May 14 Rufus...incident with Native American fisherman

Kurt · Since 04 Nov 2005 73 Posts

I’ve been going to Rufus for 25 years and I’ve never had an issue with the Native American fishermen…until now. Fishing poles were spaced every 20’ all the way down to the eastern Rufus launch. Except the last 30’. When the wind finally came up at 5:00, I decided that I needed to go out. I rigged and launched then kited in the center off the river where the current was strongest. I was the only person on the water the whole day. When the wind started to back off, I decided to slog in and get off the water. When I was about 75’ from the beach I saw a big lead weight and lure flying my way. It went between my center lines. Once I got to the beach I helped the fisherman get his fishing line out of my kite lines. Once they were free, he went off on me. Said that I was chasing the fish away. It was their land and that I needed to leave. And, that everyone hates kiteboarders. My friends watched the whole incident from above the launch beach. They said that the fisherman was holding his poll and waiting for me to get closer to cast his line at me. He was clearly aiming for me. My friends came down and confronted him. The fisherman’s woman came over and started yelling something about an 1855 treaty that gave them the right to this land. Then, lots of yelling. So, the Sherman County Sheriff’s office was called. The Deputy interviewed the fisherman and myself. He basically said that if I wanted to press charges for endangerment , I needed to file a complaint with the Indian tribe. And, it would be a case of what the fisherman said vs. what me and my friends saw. Most likely I would lose because it would take place in a Tribal court. The Deputy also said that if there was video proof of endangering others that the Sherman County Sheriff would take action. So, if you see the guy (his name is Oscar) in the attached photo, and he starts casting his line at kiteboarders, have your friends get a video and contact Deputy James Burgett at 541-565-3622.

jkspinuzzi · Since 15 May 2016 5 Posts Bend Kook

Additionally, when Kurt started coming back to shore, the fisherman who didn't even have his line in the water picked up his pole, had a conversation with his "woman" and timed his cast and aim perfectly at Kurt. It was a blatant act at an attempt to cause harm or some kinda drama. He's lucky it happened to an expert kiter with complete control because had it been anyone else someone would have been hurt. Why can't we all just get along and enjoy life? Rolling Eyes

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2060 Posts PNW Bigfoot

If I was fully powered up, it might have been a very different story. The hook could have gone up to the kite. Maybe a kite death spiral. Hook could have gotten me. This guy clearly doesn't know anything about kiteboarding.

Kurt, thanks for the heads-up. I do not condone what Oscar was doing; it is and was unfortunate it happened. Fishermen and kiters have usually never gotten along. Just ask Snaggle Carpus.

http://vimeo.com/37276314 1:17 to 1:36

And shouldn't Oscar be called a Native American? Isn't that the PC term now-a-days?

My suggestion is to stay clear of Oscar as he seems to be looking to pick a fight/wants confrontation.

Glad no one was physically hurt!

Good winds to all.

WindSki · Since 14 Dec 2012 402 Posts Portland Obsessed

I personally can attest to the fact that a couple weeks ago it was one of our local Kiter who was at fault and being antagonistic, allowing his dog to roam around unsupervised and cutting Fisherman's lines from the water. Not sure this issue will ever go away.

I also was told this land was a private donation given in the Public's name and never part of an Indian treaty. Not sure what the worst-case scenario would turn out to be

Sasquatch · Since 09 Mar 2005 2060 Posts PNW Bigfoot

D · Since 18 Apr 2015 56 Posts Hood River **CGKA Member**

Way to keep your cool! My thoughts are that you pursue action through the tribal courts. He threatened your life and probably doesn't have the cognition to even know it. That being said, I am a fisherman and have been VERY annoyed by kiters coming close and bothering me while fishing. I always think "cool bro you kite, now get the $%&^ away from where I'm fishing." Launching in tight areas is what it is but when you are riding just stay as far away as you can. The tribes have a lot of influence in water access and we'd all hate to lose Rufus because of a few yahoo kiters. Can't say it enough, thanks for keeping your cool.

Ho-Toe · Sun May 15, 16 6:06 pm **jeez**

That sure didn't last long... censored shortly after a post disparaging Nigerians, and yet another featuring photos of oversized sex toys. I'm sorry if I hurt somebody's feelings.

Next time a fresh-faced newb shows up at my beach on the weekend with his wrong-size kite and twin-tip asking dumb questions, I'm gonna direct him to kite right next to the jetty and upwind from crab pots. You're welcome. Twisted Evil

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 663 Posts Addicted

It's important to remember in times like these that "fisherpeople" are not all the same just as "kiters" are not all the same. We are all just a bunch of different personalities that are pursuing our particular passion.

Actually we have a lot in common. We both enjoy the outdoors and the amazing environment that Rufus provides us.

It's easy to get an us vs them attitude, but that kind of attitude can only make things worse for all partys involved.

My experience has been positive over the last few years with nearly every fisherperson I have conversed with (which is quite a few). On a number of occasions fisherman have agreed to locate (or in some cases even re-locate) their lines slightly upwind a few feet to allow for a safe launch and landing at the point.

It sounds like Oscar is not one of these people.

Perhaps Oscar was mad about a previous engagement with a kiter, or perhaps he just feels we are ruining his fishing. Not every fisherperson is like Oscar.

The more we as kiters engage and treat with courtesy those we are sharing the river with the less likely things will blow up that have the potential to shut things down for all of us (kiters, fisherpeople, and windsurfers).

goiner · Since 26 Aug 2006 87 Posts

Kurt · Since 04 Nov 2005 73 Posts

I did talk to Oscar before I went out. I asked him about the fishing. He said that it was dropping off and that he only caught two fish that day. He also said that kiteboarding looked like fun. I figured that he was friendly. So, when I saw the lead weight heading my way I thought that he just made a bad cast. Maybe someone told him that I was the kiter from the incident a few weeks ago.

Rufus is my main kiting spot. I would sure hate to lose access. I also want to to keep it safe for all.

goiner · Since 26 Aug 2006 87 Posts

bigjohn · Since 13 Mar 2012 663 Posts Addicted

west · Since 09 Oct 2008 136 Posts Lake Michigan Stoked

Always good to remember that kiting is a privilege not a right....

kwalshpc · Since 24 Oct 2014 142 Posts Stoked

I agree with Big John. Escalating this kind of stuff is never a good idea.
We have access now - and the only thing that can happen is that we lose it and then have to try to regain it.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1804 Posts XTreme Poster

Just to be clear, I have known Kurt for years, he has used Rufus as his home base for years, and he is a super chill guy, expert kiter, and get's along well with everyone.

Eric

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4907 Posts Portland Unstrapped

guest · Guest

Hey Kurt sorry to hear about the conflict at rufus. I've been personally hooked by 3 different fisherman. I've learned that Salmon fish gear usually wins over kiteboarding gear. It's scary and def. not worth the confrontation. I spoke with a few kiters who drove to rufus this weekend and ended up leaving without kiting because of the fishing poles.

Good news, spring salmon season is now closed above I-5 bridge to McNary Dam.