Packing a gun while fishing, now thats a touchy subject. If your doing it for protection from black bear or couger in the lower 48 I say its a waste of time. Look at my post on the B.C. thread. Like Kore and others have stated attacks happen so quick your most likely not going to get it out. But it is your right to carry, if you do so get some training and do it smart, not out of fear.