite) welding the nut to the ball on your hitch-worth a read. |
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Posts: 285
Location: NE Wisconsin | Couple of years ago my wife and I were taking a walk and saw the below parked on the town road by the landing. Talk about asking for it. I see similar stuff all the time.
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Posts: 285
Location: NE Wisconsin | Also, at the same lake access, next to where I have lived for over sixty years, I have seen a couple of boat trailers stolen or exchanged for better ones. But all in all, I hear of few prob,Ema, but people are asking for it, over half the trailer are not even locked on to the hitch. In the winter and summer I see extra equipment left open in the back of trucks. Power augers, extra rods and reels, etc. I can't believe more isn't taken. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Welding the ball on the hitch never thought of that and I'm a welder. I know what I'll be doing at work tomorrow |
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Posts: 1126
Location: Minnesota. | I don't know about you man but I would NEVER/EVER leave my rig unattended like that, especially in a W/Mart parking lot or any other lot....not even for 30 secs! I have a nice rig and lots of good stuff inside.
Pre-plan or go w/out. Just be REALLY glad it didn't go bad. |
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Posts: 1120
Location: West Chester, OH | A co-worker smelled gear lube as he was leaving for work & discovered that the lower unit had been stolen off his bass boat overnight. |
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Location: Sawyer County, WI | Never trust total strangers to possess the same morals that you do.
Why not let your insurance carrier dictate what's "paranoid" ? Our place is WAY out in the sticks, and our neighbors are as good as gold and we always look out for each other. I never locked the doors when I was out fishing but then our insurance policy had some changes and I read through the policy to find that if our house was burglarized but the doors weren't locked, the coverage was voided. I now lock my doors every time I go out.
Paranoid ? I think not. While I think it's more of a CYA maneuver, why make it easy for the D-bags ? |
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Posts: 347
Location: Vilas County, WI | I'm scarred from an event 10+ years ago in the Minocqua area. My family was using a cabin on a very popular lake and the cabin was a part of an association where a few other cabins shared a semi private launch and had docking for about 6 boats. The only problem was our cabin was just far away enough through the trees where you couldn't see the boats.
Over night some A-Holes came through on a boat and went from pier to pier swiping gear/equipment from everyone's docked boats. We lost very little, but some lost high dollar items. And these jerks went down the shore and hit everybody. Ever since then I'm reluctant to leave anything in the boat over night. |
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Posts: 572
Location: Maplewood, MN | I'm the same way. Everyone says I'm paranoid, but I don't care. Why would I risk thousands of dollars? People are idiots. Doesn't matter how 'nice' the area is to me. I take my humminbirds in after I park the boat (boat doesn't fit in the garage). Keep up the good work man. Like the saying goes, rather be safe than sorry! |
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Posts: 1209
| I'm "paranoid" myself. I don't care. I do know if someone So much as jumps in or out of my boat my truck alarm will go off. I'm always nearby. The thing that keeps people staring in my boat is the twin power poles. People stare and I enjoy when I get seen staring at them staring. Haha priceless looks haha |
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Posts: 119
| Your not paranoid. I used to lock all my gear in my SUV at night to keep it safe until someone stole the suv. The suv was found abandoned six months later in perfect condition minus all my gear. Glad I had quality insurance that covered the contents. All I had to do was provide receipts for my gear. Luckily I keep a file and had most of them saved. I now keep every receipt just in case. |
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Posts: 167
Location: Tomahawk, WI | I live in a small town where I thought I I wouldn't have to worry about my fishing gear being stolen. I was wrong!!! I walked into the grocery store one day after spring walleye fishing. After being inside for ten minutes, I came out to find my Walleye rods and tackle box gone. I was lucky it was just walleye gear and not my musky stuff, but it still sucked having to replace all that gear. It doesn't matter where you are, There are A holes everywhere that will stake your stuff. Be paranoid about locking that stuff up!!! Getting your gear stolen messes with your head. Musky fishermen are screwed up enough, we dont need any extra help in that department. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i remember when this subject first came up when the sport started to really gain momentum (at least during my lifetime) in 2005 and the news of trucks and boats being sorted through was hitting hard. back then it seemed to really be happening in MN and western WI.
i was on my way to MN to fish Mille Lacs and stayed overnight in Siren, WI. and had it on my mind. so, i removed everything of value and brought it into my hotel room (electronics, rods, baits etc...) and my compartments on my boat that had anything in them were locked securely. the only thing that remained was a disposable styrofoam cooler with a 7 pound bag of ice and 6 bottles of water. when i went to my boat the next morning ... it was gone. yup, the total cost of about $10.00 remaining was stolen.
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Posts: 1360
Location: Lake "y" cause lake"x" got over fished | musky513 - 6/6/2016 3:07 PM
I wouldn't call it paranoid, I'd call it being smart...
^^^^^^^THIS^^^^^^^
If the average Joe Schmo wasn't paranoid - WE wouldn't be seeing a 300% increase in PTP and PTC permits across the states of MN, WI and IA. Just saying.
I think everyone these days is a little more paranoid then ever before. But again. Id rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it
Edited by FAT-SKI 6/7/2016 9:44 AM
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Posts: 5874
| About 2003, I stopped for breakfast in Fond Du Lac on my way up to fish walleyes. When I got to the ramp in Oshkosh, I noticed my bag full of about 1500 crankbaits was gone! I called home to see if I left it in the garage. Nope. I tore the back of my truck apart. Nope. My bags with jigs and rigging tackle were there. Only the big bag of boxes full of cranks were gone. I was sick, as it wasn't just the number, it was that there were a lot of my old favorites, and discontinued baits gone. Baits that I'll never find again. I was pretty upset, and never left stuff out in the boat after that.
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Posts: 1168
| cincinnati - 6/6/2016 8:18 PM
A co-worker smelled gear lube as he was leaving for work & discovered that the lower unit had been stolen off his bass boat overnight.
This needs to be highlighted a little bit more. It made me laugh.
Lifting some rods or a tackle box is pretty easy to do...then there's the guy that's going to have the tools along with the intention of finding a lower unit...not just a lower unit...but the one that will fit on his/her boat and steals that. That's called determination.
What a crazy idea for a prank. To heck with toilet papering someone's yard, putting a live raccoon in their house when they are gone, or something else relatively straightforward...nope...if you want to really mess with someone just remove the lower unit off of their boat motor. The mark's reaction would be priceless. A raccoon in a house is something the brain could handle a little bit easier than a missing lower unit. That would definitely make for a "square peg doesn't fit into round hole" scenario.
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Posts: 45
| Nope you're not paranoid. I take all my rods and tackle boxes out of the boat when I'm leaving it outside overnight (whether that's docked or in a parking lot on the trailer). When on the trailer I also cover it after taking out all the goods just to keep people from peeking. It's a huge hassle as it involves taking trolling motors off and the whole 9 yards but worth a little more piece of mind. I don't know how you guys do it that don't have garage parking for your rigs.
Half the reason I want a new boat is just so I can get big enough rod lockers and tackle storage to lock things up inside it. |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | This is a very good post and one everyone should take to heart. Lots of good comments already.
First it is no secret that (honest guys are honest) & (bad guys will get into anything they want - Locked or not) But keeping things out of sight will reduce temptation.
Let me bring up one more point. Be nice to the guys you share the docks with. It's a long story so I will keep it short. But one year on LOTW 2 (hot shots) (for lack of better terms) acted like they owned the dock, never helped others tie up, or lend a helping hand, and never ran their boat lights. They also talked morning an night how great they were but NEVER gave any of the guys struggling to catch fish any advice. (Get the picture)
Well guess what, one of the other boats on the dock who was struggling to catch fish decided to leave a few days early. The next day when the hot shots came down to there boat (they did have a Tranx anymore). I can't prove it but I know in my mind the guys who left early took it. The resort owner hardly even responded when the guys told him about it.
But that's not the only time I have seen things taken out of boat (EVEN ON LOTW). Now the resort owners will always tell you, no problem leave everything. I would too if I was trying to run a business. Who would go to a place that is known to have theft issues.
One of the main reasons I purchased my Tuffy 1760 is so I can put my 8'6" rods away and can put most of my tackle in compartments if I want too. Many times I don't even lock it up but it is put away which helps me sleep at night.
Also if you guys own a cabin with a garage, I would recommend installing a security system. I know of so many things that have been taken it would make you sick. (Log Splitters, chain saws, small outboards, and even utility tractors) and let's face it the Police force or Sheriffs department in the north are lean outfits so they will never find it and the locals can pattern your movements very easily.
It is a sad reality.
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Posts: 555
Location: Tennessee | Anytime I have to stop somewhere where I'll be out of direct line of sight I cram all my stuff in the 4Runner. It's a pain in the butt, but lose one Tranx/LT rod and you're out $7-800. |
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Location: On the O | They took my portable gas tank twice last year, right out of my driveway. First time I got all the way to the launch and was doing the final checklist and I was like something's missing...oh my freakin gas tank.
Second time I had just stopped at home for a quick bite to eat was home maybe 45mins before heading back out and they snagged it again. Middle of the day on a pretty busy street. Now it has a chain attached to it and a nice note for anyone that might be thinking about taking it and what I think about them.
Gear always travels in the car and is locked up, trolling motor and gas tank now get locked away each and everytime.
We live in a different world.
Edited by BigC 6/8/2016 11:31 AM
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Posts: 1209
| So I travel with a Honda eu2000 generator well not that it is a deterrent to theft but inside the oil change pannel there is a note "property of Sam xxxx.... Not to be sold or exchanged please call 701........" Lol also i have a bike chain and lock so it wouldn't be easy and it's not in sight. Out of sight keeps interest down. |
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Posts: 20
| Thieves... terrible. Wether people realize it or not thievery is ripe and among us. As i drive down the road and see these "bernie" stickers on vehicles i can not help but think as William Shakespeare said.... " i would not put a thief in my mouth to steal my brains." |
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Posts: 759
Location: Ames, Iowa | When I stop to eat I can see the truck and boat. When I go into Fleet Farm someone stays at the boat. I pull the boat up next to my place at the lake. I do leave my stuff in the boat at the dock when I leave it the dock cause there are 50 boats with better stuff. Never lost anything in 24 years of going up. Lucky. |
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Posts: 84
| Yeah that has happened to me also so you are not paranoid. Thieves are waiting for just such a chance to strike. I tell people look with your eyes not your hands. |
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Posts: 426
| My rods are always locked up. My deck boxes pad locked and bolted to the floor. I always leave a few " won't ever be used" baits in easy reach to protect my go to tackle when ever the boat is out of sight in case some one with sticky fingers is around take the easy ones leave my go to s alone My spare tire is locked and chained to the trailer and I have 'theft proof' locks on the trailer and hitch pin. Oh ya all this is just at the dock when I fish solo while parking or getting my trailer. I 've been ripped off at the dock before. And to top it off I have the trailer ball welded and locked and a "Club" on my truck while fishing!! If I could do more I would. How's that for "normal"?
Edited by 7ovr50 6/12/2016 1:54 PM
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Posts: 790
Location: North Central IL USA | For you guys that had rods stolen out of your boat - these are rods laying there, not locked in a rod locker, yes?
7ovr50 - where the heck do you fish that you're getting ripped off at the dock?? |
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Posts: 84
| 70ovr50 I have all those measures too, and yes I've heard of solo fisherman docking their boat to get the truck and trailer and then they get ripped off. Thieves are brazin and daring and don't care about anything but their addiction being fed. Muskie fisherman be warned, people know Muskie fisherman got a lot of expensive gear. That's ringing the dinner bell for would be thieves. |
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Posts: 8719
| This is why I cringe when I see the guys with Musky Hunter, Muskies Inc./etc decals plastered all over their trucks and boats.
May as well put a sign up that says "tons of expensive stuff on board, help yourself!!"
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Posts: 300
Location: Minocqua, WI | In October 2008 I got front window smashed in at a boat landing in Boulder Jct. WI. Whoever did it walked away with 4 musky rods but left all the bait boxes behind. Pretty sure it was a hunter on foot..... seen a guy dressed in orange snooping and scoping around the landing about an hour after we had launched....
Lesson learned since then. I never leave anything valuable in tow vehicle. And boat-less people who hang out at boat landings are weird and creepy people.
As for leaving the boat unattended...... When towing boat and having to park it somewhere while running errand or out for a meal, I will keep my rig covered and strapped down. Lockers locked up also. Make it hard for the clowns. Additionally if I have to run into somewhere for a few minutes and have a buddy along with me, I'll make him guard and patrol until I return, and vice-versa.... Also, if I'm really close to home, I'll drop off the boat at the crime-free residence and I can run out to town then.
Unfortunately I have a few acquaintances in 2015 who had items stolen from their boats from various locations throughout Vilas Co. Broad daylight, public places. It's sad how desperate some people can be.
Don't leave your treasures exposed, and available for the taking. |
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Posts: 148
Location: Northwest Wi. | I like to hide a cheep small trail cam that looks over my rig when parked, easy to hide one if you think about it. If you get hit you have photo's for the Cops. they know most of the local scum-bags..Also have a tip-up alarm rigged with a mono trip wire in the boat when it's at the dock overnight ...Yes I'm paranoid, but also pro-active. |
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Posts: 371
Location: Northern Illinois | For me this whole thing is kinda sad. Good to know, but really disappointing. I've fished the harbors in Chicago for salmon and seen some pretty weird sh** - that's why I don't do it anymore. I like to go up north for the wilderness and solidarity. I've stayed summers with my grandparents in Northern Wisconsin since I was a kid and been going back ever since. I was always fully aware (grandpa kept a loaded .38 and shot gun ready to go) that anything could happen - especially with no police around. I also realized there are a few poverty areas that were prone to this kind of thing. However, some of the broad daylight stuff and areas that you are talking (Vilas, Boulder Junction, WI north woods etc.) is down right scary (and pathetic).
Edited by mm3 6/19/2016 9:57 AM
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Posts: 790
Location: North Central IL USA | mm3 - 6/19/2016 9:55 AM
However, some of the broad daylight stuff and areas that you are talking (Vilas, Boulder Junction, WI north woods etc.) is down right scary (and pathetic).
Down right disgusting!! I'm assuming this this fishermen stealing other fisherman's stuff?? That's just wrong on sooo many levels!!!!! |
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Posts: 1516
| I guess I have been lucky so far nothing has been taken even with leaving all the stuff in the boat at the dock or in the parking lot at the motel overnight. |
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