Cell Phone On The River....

[FishinCricket]

The poll does assume that you do carry a phone on you when out in the wilderness, if for no other reason than having some option for communication in emergency situations even if there may be no obvious cell reception in the area (no reception at the access or fishing hole)

The poll also assumes you own a cell phone.

____________

Okay, so the topic here is much broader than the poll.. Sparked by a thread where a few folks have indicated that having your phone on/using your phone "midstream" is some type of breach of etiquette...

For my part, I'll wholeheartedly agree that some clown upstream from me taking loudly (whether in a cell phone or not) is annoying... I'll also readily admit that I usually ignore "unimportant" phone calls while I'm fishing and I tend to keep my ringer on vibrate while in the trout park..

Otherwise, I'm a total tech-addict... The last time I went floating with Wrench I played Scrabble against my wife during our lunch break! lol

Granted, I have the phone with all the other stuff (camera, video camera,games, GPS with maps, loan calculators, links to my website and inventory, email, and I can even post a lunker video to YouTube or facebook)....

But even if I didn't have this phone or this job, I'd still have a basic phone for emergencies.. Wouldn't you?

[Gavin]

I keep my phone in a waterproof dry box when I float, but its off most of the time even where I know I have signal. Usually turn it on and check in once a day if its working...If wade fishing..its usually in the car, or back at the campsite...but its never on my person while fishing. Cheers.

[Zack Hoyt]

I keep my phone on me all the time. Too much can go wrong, not to mention them being able to GPS track you, god-forbid, something very bad happen. Not to mention being able to upload water info, pic, etc at a moments notice. I spoke a little at a TU meeting on how technology can be used for "good" instead of it all being "evil".

I know of a few circumstances where water releases trapped someone on the other side of the river.......cell phone is what got them picked up. Just my thoughts.

Edit: To comment on your thoughts.......I dont see much reason to use it while on the water for a full conversation. I love tranquility as much as the next guy.

[flytyer57]

If I'm just our wading near the access, I turn my phone off and leave it in the van.

If I'm floating, I'll take it along but I don't know why. Most places I float, I do not get any decent reception due to the high bluff banks and being out in the middle of nowhere.

[Zack Hoyt]

Since this will pop up as well......here are a few links to great products for keeping your gear waterproofed.

I use the SealLine stuff personally.

http://cascadedesigns.com/sealline/protective-cases/category

Otterbox

http://www.otterbox.com/waterproof-cases/waterproof-cases,default,sc.html

I also keep a 1500series Pelican case on the boat.

http://www.pelican.com/case_category.php?CaseSize=Small%&New=%

Aquapac

http://www.aquapac.net/usastore/water-electronics-mp3-889-0.html

Also, humidity is an issue with most electronics.....so using these Desiccant Sachets are a good idea.

http://www.aquapac.net/usastore/water-accessories-desiccant-911-0.html

[trout fanatic]

Don't own a cell phone.

Don't want a cell phone.

[Don]

Vibrate mode in my wader pouch in case of emergency or to talk to fishing partners that are too far away from me. It can be used without talking loudly.

[exiledguide]

But even if I didn't have this phone or this job, I'd still have a basic phone for emergencies.. Wouldn't you?

Yep, I got my first cell phone [a bag phone, because at that time hand held phones were unreliable] in 1997 after my heart attack which led to the early discovery of colon cancer, I realized that I was not imortal. I do not have it on when I'm in the boat or wadeing. I have just a basic Net 10 phone that cost me $16.05 a month that I bought in July 2007 works for me. I have used it to call home from Skagway, Ketchican, Seward in Alaska to Freeport, Maine on the east coast. I'm not into apps on a phone. I don't understand the attraction.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Always have the phone with me, and on, so I can see who called in case they don't leave a message.

If wading, leave in car. If boating, at least have to have one for the boat.

I don't scream into it. Ringer on low. I don't have to answer it if I don't want to.

Just to clarify things, my wife won't bother me while fishing or on the golf course unless it's a true emergency.

Like:

"what would you like for dinner honey?"

"Should I warm the jacuzzi up for you?"

"How should I cook your tofu that resembles a chicken?"

[flytyer57]

"How should I cook your tofu that resembles a chicken?"

Yeah, I figured you for a vegan.