Intimidation like that is a "self defense mechanism." There is a reason you're uncomfortable with a particular stretch of water. Something inside you says this could be dangerous. In which case, it's probably going to be dangerous for you. My best advice is to get familiar with a piece of water before getting in over you ankle bones. As others have said, break it down to smaller pieces or go back to what you really enjoy; Streams and Ponds. I'm a Streams and Ponds kind of guy myself. I just wish I had more of them to fish. Most of all, have fun.