[DPWeston]

I’m doing a little personal survey and I hope you can help me out.

I’m thinking of doing a driving trip this summer to fly fish Montana and Wyoming. I’m a little concerned about carrying a bunch of my gear in the back of my SUV and would like to get your feedback on it.

1. In your experience, are car break-ins a common occurrence or an infrequent occurrence when parked along a river or in pull-off parking areas?
2. What if I bought a fairly large “box” of some kind and bolted it to the back floor? Does that just invite more break-ins because it’s clear there’s something of value in it?
3. What if I just covered everything with something (blanket, clothes, etc?)?
4. Any other advice?

Love to hear your opinion/experiences.

Thanks, Denny

 

[borderfly]

I refuse to answer this do to jinxing myself!:chuckle:

I have never had a problem in either state.

Take a backpack with you and carry what you can then stash it somewhere you won't forget.

KC

 

[wheelhoss]

I live in western Wyoming and these type of car break-in's are very uncommon. Car burglaries are really limited to high school kids looking for unlocked cars at night and ripping off iPods and electronics or things they could sell really fast.

In the summer I will lock my bike in the back of the truck, but I leave multiple pairs of skis back there and have never had an issue in 25 years. I think if you lock your rig and take normal precautions, you will be fine (at least in my area)

Let me know if you need fishing info around the Jackson area.

 

[speyday]

Here in the midwestern cities and on some indian reservations in the northern and easter ngreat lakes.........


If your car is loaded to look cool with lots of sage stickers and such, you'll get pinched.

You could consider unloading the cars contents------- and hiding them down the embankment in the woods.

The odds of someone looking there for your treasure go wayyyyyyyy down. Just cover it up and youre all set.

 

[SteelerHeeler]

I'll try.

I live in SW MT a good part of the year. When leaving for the season I now put valuable and hard to replace items in a storage facility. Years past doors were sometimes not even locked, whole different deal now days. . Even in the smaller towns of Montana crime and drug use (meth) is on the increase, big change from years past.


1. In your experience, are car break-ins a common occurrence or an infrequent occurrence when parked along a river or in pull-off parking areas?

Not common but they do happen. I'd be more concerned with towns than parking areas for fishing along rivers, excluding dedicated put-in take-out areas.

2. What if I bought a fairly large “box” of some kind and bolted it to the back floor? Does that just invite more break-ins because it’s clear there’s something of value in it?

Probably not necessary.

3. What if I just covered everything with something (blanket, clothes, etc?)?

Good idea, window tinting also discourages thieves.

4. Any other advice?

Dogs with sharp teeth and bad attitudes are a fisherman's best friend.
I would limit the gear to what is actually going to be needed, less exposure.
When fishing put a note on your vehicle rear window...."Stay here, I'll be right back."
Get rid of those high dollar stickers.
Vehicle alarm
In all likelihood you probably won't have any problems....Enjoy the cruise

 

[john8]

My father and me did two trips out to that area, fished Yellowstone Park and the surrounding areas in Wy and Mont. We did not have any issues, I would say in the Park you are fine as there are so many people traveling through the park it would get noticed if someone was doing something. Also Rangers patrol and the Park requires an entrance fee so I think it keeps out the criminal element. We did not have any problems on other rivers many are secluded and a drive to get to so don't think there are many criminals around. I would think as stated previously if you are fishing near towns or parked in towns that is probably where something would happen more opportunity for criminals. We never had any issues but our trips were about 10 & 8 years ago before the meth epidemic started in this country so not sure how things are now. Enjoy it beautiful area we fished in early Fall which is a little less crowded.

 

[Hardyreels]

Hi,

I've traveled and fished pretty much all over this continent and can tell you that you really shouldn't take everything you own on a trip. I did it long ago and found that I only used a small portion of what I had with............

No stickers is always a good idea.

Ard

 

[DPWeston]

thanks

great advice from all posts, thanks.

 

[fredaevans]

What Ard said.

Hi,

I've traveled and fished pretty much all over this continent and can tell you that you really shouldn't take everything you own on a trip. I did it long ago and found that I only used a small portion of what I had with............

No stickers is always a good idea.

Ard

I have extensive/expensive gear and have a 'Rider' on my Home Owne'rs insurance policy covering the 'stuff.' (USAA) Think it costs me about fifty bucks a year.

 

[Jabrowning24]

i love the be right back note idea!!! that is brilliant!!

I also like the idea of a lock box, it probably is overkill but why not take the extra precaution?!? I would say do your best to make it look like no big deal, a crap looking box.

One thing I always do is set any visiible rod tubes/reel cases very visible on the front seat OPEN to show that they are empty and everything of value is with me on the water. I hide anything of value and advertise that it is not there, so far (fingers crossed) I have been lucky to keep my windows and gear intact.

 

[salmo_g]

In addition to the note, I like the idea of leaving an open ammo box on the dashboard, suggesting that I loaded magazines before leaving the vehicle, and maybe they wouldn't want to be prowling my car when I return.

 

[Pere]

I did bring a lot of gear with me once? Then someone stole it. If it's there you are a target. Leave it where it is safe.

 

[Hardyreels]

I don't mean to keep making suggestions on the same topic but........... here we go.

Even after 40 years worth of traveling to fish I still take more than what is really needed. I am getting closer to having zero excess gear with each passing year. If you can accept a couple pointers from a fella who has fished the area you are headed to then I'll try to be quick. I took a light rod (7'9" Far & Fine} and a 9' seven weight and was able to handle everything I fished. Still having 2 rods meant one was being left behind and I went with the hide the rod method rather than leaving it with my motorcycle. Over the years I did almost 130,000 miles of touring and camp / fishing using a (several) motorcycles so you might think I traveled light. No, I was carrying flies that were never used as well as way to many changes of clothing. If you take extra anything take extra waders.

It's a shame that we have to have a discussion about this but it's the world we have. I don't believe we have roving gangs of tackle thieves all over the west and I think I would let common sense be my guide rather than paranoia. For the things left in a parked cay I suggest you use my white water rule, don't take anything you can't afford to lose. Rather than bulking up on rods for the trip I would advise having extra dough in the bank account so if you were to have an incident, broken rod etc. you will be ready to deal with things as they may present themselves.

Ard

 

[SteelerHeeler]

In addition to the note, I like the idea of leaving an open ammo box on the dashboard, suggesting that I loaded magazines before leaving the vehicle, and maybe they wouldn't want to be prowling my car when I return.

Good one SG, I was going to suggest that one but didn't want to upset some of our brethren...

 

[Hardyreels]

I used to leave a note in my gun cabinet taped onto the empty slot in the rack. I'll leave it to your imagination what it really said (hint) it had to do with the empty slot I leave the cabin unlocked in case someone is stranded and needs shelter, there is a note there too.