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My S&W 640-1 in .357 is loaded this way with 2 rounds of CCI snake shot followed by 3 rounds of 158gr GoldDot HP's.

I think we have a winner. While I might pack my M34 .22 up here in the north for red squirrel protection, I'm darn sure toting my 337 PD .38 Special with snake shot and +P Critical Defense ammo in the follow up positions down south. Both the snakes and the humans are more dangerous.

Rossi 720 or Taurus 431/441.

I nearly always belt carry a Rossi 720 whenever I'm out were there are snakes. 2 rounds of CCI snake shot and 3 rounds of 240 grain hard cast semi-wadcutters cover all the threats that I'm likely to encounter while afield anywhere that there aren't big bears.

Look at the S&W airlite model 317. I have 2" and adj sight 3". Can't decide which i like better. 11 oz, 8 shots, you want know its there, unless you need it.


Charlie

Since this thread was started, I acquired a rimfire companion to my other trail gun. One is if I'm using "fishing" as an excuse to go outside but probably plan on popping a few rounds off here and there- the other is if "fishing" is really about fishing and having a gun there is for my peace and comfort. (S&W 60 & 63- both 3" barrels.)

The 3" 317's with adjustable sights,are rather Skookum. Doubly so when wearing CT grip. Hint.





Had this Squirrely bitch at under 5',but barked her away with a red laser dot on her head. We met in the jungle and she had Cubs(one of which is visible,next limb up).



'Course Ruger Self Shuckers are a mainstay.




Saw (21) Bears on Monday and a Grock 34 in a GFI Kenai,don't suck...which was in tow

A 317 is a tough bitch to beat for handy/dandy and I've more than a LOT of faith in a 22LR saving the day. Have seen it too many times,to discount it.

Hint....................

I'm not sure what you are fishing for. But I have found that a Ruger Black hawk with 38 fmjs. Are perfect for shooting carp in the shallows. Also shotguns and fine shot with a full choke work well

I wish I’d have read the OP, prior to digging out some old load data. I was going to offer some good loads for a .44 (heavy cast, wide metplat) for fishing! Also, have some good “trout loads” for my rifle, also cast bullets. You don’t have to carry all that fishing gear and a firearm....just a box of “special” bullets. As a plus, the fish you get is not a random chance.....you pick out the one you want!

So now to attempt to answer the actual question. Obviously, this is not for bear stoppage....so a fairly lightweight, accurate, stainless steel handgun would seem practical. My suggestion would be a Ruger Mark series .22 semi-auto in SS, or a S&W Model 617. No matter what you choose for your handgun, consider a “chest carry” ( tanker style) holster.....you will quickly learn to love it. memtb

Carried a Smith .38 snubby for quite awhile back in the day. Handloads with HBWC backwards over about 3 gr of Bullseye. Quite handy for calming uninvited lure choppers such as barracuda to facilitate lure retrieval...one shot decapitator it is. Don't fish offshore anymore so I just keep it handy for other pests.

Other than that I don't have much use for pistols.

Now I don’t drop my equipment in the water enough to take pretty pictures ...

But


S&W 631. 32 H&R Mag. 4” barrel.

Any 38 j frame would be good like this.. mines just a 32.

LJBass: Just yesterday I fished the Bighole River here in SW Montana and my fishing partner carried (waded right out into the river with it!) a stainless Smith & Wesson Model 629 in 44 Magnum with 8 3/8" barrel!
He carried it in a cross draw holster.
There have been several Grizzly maulings/attacks here in SW Montana in the last month. Along with numerous encounters/sightings.
I carried a Leatherman Super-Tool!
I would recommend a "fishing box" pistol of the Glock Model 43 style.
Best of luck to you with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I've got a little stainless Taurus .380 with a spare mag in the boat. If I was doing lots of fishing in bear country, I'd be carrying something with a little more punch.