Nobody is going to screw with you unless they're carrying or certifiably insane--would you try to bum rush a guy holding a 10' weapon in his hands, even if you had a knife? Any idea what a 4 oz jig on 2' of line dangling from the tip of a 10' rod will do to anyone trying to get close? Or a swimmer with 3 sets of trebles after you swing it and it catches on the guy's face, and you "cross his eyes" with a hookset
If a guy draws a gun on you--he just wants your money. Give it to him without an argument. It's just as likely to happen in any convenience store parking lot--in fact, more likely.
Bear in mind that anyone who wants to eff with you has to scramble down a steep bank and slippery rocks to do it, giving you all the time in the wrold to reel in and get that 4 oz lead projectile clipped onto your line. And, you are going to be way more comfortable and steady on those rocks than any junkie or crackhead.
I have yet to hear about anyone being personally hassled while fishing. In the summer there are people walking the service road at all hours--they are just easier targets than the guy standing 50' down on rocks holding a fishing rod.
You are much more likely to have problems with your vehicle. Don't leave anything of value behind, and if there's nothing worth stealing in your vehicle, don't lock it up. That saves your windows. And if you have a bike, park in a well traveled area, like the Herring Run lot or Bell Road on the Cape side, and bike to your spot. People--including the Canal rangers, and the Bourne and State Police, are in and out of those two lots all night. Thieves will prefer to hit cars parked in more remote areas.
Crime is up all over the Cape, and the Canal may not be as safe as it was in 1970, but it's still a very safe place to fish. Just use common sense.
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