The best way to avoid being mauled is not **** a bear off, or let a bear think you are food when it is hungry. When you are in bear country always keep all senses on your surroundings, not on the fish. Seek out an old guide in your area and ask questions, maybe book a trip to kickstart the friendship. They will know best how to deal with bears, they have delt with them their whole lives. Good luck, I hope I never have the oppertunity to test my bear senses, hope you don't either.