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Location: Oklahoma | Hi guys....I am just curious, not being a competitive fisherman of any sort (my only attempt ended up with my boat and trailer stuck halfway off the ramp with 35 other trucks/boats waiting for me to get it off, which happend about 30 minutes after launch time, BTW!)
Growing up in an era of when fishing was primarily "recreational", and not money or tournament oriented/driven, I am discouraged to see how much influence tournament angling has had an effect on ALL of the fishing industry. Not that I disagree with the idea of competitive fishing, and tournaments, I think that it does contribute to the sport, but, it seems to me that if a guy can't see a way to make money out of what used to be a relaxing passtime, then he does not seem interested. You wouldnt believe the amount of letters I get from kids who want to be a Professional Angler and make a living out of it...I think that's great, but, are they seeing or missing the FUN in the sport?
I know I may sound silly and "out of touch", but growing up in the fishing business since the early 1960's, I have seen the industry change over the years. Obviously, as you can likely guess, it is much harder to compete as a lure manufacturer in the competitive world we live in today. I see the value of being associated with "known" proffessional angler's names, and I do participate (it is necessary). So, don't think I am slamming Proffessional angling, Bass or Walleye or whatever. I realize that I am trying to make money in fishing too, as a manufacturer, but it is a much more difficult market these days when the general public read all about tournaments and competition so much, and want to only listen or only get the opportunity to read articles about what Pro angler so and so did and what he used....not talking to their local dealer or reading the paper on joe-blows who are out to fish for fun.
I just wonder, as an "outsider" in the Pro world, does anyone fish for the heck of it anymore? I remember when I used to get so excited when my dad or granddad would just take me out and get a line wet at all! Am I alone in this world? I would like to hear of fishing reports about people catching fish, stories of the "Big One"... Is fishing a recreational sport and FUN any longer?!
Please, take my questions in the light they are meant to be in. I look to you all and to ALL fishermen as to what they see in fishing, and what they fish for. And I appreciate everone who participates in the sport of fishing, Pro or not. I am sure others would like to read a story that has good information and generous, non-competitive input for guys like me. I am not a competitive person, so it sometimes is really "boring", sorry, to read every post having to do with tournament fishing on the General Fishing board! There really is little sharing of good 'ol fishing facts and strories out here.
Even on my local body of water, Lake Texoma, which has become a HUGE Striped Bass mecca, and is loaded to the gills with Guides taking loads of people out daily, these guides don't share their information with anyone, even me, who has been fishing that lake since 1965. All I get is "shad".......when I know, as I go out there and watch them, and I troll cranks, basically, many are trolling cranks too and casting topwaters as well.....but when you ask them at the marina they tell you "live bait" or "bait" ...and you get to see the customer's stringers and their smiling faces....but, I have a hard time feeling the "fun" in that, when the guide was not truthfull and was not telling me what he really did to catch those beautiful fish, just to keep me out of his way to make a good showing for his client. Sad to me that he can't see the joy in sharing his successes with others and sharing with a friend a way that he too can have the succes he was having!
Let's hear some fish stories and have some fun! I miss the fun of fishing. It is not even much fun to attend our biggest "Sportfishing" Trade show each year as it has become such a HUGE show of WHO's WHO...really depressing. Buyers ask me all the time at these shows..."So, who's on your" Pro Staff" and how much money are you spending on marketing with them? "If you don't have someone "BIG" then, I dont feel I can help you"....I feel like saying "My dad is on my Pro Staff, and he is one of the best fishermen EVER!!"
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| No offense intended Dave, but I think you need to get out a little more. The vast majority of anglers are still recreational anglers and they're still pretty friendly. I fished Winnebago on average 3 days per week over the last 3 months and have witnessed all sorts of fun and sharing -- on the lake, at the ramp, in my driveway with my neighbors when I come off the lake. I see and chat with other "regulars" on the lake & we'll share strategies -- I don't know any of their names, there's the 'Old Guy in the Lund', and the 'Couple in the Starcraft', and the 'Guy in the camo boat that also brings his kids along somedays'. I was on a northern MN lake this summer with my kids looking for some crappies and some guys from Iowa stopped by to share some information they'd gathered during their stay because they were getting a kick out of my kids. I think the golden rule applies as much to fishing as it does to any other aspect of life -- Treat others as you'd like to be treated (and they will). Have there been a-holes on the lake? Sure, and it is easy for those experiences dominate your memories but it is a lot nicer to think about helping that guy in the camo boat put his kids on a few fish or that guy from Iowa that helped me put my kids on some fish. | |
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| This is what happened. If you talk it goes to print. Do you know anyone here? Enough said.
http://www.electronicguideservice.com | |
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Location: Chicago IL. | The commitment I made to fish the MWC plus smaller circuts has put a damper in my "fun fishing" as there is just not enough time to do both. I live in Chicago and do some drives to the lakefront to catch some perch now and then, but the cost of fuel has definatly knocked down some trips to the river/lakes for me. Plus I really dont like fishing in the heat of summer. I have more fun in the spring and fall when the pleasure boaters are home. My grandson is 4 and next year we will be spending alot of time in the boat and I cant wait. I also vollenteer(spelling) at the USO in chicago and have taken vets out fishing, plus i`m part of the urban fishing program teaching kids in the city to fish. So the summer is pretty shot.
Edited by john mannerino 9/6/2006 5:17 AM
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| I fish Pro/AM or Co tournaments for a few reasons. One I NEED the competitive thing, I've been competitive since I was a kid. Sports used to fill that "need", however the body can only take so much. I still play a little ball, just can't run or throw like I used to. Sure I can hang on til I'm 50 by playing lower and lower, but I have lost the rush or the fuel I need to play at the highest level.
Fishing as a Pro against others feeds that fire I need. The internet has changed things a lot. People want all the info they can get, only thing is the guys willing to give it all get nothing from it. Simply meaning, if you give it all away chances are you will lose any edge you may have. This is a cut-throat business, from making and selling products to the way people adapt to tournament fishing. Everyone want to be that "Guy" you know the one, the one that has it all. The guy that makes the big bucks and wins all the money. People are willing to spend anything they have to make this dream come true. Fact is there are few that will ever get even close, there will always be winners and losers.
Has fishing changed? I don't think so, has the internet fishing web-sites changed? Maybe?? Have guides changed, who knows. In the end it's still about the money, people have to keep some sort of edge or they won't be around long, be that guiding or tournament fishing.
Whats that old saying; "You can put people on fish, but you can't catch'em for them"
Tournaments have a HUGE inpact on this sport> simple example: I live in small town around 2200 people. (5) guys that I personally know fish tournaments. if half the others fish at all, who do you think buys the most tackle? If half the people in town fish and buy 1 or 2 crankbaits, just how many do you think these 5 tournament fishermen own? The weekend fishermen buys products based on something he read or by someone telling him about it. Tackle is geared towards the pro's, it could be a tournament angler or a guide. If you build something that works, they will use it! In return they will sell, sometimes not even knowing they are. By simply telling people that they caught fish on a lure they just sold it. People can still learn some secrets these guys keep, you think the 3 people they take out during an event don't tell their buddies how the fishes? You bet they do, and you think their buddies don't tell some others? Someone had to be the 1st at everything, right? | |
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| Dave,
Thanks for your insight, many sponsors think that tournament prostaff is the ONLY way to market products! I think they are missing the boat! I fish for fun! unfortunately I too get bombarded with e-mails about the bite in my area which by the way has been great and looks to be even better in the coming years. I have learned a lot from sites like this and some great people that have chosen to fish competatively these guys spend a lot more on tackle and equipment than I do over the course of a year but your real audiance are those guys you see at the boat landing before and after dark, there are many ways to target them without having your guide or prostaff give away their fishing hole!
I have spent many hours on the water this year and almost everyone of those was with a kid! We also spent time teaching hundreds of kids about fishing this year. That IS what fishing is about, plain and simple.
Good Luck
Tyee | |
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Location: Essexville, MI./Saginaw Bay. | I spent 4 hours Sunday at my X-brother-in-laws house. Pete invited me (like he always does) to his fall anual Pig Roast. Him and his two other brothers were from 6 to 11 years old when I (then 17) started dating their sister in 1968 and we were married in 1970. I taught them how to fish, hunt and trap along the Bay shore for the most part, as their father concerned himself mainly with farming and equipment maintenance during the day and worked at GM during the night to support the 9 kids they had. Also at that party was my only child/son Brian, now 33 years old and my kinda new grandson Jacob who is 6. I brought along my fishing pole and a box full of bass lures to fish the 1 acre pond Pete dug in his back yard and stocked with bass, bluegills, perch and some good size rainbow trout.
When I arrived all the boys were throwing horse shoes and drinking a few cold ones. I went immediately to the pond and tied on a floating #5 Perch Colored Rapala and started casting. Jacob was at my side in a flash, googling at all the lures and spinnerbaits that filled this particular box, and asking all kinds of really pertenant questions. One of these questions was "How do you tell Grandpa Dan, what lures to buy to catch fish" he asked. Well I said, "for the most part its learning from others what they use and are successful with". Then he say's "what if they won't tell you what they are using to catch fish?" "Well then its up to you to keep experimenting until you find whats working" I said. And be sure to make those others feel special by showing them the fish you caught, and telling them what you caught them on. He laughed at that one. 
Oh by the way, we landed 3 bass and a small walleye Pete thought had been long dead in the pond, on the Rapala. 
Edited by walleye express 9/6/2006 12:23 PM
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| Dave,
Thanks for the interesting point of view and your question. I got back into Walleye fishing 2 years ago after being away for the past 15 years to raise a family and start a business. I bought a new “Walleye Boat” and spent hundreds of hours getting it “just right” for day and night Walleye fishing. Walleye fishing sure has got a lot more expensive! I looked forward to nights on the Wolf in the spring and all night adventures up on Bay de Noc in the fall again. I'm every bit as competitive as the next guy (just ask my business partner, I hate to lose at anything). Just flash something pretty at me and I’ll buy 6 of every color (Yes I have everything you make). My office has more crawler harness parts than paperwork at this very moment.
To me, Walleye fishing is a competition too! Except the challenge is between the fish and me. When I hit the water, it is often from 5 am till 8 or 9 pm in the evening in an effort to figure things out. I’ve been known to spend 20 hours straight in a boat in the fall. I've had the good fortune of learning over the years from an excellent group of friends who are all great fisherman including my business partner.
In our group we share and learn from each other. Maybe it has something to do with our group "the Fellowship of Christian Anglers Society". Our group includes a whole bunch of guys driving Rangers, Skeeters, Lunds and other very nice Walleye boats. We have several outings a year and every one is a great learning experience for everyone including the new guys and the guests that join us. In the last 2 years, I have yet to reel in a 10# Walleye in my boat because I'm always the “net man” and the guest gets to reel in every fish. It’s real interesting when I fish with my brother who is just like me, we argue over who gets to net the fish not reel it in. It’s a whole lot more fun to see the expression of a guy landing his first 10#, 30-inch Walleye at 1 o'clock in the morning on Bay de Noc. The big difference with our group is that we are all willing to share information anytime of the year with each other.
It was in this spirit that I shared information on my outings and the success (or lack thereof) last year and earlier this year on this web site. Many of the guys I met here on Walleyefirst are great guys willing to share information and I continue to share information behind the scenes because I'm fortunate to be able to get out on different bodies of water in our area such as the Bago chain and the Bay of Green Bay often.
I stopped sharing my information upfront because of the uncalled for responses I was getting. Guys were asking me to stop posting information because “there was an upcoming tournament and I should not be sharing any information till after the tournament” (I did not realize until this year that there were so many tournaments on Bago and the Bay of Green Bay), Guys were mad that I was giving out information that they felt other should have to earn themselves. I must have got a little too close to someone's honey hole in the middle of Lake Winnebago or Green Bay. I also heard from a few guys at the boat landings and that was the end for me!
I could not agree with you more when you talk about the old days. Every Sunday as a kid was spent with my grandfather on the water fishing for Walleyes and anything else that would hit an Abu spinner or a Little Cleo. It is still some of my fondest memories. He was a fishing guide that shared his love for fishing not only with all of us grandkids but also everyone in the neighborhood. Fishing was something that brought us all together and you can bet every Sunday there was a competition and bragging rights for the biggest and the most fish. Fishing stories still dominate every one of our family get togethers.
When I posted the detailed how-tos of my trips successes or failures, it was meant for the guys that take their kids out once a month or the 3 buddies that only get out once in a blue moon. Or the many "old guys" in the 15-foot alumacrafts at the boat landing that I love to share stories with. I don't keep most of the fish I catch, if there is someone fishing on shore or a guy landing his boat that "just could not get them to hit today" I enjoy the expression on their face when you offer them your limit of 5 Walleyes from Bago or 3 nice size fish from the Bay at the landing. Most of my business clients have spent time in the boat with my business partner or me and it's a thrill to have them along as much more than a guest.
After this year, I'm not sure whom sites like this are meant for; perhaps I was mistaken for giving out too much information. Most of the posts are from average guys who love to fish whether they fish tournaments or not. There will always be guys that treat Walleye fishing like it's a big secrete and will get mad if you are on "there spot" or "gave out the "Hot bite this week" and then there are guys and gals who are more than willing to share information because they remember that someone once took the time to show them how to hold a shinny new Mitchell 300 with a Berkley Cherry wood rod the "right way" not upside down and not to "reel too fast".
I’m not sure what effect the tournaments are having on the fish or the fisherman, I’m still trying to figure out if the web is a good way to help those that are willing to share information and are grateful for the tips and avoid the guys that feel like you are giving out too much information.
Purple Skeeter
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Location: Rhinelander | Dave,
As an industry person, you no doubt have access to the same information the rest of us fishing biz folks look to for our marketing direction and ideas every year. Of COURSE there's a huge recreational fishing presence, look at license sales in the millions and competitive angling in what, the thousands? Those millions of licensed fishermen and women are the ones buying the the majority of the lures at the Sport Shop and Big Box, not the Professional Angler; though they DO buy their share.
As a Guide and competitive angler in the Muskie world, frankly I don't see any problem. It's a vocational (or avocational) choice to compete in a sport where the vast majority only participates for enjoyment a few times a year. I might point out my guide clients are the very recreational anglers you are wondering about, Dave; many are brand new to the sport and looking for direction, some are excellent sticks looking for my ideas and techniques. Some are regular clients, looking to establish a pattern for the one week they spend on a lake in Wisconsin on vacation with the goal to shorten the time it takes to find the fish. Most know the water, and are literally looking for an enjoyable day on the water, a shot at some big fish, and confirmation of the knowledge they probably already have. Some are just friends of mine.
I have 250 lakes within an hour's drive of my house. All have folks who fish them regularly, known to those who fish that water now and again as 'locals'. Some of the locals don't like the occasionals because they are on 'their' water. Some of the locals AND the occasionals don't like the Guides because they are on 'their' water. Some of the Guides don't like other Guides because they are on 'their' water.
Some are just good folks, friendly and not at all threatened by ANYONE else on the water...Why? I think because this group understands the water belongs to us all, is managed by the professionals in the fisheries departments our collective tax dollars pay for, and that in many cases the access ramps into those waters are paid for by the taxes paid on fishing lures, equipment, and the like. Or, perhaps, they simply are part of the normal human race...some are REALLY nice folks, some are REALLY not, and there's a ton of folks somewhere in between. Guides fall into that same category; I have NO problem telling folks exactly what, where and when, and guess what....some Guides like that, some sort of don't, and some REALLY don't. Some share info just like me. The mistake one might make is bunching all of us together and judging us all by the actions of the few that are the MOST obvious---- the bad apples. Hmmm, the same COULD be said about regular contributors and 'critics' on internet message boards could it not?
All sports that are potentially competitive have Professionals, Semi Professionals, and those who are looking to become one or the other. Some become famous, and lend that marketability to the sponsors who help them get where they are. The folks who don't compete professionally look to those who do for advice and as role models, and the better the Pro performs the more the public watches what it is they do to BE so successful.
I don't like football much, mostly because I like to fish and hunt and football is in the way of that, I'm 54 and too old and fat to play, and have nearly zero talent. So, I'm not much of a fan, but I still know who that Brett Favre dude is.
That's also part of the human condition, we all like to 'love' or 'hate' our favorite Pro player or Team. I'd be willing to bet that there are a TON more recreational baseball players, golfers, tennis players, and even hockey players than there are those who call it a vocation or avocation. Hunters, too, if you have any doubt about that, turn on the Outdoor Channel. Any bets that the same conversation comes up when a distributor for tennis rackets or baseball equipment or athletic shoes talks to a manufacturer at a show? That's the way our Capitalistic marketing system works, and to my view, it's a better system than I see in Cuba. Even the French have their sports heroes, yes, even the French...
Now here's the kicker. So many try to take title to the water, taking personal ownership in their minds of fishing areas that have been there before most fishing them were born and WILL be long after they die, and deciding who shall be 'in' and who shall not in their sphere of influence. Notice a pattern here? Again, the human condition, that's the really ridiculous type of fighting some major wars were about. In the words of Crocodile Dundee, " That's kind of like fleas arguing over who owns the dog".
Somewhere in all this madness, there's the middle ground where the recreational angler spends most of his/her time, completely oblivious of the extremes on either end of the spectrum. Most of us live there in the middle, and look to folks like Captain Dan for innovations and cool stories, success stories from folks like Gary Parsons or Bill Ortiz or Todd Riley. We cheer on the new guys, the up-and-comers, hoping they will hand it to the Old Pros, just because. We cheer our local Pros, and hope they do well in the 'minors'. We read the magazines, watch the tournament reports, and study the techniques, in hopes of getting better at the whole deal ourselves.
Full spectrum. It's life amongst the testosterone laden souls in America, and it ain't all bad.
Purple Skeeter, you are in my opinion one of the guys on the 'more friendly' side of the spectrum. Allowing those on the dark side to effect your willingness to BE friendly is a shame, but I do understand. Nice folks usually don't have as thick a hide as those who are not so nice, and don't take well to the inevitable barbs. | |
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Location: Lincoln Park, Mi | Nothing but recreational here. I fished a bass tourney and placed 6th for my first time, but ooooohhhhh it was stressful. And costly. I couldn't do it for a living, so I've given up most ambitions for competition. Takes the fun away from it. I find more satisfaction from fishing the same time/waters as the big boys and comparing my results to theirs. Hard/cold slap in the face with reality most of the time, but cheaper. Even better, and I'm sure you can appreciate it, is to put one of your creations in the hands of a real pro and watch them excel with it. You can't lose that way. | |
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Location: Oklahoma | Thanks for all of you postings, lots of interesting (and encouraging responses), I think I was spurred on to make my post simply because even all 3 of my brothers-in-law here in Oklahoma talk about fishing their local tournaments and NEVER seem to want to go just wet a line. I guess it comes down to what you see in fishing, basically. Competitive-minded/oriented people may be more inclined to see it as an opportunity to compete in a contest. For guys and girls like me, I guess I just don't have that "feeling" in me.
I dont lump everyone together, really. I am just exposed and bombarded all of the time about the professional side (seemingly more then the recreational side), and I am sure that has to do with what I do for a living. Sometimes I just would like to hear from folks who just have a story to tell. Being in this manufactuing business is not all fun and games at all, it is very hard to develop relationships with people. I am sure you can all see what I am talking about. My dad used to get pictures after pictures of anglers with their catches and they (my dad and uncles) had a HUGE wall covered with photos sent from happy anglers that used their lures to catch fish. Many had letters attached. I have been doing my own business now for 5 years and I can count on two hands the pictures and stories that I have received. Just seems to be a different world these days, and I know that it is. Just seems like it was more friendly a few decades ago...not so much hatred and arguing. Then again, maybe I only was exposed to the good side of the business! That is more likely the case.
Thanks guys for responding. You are right.....I DO need to get out more.
Dave | |
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Location: Devils Lake, ND | This is a really neart topic as I get to see every side of this issue. I am a full time professional angler that fishes tournaments (PWT), Guides (Devils Lake, ND), lives on the lake shore (My Lake), and is introducing my family to fishing (4 Step Children).
At one time or another I have felt every emotion mentioned so far in this thread. Some I like to feel and some I don't enjoy, but have to deal with.
During the PWT event on Devils Lake this spring, I found myself very frustrated when I would pull into one of my favorite spots just to see a pro from WI (just kidding) sitting right on the spot on the spot. How the HE## did he know about that spot? Mad, very mad that there are no secrets. Then, I would take a step back and think about it. I may have been the one that showed the spot to a guide client that showed his friend on a map that told his friend the tournament guy that was sitting on the spot. I am a true believer in the 6 degrees of seperation theory.
I truly believe that it is my job as a professional angler to tell as many people as I can when, where, and how to catch fish. I spend countless hours answering e-mail, giving seminars, writing stories, and posting on the internet so I can share my successes with others. Yes, sometimes this creates a crowded favorite spot on my home lake, but to see another family on my favorite bobber spot catching a few fish and having fun, it makes it all ok.
One of the other things in this thread that gets frustrating is being crucified about mentioning certain products in these educational sessions. I get furious when people try to make me feel like I would promote any lure out there if I was paid to do so. Actually, I remeber Capt Dan and I having a discussion about that on this very site when Normarck changed the Thunderstick series. Well, I do have morals, ethics, scruples or what ever you want to call them. Yes, I do promote my sponsors products when they work for me. I also mention several companies in my seminars that do not sponsor me, because they build products that work. I honestly only share my good experiences with the public. Why would anyone need to hear the stories abut the days when my Tail Dancers don't catch any fish. Like my dad always said, "If you don't have anything good to say...
Now I find myself with a new family living on the shores of this great body of water in North Dakota...my lake. Yeah right. PWT, FLW, Chamber of Commerce, Pro Team Walleye, MWC..they were all here this year. I say great!!! I learned more this year about fishing Devils Lake than I could have on my own in a lifetime. I fished in some of these events and watched the others. The day after they were over I took my family to the areas described on stage and showed my kids how to catch fish in a way none of us had tried before. How can I loose there?
I guess my point is that you CAN have it all when it comes to fishing. That is why I love this game. I am not a wealthy person and I could make a lot more money with my Marekting Degree than I am making right now, but where else coud I catch fish, teach others to catch fish, pass on my fishing heritage to my family, make new friends, see the world, and make enough to get by? I truly am blessed and beg all lof you to keep teaching me so I can keep teaching others. Don't worry if there is a tournament coming or not or get bent out of shape because Capt. Dan is catching on Streak Freaks. The tournament anglers will find those spots anyway (they always do) and Capt. Dan probably really is catching them on Streak Freaks if he says so.
Oh, and if you ever want to know when, where, and how to catch them here on Devils Lake send me an e-mail or call me at 701-371-9431. I will tell you anyting you want to know. | |
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| That's the real deal. Both Dave's last post and Mr. Candle's. It is the way it is, and we can spend all our time complaining or enjoying. I pick the positive. It's a great day to be alive, made better by the fact I'm going fishing tonight after work. | |
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Location: Clio, Mi. | Fishing has always been recreational for me. Sure I fished a couple of small tourneys but as my signiture states. Do what you like and like what you do. I have been having a blast just taking the neice and girlfriend out on the Saginaw River for anything that stretches a sting. Been a nice summer being able to troll the river all summer long and catching eyes when they are not supposed to be there. Dave here is a couple pictures of fish caught on your new and some of the old ones your dads company made. Get ready for the pictures and emails Dave cause these girls proved they can reel in a some fish this summer.
Edited by Baydog 9/7/2006 8:50 PM
(Chelsea 15 inch Eye 8-19-06.JPG)
(14 inch Bass 06-04-06.jpg)
(23 inch Walleye 7-16-06.jpg)
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 Chelsea 15 inch Eye 8-19-06.JPG (126KB - 72 downloads)
14 inch Bass 06-04-06.jpg (103KB - 77 downloads)
23 inch Walleye 7-16-06.jpg (51KB - 81 downloads)
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| Being that I have the good fortune of being mostly retired, I get to fish during the week. A majority of the folks I see out walleye and panfishing are out there to catch a dinner and enjoy themselves. Most of the folks I meet at the launch are willing to share a story or two or three or....., well, you get it.
We all llike to hear about the latest hot lure, and most of us have bought some that are not worth a hoot. But to discover the one that works well, and not widely popular, is something special. No, I am not giving that one up in this thread!
IMHO, fishing is still 99% recreational. The Pros get the ink, but the network between the recreational anglers is very strong. When the white bass, or walleye run starts in our area, the insiders know very quickly and are on the spot.
Dave, keep at it and I hope that you create my next "secret lure". In a subtle way, it will likely catch on through word of mouth. If you can't produce it yourself, it seems that your R&D man in Saginaw will get it right:)
Take care,
Jim O | |
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| I am one of the fortunate ones who fish for fun and am able to try to deliver that message in print. I have been mistaken as "anti tournament", but am not, I respect those who are professional in their competative endeavors, no matter how many tournaments they have won. Tournaments are proving grounds, are important to the over all growth in fishing, but, are also in some cases a detriment to recreational fishing. High gas prices may bring the "fishing boat" back in to the family circle to replace the full blown tournamnet package for some, but there will always be plenty willing to compete. We need a healthy tournament scene, but we need to make strides to grow fishing as something that is fun and worth doing first, and worth competing in second. Parents get their kids in Little Laegue because they don't have to make the All Star Team to play.
I love fishing, the sunsets, the changes in the days as fall moves towards winter. I am forunate to be paid to write about my love of fishing, and fill my articles with pieces of those feelings at every chance. The pay isn't much but if I've helped anyone find a tug on the line, or capture ONE "cotton-candy sky" that refreshes their spirit, then I have been a success in the fishing business. | |
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Location: Oklahoma | Lonnie,
THANK YOU for posting your pics! It is great to see and hear of people who have fun on the water, and especially people who are taking/sharing their young anglers out with them! I am happy to hear that you have success using my lures as well as my father's...I have caught more fish on his Wiggle Wart "V" lure than any other lure ever, it is by far my favorite lure. Some day, I hope to fill the market with a lure that enjoyed the all-around success as the WW did. You are very nice to reply to my message. It means a lot to hear from you. Hope you had a great Labor Day holiday weekend...this week it was "back to the grind...", and grind I did! | |
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| All my fishing is recreational...even in tournaments.
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| I enjoy the recreational fishing, salmon, bass, steelhead, walleye, etc... For years I would see the walleye tournament fishermen out there and said to myself "I can do that" and entered a local tournament. Fortunately, or unfortunately, however you look at it, we won the tournament. Wow, was I in for an eye opener. We rained on the good old boys parade and they didn't like it. Guys I did not even know personaly hated me and resented the fact that we won the tournament without paying our dues. Too make the situation worse, we won the following year by almost 20 lbs while setting a one day weigh record. The resentment was even worse after this.
Two things I learned from all of this. First, I didn't realize how bad some guys where obsessed with the tournament thing. The frustration of hating someone for success is beyond my comprehension and I think there is a huge problem with it and most of these guys will admit to it.
The second thing I learned is the seperation between the successful recreational walleye fishermen and tournament fishermen. Fishing etiquette can be a problem when they get together.
I'm looking foward to going back to the recreation side of fishing!
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| Thats awsome guest Good job! What tournament was that and wich location? | |
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| I have only 24 hours to find the identity of the Guest before he goes and wins another tournament. Jusk kidding, I know your pain! Well all except the part about winning the tournamant and then winning the next year.
Jack Bauer
Season 6
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Member
Posts: 625
Location: LaCrosse, WI | Congrats on your wins. I'll agree with you that there are some bad eggs that fish tournies. However, there are also bad eggs on the other side of the ball too.
I seperate my fishing activities. I fish for fun 70% of the time, the other 30% is during tournaments or pre-fishing for them. I try to have fun at tournies, but to be succesfull at it you must look at it as a business. Having fun is a goal, but spending thousands of dollars to have fun at tournies is poor money management.
I also think that you have to seperate out what kind of tournies you fish. I can have a blast fishing a $20 entry bar tournament, but I'm a bit more serious when I have hundreds or thousands of dollars on the line.
Also, the wear and tear you take over the course of a year on a circuit is greater than you may think. I could be like many in my area and only fish tournies on my home waters, but would that make me a better angler?
What I'm trying to get at is, if you fish tournies only you're probably going to get burnt out. If you recreational fish only, fun should always be your goal. Either way, let's not lump everybody who does or doesn't fish tournaments into stereotypes.
I'm not a bright shirt wearing jerk who hates all locals. I also don't think most locals are toothless rednecks. Thanks to everyone who still fishes to enjoy it, I wish you all the best of luck.
Let's start sending Dave some photos like the ones above. My son just turned 1, you can bet Dave will be getting some photos of Mississippi River Walleyes hanging off the back of a Streak Freak in the next few years. | |
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| The tournament was the Oregon's Gov. Cup. I had been fishing the area for many years catching lots of walleye before we entered the tournament. When we fished the Cup for the first time, I only new a couple of the fishermen. The strange part was, one day I don't know these guys and the next thing I know, they are following me on the water. The first year we won, I fished with my brother-in-law who had never been walleye fishing before and he caught the big fish of the tournament. The whole thing was pretty amazing.
It's hard to believe that winning would create a negative reaction. At one point while I was having problems dealing with a tournament guy(trying to get my paperwork in so we could attend Cabela's NT), I asked him why he was being difficult(we almost did not get in tournament and only made it in with an overnight letter) he told me he had fished 68 walleye tournaments and never won one while we had won our first. I can't imagine how he felt after we won the second time and he didn't even fish the tounament we won!
Hopefully, this is not happening at other walleye curcuits. I highly encourage the recreational fishermen to fish a tournament, the experience fishing in a tournament, is great. The negative aspect only shows up when you win. There are a lot of great recreational fishermen out there on the water and good luck if you decide to do so.
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Member
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Location: Oklahoma | Man! That is a good experience to have! As imentioned before, my only attempt at fishing a tournament was a disaster, mis-launching the boat, delaying the launch for 50 boaters....then....NO fish to weigh in...not one! So, I am happy to hear of someone's good fortune in their first attempt! Kudos to those who fish regularly. I cannot imagine the patience and pain that the travel, money and stress that tours can inflict on an angler and their families. For me, and it seems most everyone else, FUN is the #1 priority for all...and that is what I was wanting to hear. Create some memories with someone on the water. There is nothing quite like the feeling of your fishing rod twitching and jerking with SOMETHING down there tugging on it! The mystery and excitement of what is on the other end is what is so fun! It is even MORE fun to watch a child's eyes when they get a fish on! My daughter just goes NUTS when she gets a bite! It truly is a fun sport, and can create many fantastic memories. | |
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| I honestly believe that many guys loose that concept of "recreational fishing" after they get a taste of success at whatever level of tourney fishing they pursue. That challenge to find the fish and catch those fish over takes the mind and the idea of recreational fun is gone. I know as a guide, I can't go out and just fish for fun anymore. Yes, I might not have clients in the boat with me, but the need to find and catch fish is always the driving force. It's actually gotten to the point that when my wife comes to the lake to visit me on those weekends that I'm not guiding, I actually get upset that I have to take her fishing! Its almost like I'm having to give up a day off to spend it in the office (boat) so she can go fishing. I tell her that I spend 5-6 days a week fishing for a job and that is what she wants me to do for fun with her. I don't really enjoy it as much as her and as a result, it takes away a lot from our quality time together.
I guess I've let my avocation become too much of my vocation, and am starting to loose some of that passion I once thought was endless. | |
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Location: Manitowoc, WI | I've waited and watched this thread grow, thinking about my own experiences and my interractions with my kids and others who fish with me. I focus alot of my time in the tournament scene, and I make sure to find time to do other things, whether they are fishing related or not, that I can use as a getaway from tournaments. Since the Green Bay FLW, I've been out walleye fishing once but I've been salmon, trout, panfish and smallmouth bass fishing multiple times. I'm also busy with coaching baseball and football during different times of year, so I use these activities as a release from the tournament game. I think the recreational end of fishing and other sports supports the more competitive dealings in all sports. So yes, given our many interrations with the competitive side, I'd say there is plenty of recreational activities still going on. | |
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Location: Oklahoma | Jack, I understand what you are saying, and it is a shame that at times it gets to that point. Although I am not on the water every day like many of you, I can see how if you do it for a living (guiding or chartering), then it can lose some of it's appeal, and a lot of the fun.
Undoubtedly your wife can't understand why you may feel it's a "chore" to take her out...I can sympathize with her, and you, too. Somewhere I am sure there is a happy place in-between, and you all work it out.
Somewhat related, my wife would be shocked if I even had the time to take her out ONCE! She has not been on the water with me in 3 years. Mainly because of our daughters (one likes boating the other doesnt), and they were too young to leave with someone etc...so, she has not been out in a long time. I also cannot take much time off anyway. The fun with the whole family is not there for me because ALL of us dont like to fish, therefore, someone gets left out. I take my youngest daughter with me now, and my wife/other daughter stay at home. Not really fair to the Mrs., but it has to happen that way for now.
Nice to hear your opinions on this subject. I care a lot about how other people feel about fishing, and how it relates to their lives. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
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