I'm probably bitchy because it appears the weather in Maine will be lousy again this weekend, meaning I can't stain the deck and do other necessary household chores. I allow myself four weekends to get everything done before I disappear (as my wife says) for the rest of the summer. This is number three, and it doesn't look like I'll be doing much. Anyway, here's my complaint. I am an advocate for supporting the smaller baitshops. If their prices are within 10% of the chains, I'll galdly pay the few extra bucks. On the other hand, some of these people are the worst jerks in the world, especially when it comes to fishing reports. I can understand enhancing the truth a bit, but some of these people are out-and-out liars. There's a guy a few miles from me who I'm proud to say I've never given a dime and I never will. He's reported "heavy weekend action on the beach" in the exact spot where I've fished (alone) for 12 hours both weekend days. I actually called this idiot and asked him where he got his information. He was less than happy to be questioned. I also read a weekly fishing report issued by the Kittery Trading Post, which is a nice store. Their reports border on fiction at times, but are not as bad as the aforementioned baitshop. I guess my point is that the most reliable source for information is boards such as this one. Hopefully, we'll all remain honest and fair, and if we don't want anyone invading our favorite spots, we'll say nothing rather than lie. Thank you John. I feel better already. This weather had better improve or I'm really going to become obnoxious!

Dr. Frazier Saltomoron here, let me help you with your pain. Ok,I know that was pretty bad. Hey Marty, other than your post, how are things?

I know what you are saying. It's hard to create an authentic real time fishing reports model. Part of the way its working here is that reports will come from those out there fishing. Regular people like you, me, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& and others that post. Reports may be more general at times, if you happen to fish a spot or two that can hold one, two, or three people max, you are not going to want to give up a spot. Understandable. Some reports may also come from tackle shops that are reputable and honest people. There are a few out there. But we've all seen people out there outright lie to sell a product or just to be boastful... Hopefully a board like this can help...

BTW - the weather has <b><i>GOT!!</i></b> to get better.

Thank you, Doctor. I feel better already. Speaking of honest people who post, I don't know what the beef is with #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&. I have always found him to be informative and willing to help those of us who don't have his vast experience. Sure, I saw him go on a tear once in a while on another board, but never when it wasn't provoked. I also apologize if I have offended any of the honest tackle shop owners out there. I'm sure almost all of them are honest and fair. It's just this one jerk in Wells Maine who all but claims the fish are jumping onto shore while we're getting skunked. While I'm rambling, there used to be a great baitshop on the Wells Ogunquit line. It was owned by a gentleman named Mark Rocci. Mark sold me my very first surf fishing equipment four years ago. He was such a good guy, that he made keys for a bunch of us regulars so we could take mackerel out of his freezer before he opened for business in the morning. Mark died two years ago and eft a wife and two elementary school children. His wife sold the business, but she still travels to Portland and picks up cases of mackerel that she sells individually to a few of us. This saves us from having to go 15 miles to Luke's in Kennebunk, which is the nearest honest baitshop.

It's usually when the weather stays like this or the succesive nor'easters in the fall that Bill throws the dirty socks against the wall to see if they stick. The ventability factor gets high... Some also look at it as sport to gut hook people (remember the trollers at the older board) for fun. But he has a wealth of information to give...

That's sad about Mark. But it is also nice that he left a good mark on people and sure sounds like his wife is continuing that tradition. We had a guy in the MSBA, must have been in his late 60s or so. He sold these nice pewter and brass tie clips and pins cast as stripers and bluefish - nice guy. He passed away recently. Don't know his name but he left a mark on my memory...

Anyway - when the schoolies get close here soon, maybe you can arrange a local weeknight outing?

You'd have to twist my arm......about 1/16th of an inch.