I think the reason this article has raised such a stink is because it's not one spot...it's a whole coastline...

Its amazing what this article has caused, but it goes on every day. I was just visiting another website from connecticut that encourages very specific detailing of spots and how to fish them. Funny thing about it, a lot of reports are on soco. I have fought on that site before to restrict specifics to no avail. It got to the point where an individual posted mapquest directions to the spot in question. But here we are P.O.ed about an article when there is a whole website dedicated to spot burning. There will most likely never be a reprint of this article, but that other site has for years has burned and burned and burned.
As johnr has said, it is our media. The network has the flaws more than just a few individuals. It seems that the media has taken to catering to the generation of "want results right now -without the effort". So, do we blame the media, or do we blame the direction society has gone? I know too many young people that do not want to learn how to do something the correct way, they want to do it the easiest and most instantly gratifying way there is. Instant results with minimal effort. Whats easier than read the curent report and head in?The media has to make sales, so maybe it designs its offerings to fit what the generation I speak of wants, not what we old school fisherman want.

thats why I am kind of laughing a bit but John was right when he said it could screw up access if a LOAD of fisherman showed up and started being a bunch of jack-offs....

but I guess that is already happening on that coast..... :bl:

Did you learn everything about surffishing on your own? Or did you ask people what worked for them and maybe even where they fished?These are honest qustions.A lot of these googans who burn the hot spots bring in quite a bit of $$$$ to the local economy. You may not like it but it is certainly true.Maybe it wasn't a good idea to name these spots but it happened.There is certainly quite a bit of whining going on this board.

My nj friend will be pumped.plus I won't have to show him all the spots myself.he don't shower enough.now all u guys quit ur bitchin.I never see anyone when i fish ur all a bunch of sandsissie's an wouldn't get out on a rock anyways.its alot of posts complainin like a bunch of women.


:whackin: That was NIB :scatter:

If you had been within a mile of the shop when news of the BFT hit the papers this year you would have heard me yelling.

The essence of spot burning is when the people who regularly fish it feel in any way that their current fishing has changed due to the burn. That for damn sure happened with the bluefin, I was out there alone for a good 3 weeks till the lid was blown off it.

Time will tell how bad of a burn this is.

The vast majority of "class B googans" will not know about these spots because they probably do not subcribe to or buy OTW or even read for that matter.

Just curious,did the traffic at these spots increase in the last month? I haven't seen the article, but if it is speaking about the 5 spots to get a 40 lb striper,Steve gave that same seminar at the last RISAA meeting in August.There were a couple hundred people at that meeting Iwould say . If you haven't already noticed an increase in fishermen there ,maybe there isn't so much to get all worked up about.

Spot Burning
 

While I don't support or encourage spot burning in the media, I think that it has been summed up several times throughout this thread. While spots may get a little bump in traffic after an article, it is usually from googans who don't know what they are doing and will not come back again. So it always is a gamble with spots, but as just mentioned above, the crowds are likely to experience somewhat of a bump and then go back to the regulars for the most part. I have seen it happen time and time again year after year. The Fisherman has been doing it for 30 years, now is no different.

i just read it...

If he had a soul, its gone now....

and who is this, nebe? or bin?

:usd:

this is eben...
Mr. nibblesworth is on the prowl looking for bigguns in the suds// :eyes:

hope you feel better soon.

thanks slip. i am actually.. i got a ways to go, but im feling better than i did last week.

Joe - there is a difference in a seminar to 50-200 people versus a widely read maggazine. He is not the first to do it - everyone of of those spots have been written about at least once (with the possible exception of one) in the past few years. But what is the pressure point that a spot gets shut down? When people see that one place to park is private and disregard the rules?

Please keep in mind that 70% of the people that read the article and follow and do it are not likely the problem, its the 30% that I'm worried about...

I just read the article..unbelievable. Two spots that I fish consistently were burned. It's bad enough that Steve writes about one spot every week in the fisherman and he goes ahead and draws detailed maps to it. How does he benefit from doing this? From what I have read he is a nice guy. Unfortunately,he has angered many fisherman in writing this article. I'm sending an e-mail to Gene Bourque voicing my displeasure. :doh:

spend a little more time contributing your opinion and we might listen to your percieved opinion on other contributors "whining".

Whine, complain, etc. It is all constructive commentary.

Got It ?

When I read the first couple posts, I felt most of you were a bit out of line as these were not exactly secret spots. My magazine came the next day and MY favorite spot is listed as Number 1! Dohhh!!!!. I was pi$$ed at first but as far as that particular spot goes, I think Bloocrab has the right concern. It is a big area to fish and I have never seen more than 2 other fisherman out there, usually have the place to myself. If the magazine attracks some diehards that are willing to take the walk and learn some tough water, I will be happy to fish with them. My concern is the parking issue we have been having recently but I honestly don't think the lot will be full this weekend because of the article.

I think the postman must be reading my copy because I haven't got mine yet. and while reading this I wonder what is really in print.

Gene Im gonna tie up up and put u on the RR tracks on monday :zup: :devil:
Burn RI Haw HaYou all preach BullSh!t
Your all worthless info spot suckers

:smokin:

I just got the issue today. Those that know me know that I do 95% of my fishing by boat. I read your posts with nothing but respect for the knowledge and love that all of you have for surfcasting. I have meet some pretty cool people on this site. I for one can't imagine climbing over rocks and logs and crap in the middle of the night to catch a striper. BUT I RESPECT IT. I read all the BS you guys put up with for the love of the surf and it kills me that Steve did this, I don't get it, he is a good guy and is very skilled. WTF I think that he may have had a brainfart. Hang in there you bastards and I will wave to you as I fish thsoe sites from my boat. :jump:

toothless sand sissy.

hows your barbie jeep :yak: :devil: :zup:

<first post>

Hi guys. Someone left the back door unlocked so I thought I'd mosey in.

'Just happened to stumble on this site and found it to be very interesting. Especially this thread. I'd like to make a comment or two - if it's okay.

I can certainly understand the anger some of you feel because of Mr. McKenna's article. However, it's done. It's over. And if I felt as strongly about Mr. McKenna's article as some of you do, I'd get together with him for a sit-down, and ask him to explain why he would reveal this kind of info' to the general public.

For the most part, it sure sounds like Mr. Kenna is well respected not only for his knowledge of the sport - but for his willingness to help others as well. For that alone, I think he's owed an opportunity to explain himself. I say, "explain himself", because it's doubtful that Mr. McKenna didn't know his article would spur a controversy among the die-hards. On the other hand, Mr. McKenna doesn't sound like a malicious individual. All the more reason to have a face to face discussion with him and urge him to be a bit more discreet in the future. Just my opinion.

For what it's worth, this is my first time back into SW fishing after a several year absence. And I recall vividly how an old fishing buddy of mine was rippin' because he confided in Dave Pickering by telling him of a favorite spot - figuring Mr. Pickering would keep it close to his vest. As it turns out, the very next time my buddy visited that spot, Mr. Pickering was there with 2 of his buddies. My friend went ape. Word of this spread very fast, and of course with predictable results.

I read all the posts in this thread. And I thought the idea offered by 'redsoxticket' was a good one. Signs in bait shops about littering - and in other languages as well. There is absolutely no reason for people to behave like slobs. I'll say this... I make no bones about telling someone who I just saw throw trash on the beach or where ever to pick it up. There were times when they looked at me as though I had 2 heads, but it doesn't matter because each time they picked up their trash. Sometimes you just have to do what you got to do. And yes, it's a pet peeve of mine as I'm sure it is with most of you.

Anyway, thanks for the opportunity to voice a couple of opinions.

I'm up for that. Are you and anyone else?

Quote: "I'm up for that. Are you and anyone else?"

I don't know any of the players at this point, but I'd still be glad to join in. Provided, of course, that the discussion is designed to prevent future problems - and not intended as a bash-fest.

If OTW is going to publish spot burning articles perhaps they could also include companion articles or an obligatory disclaimer that will help their googan readership understand the finer points of surfcasting that often get overlooked in the stampede to the latest "hot spot".

As many posts have already pointed out, sharpies aren't concerned that the googans will catch all the fish, the main concern is that they will conduct themselves in such a way that they will be a nuisance to fish around or they will honk off adjacent property owners to the point that our shoreline access will be threatened.

It's been my experience that the googanesque "bucket & lantern" brigade is made up of mostly guys who want to catch some fish and be good sports in the process, they just don't know the ropes yet (I'm speaking as a former googan myself). I'd like to get the ball rolling by suggesting a few breaches of striper etiquette that OTW can use in their effort to educate their readership on the finer points of our delicate obsession.

** Don't litter! That means don't leave behind ANYTHING that wasn't there before you got there, i.e. bait containers, beer cans, balls of mono, coffee cups, butts, plastic bags, etc. In fact, maybe you could even grab some crap that isn't yours and take it out with you.

** Be quiet! Believe it or not, most of the world wants to sleep at 3:00am. Ocean front property owners deserve the same respect that we give our own neighbors. If they don't hear you, chances are they won't know you're there.

** Leave the lanterns at home! Too much light spooks fish and pisses off your fellow anglers. Get a headlamp and use the "red" setting. If you're driving on the beach go easy on the headlights.

** Give people some elbow room! If a guy's fishing in a spot don't crowd him out, cross his line or hop in his spot while he's changing lures. Use a rotation if fishing on a breachway. If you want to chunk come back in the morning or head down to New Jersey.

** If a guy's into a big fish stay out of the way or help him land it.

** Introduce yourself and ask what the protocol is when you arrive at a new spot. Don't just muscle in and start casting. Most locals will be happy to give you the low-down if you show some respect.

** Don't park in spots that will attract the ire of property owners and the law. Sometimes you have to walk a bit to get to the fish.

** Don't leave a mess when cleaning fish. It attracts vermin and puts up a stink for guys who fish there regularly.

** It's one thing to have a beer after a long day at work, and another to get s***-faced. Know the difference.

** Don't fish beyond your ability. Korkers and waders are the price of admission at some spots. If you have to ask someone else to land your fish or un-stick your plug find a gentler place to fish.

** Watch your language! Some guys bring their kids fishing with them and they don't need you introducing them to the low-rent world of redneck profanity.

** Respect size limits, and don't kill fish you don't intend to eat.

** If you're driving on the sand be prepared and go slow.

Hopefully, some more experienced sticks will add to this list as well . . .

Unfortunately, most people won;t follow those rules.

I know Steve well. I believe he would welcome a chat. I'll get the idea to him.

I have not got mine either. I had a problem awhile back when someone from the Post Office was stealing my fishing mags and reading them. One of my OTW showed up 2 weeks lake with spagetti sause all over some of the pages inside the mag. I filed a complaint and I started getting them on time again. If I don't get mine today....another complaint! :zup:

Well, mine showed up last night. I'm not impressed by the article because I learned noting from it other than what to do at a certain time in certain spots. A great article is one I learn from and there have been some in OTW.
Then again they burnt some of my spots here in VT, but not the best ones.

yes.

WISH MY COPY WOULD GET HERE....

I think everyone seriously needs to get over the "spot burning" issue with Steve's article. On at least,say, ten occasions and perhaps more each season you will see how to and where to articles in the various publications. There is usually an immediate impact on the mentioned spots that leads to a short term overcrowding followed by a loss of interest in the mentioned areas, mostly by spot chasers. Confronting the author on this issue would for me seem ridiculous. There is plenty of reference material out there both new and old that fits the same bill as Steve's article, which was an informative piece, to say the least. It was not and will not be the last one you see, for sure. Since the inception of the internet and surf fishing related web sites, I have seen much greater impact on areas previously overlooked due to the net, not info that comes in print each month or week. Consider this: Everyone here likely has at least one or two close confidants that they share info with, myself included. Each of your confidants has one or two others they likely share info with. Get the picture? One seemingly innocent PM could possibly create overcrowding with as little as three or four people at a spot that can only support one or two people. Look at South County last fall for example, or the back side of the cape a few seasons back. Pointing the finger at an author is for the most part the pot calling the kettle black. As little as one month ago here some of us were bragging and boasting about the great fishing in spot x, and guess what, the next night there was no place to park or fish.

its nice with out you out siders here thanks and have a great day
ha ha

HOLY CHIT

sounds like clammer just read it over breakfast :rotfl:

i still am waiting for my otw to be delivered and have tried to wait until it has come to post my comments, but i want to add some general input on this issue as i have done many times before. i will not condemn or applaud mckenna's article until i read it first.

that being said, i have tried for years to ask the internet media to ease up on posting detailed and "right-now"-types of reports or spot explanations by posting my input. as has been mentioned once already, there is a culture change with the newer generations. i've sent pm's, email, talked to people that have done posting of reports or spots. sometimes it's worked and helped, other times, it has not.

years ago one would never brag at a tackle shop, in front of a few unknown anglers or in a magazine about a particular spot or last nights catch. for some, it was due to commercial fishing (from shore) and others were brought up respecting what was told of them. that has changed it appears. people do what info today and now. if one posts about last night's big catch and now has a dozen more people fishing this spot (that may only comfortably fish say 15), how much good has this person really done? what of the 4-6 others that were fishing the previous night and are now trying to fish again that night? what will the property owners think of the added traffic, lights, noise, trash, blood, scales, mono, etc.? what have those that are coming to this spot learned about fishing it? do they sit back, watch, and learn to fish it? or are they jumping on someone else's success and to cash in themselves? now, will that same person/group go back to the internet and read more posts to go to spot "b" tomorrow night and do the same? what is that person really learning? are they developing as a fishermen or just doing what they can to catch fish and not caring about any repercussions? i have little respect for the person that does think like that. i have seen those that want the glory of saying they caught this fish, that size, here or there, but only exaggerate their catches or sizes to promote their status as a fisherman. if that's what you chose, so be it, but dont expect much respect from me. i know others feel the same. "give a man a fish and he eats for a day.teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime." those that do post details or reports about a spot have taught a new angler nothing that they can learn.

now, as far as a magazine selling more copies due to an article such as this because anglers want to here it, that's their choice. if i'm an editor, i want to sell magazines and make money too. i want the best articles and authors. but, are you hurting your magazine in the long run by publishing articles such as this (again, have not read it, but have read similar ones by otw)? do you care, or are you simply trying to sell more magazines? i will not cancel my subscription because i want it to be able to comment on issues and articles such as this. there is also other information by authors i really enjoy reading that is vital to our sport, such as conservation issues, coastal cleanups, fishery stocks data/reports/meetings, etc. just because i buy it, doesn't mean i endorse it. maybe otw may get a spike in sales this month, but will their subscriptions go down over the next year?

now, to say it is ok to write up or post about a spot because YOU dont fish it anymore is pretty poor taste. then to say you fish a private spot so you dont care about the other spot is even worse! as was mentioned, just because you dont fish it anymore doesnt mean others do not as well. respect those that still do fish this spot or spots. dont be mad when others start fishing your private spots because they are following you around now. one thought too, there is no such thing as a private or "new" spot. someone at some time has fished it before you.

for a thread that has 10 pages, almost 200 replies, and 5900 reads, how many of those are not even members but just guests? how many look just for threads like to go cash in on?

now, a question for those that have read this or posted - how many will do something about it, or will you just complain as so many do on the net all the time? i laugh everytime the asmfc changes the rules on a fishery and people go mad on the boards after reading it, but were told in these same magazines, forums, papers about PUBLIC meetings on the issue. how many rec anglers show up to show/challenge the issue(s)? 2, 6, 10? that's pretty sad. if you do try and do something about this or another issue, i applaud you. if you dont, you have nothing to say, but accept what was done. be a leader, not a follower.

#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, dont know you are.. Can tell you are someone who has been fishing the surf a long tim and pretty intelligent. I like reading what you write on this site and your one of the few guys I will take the time to read. .Stuff is well thought out..

okay..

is this something really that new about on the water writing articles about locations? Isnt that what they have always been doing but yet, poor Steve gets the blame? Out of all the people to complain about, why start with someone who has helped some many people on this site out? Give him a call or something if you feel so strongly about it..

On the water also publishes a shore guide to rhode island, its advertised in all their magazines. I blelieve Joe Lyons and some other names were contributing authors. Its covers alot more then the daingault guide.

On the water also has weekly fhsing reports available online...

Why just blame on the water though, there is the fisherman magazine. Also, there are about a dozen newspapers that give out weekly reports too...

There are tackle shops. Some list hot spots on their websites and give daily reports. Some other shops wont readily give out spots, but if you drop 50 on a new reel and tell them you will buy more gear if you start catching fish, they will start singing.

Why even blame public sources of information. Its not hard to log onto here and get a dozen emails of hot spots to fish. That actually goes along way, people tell other people, they tell other people.... It goes on and on. I can tell you where Steve Mc fishes and so on from about the 5th person down the ladder on a random screenname I made up.. I hear alot about putting in time to catch fish, but yet, the information is still just as available to newbies.


I generally agree about posting locations. Ive definately had some bad experiicnes from it, and learned not to mention spots limited in parking access or by private property. Even the best of intentions can go wrong in some types of spots. Most of those issues though have bene resolved but its not something worth going through again. What seems to happen is you get a crowd that will come in and it takes a week or more for it to disapear. Most of the people who come, are people who dont catch a lot of fish on their own, and then, dont have the skills to catch fish, and then give up. I feel this is what will happen with Steves article. One article does not make a fishermen catch fish.


As of now, I have more problems the amount of disregard I see toward fellow anglers. I feel these types of threads are what brews up a lot of this attitude and the world would be a lot better without the itnernet fishing sites. I keep hearing stories from fellow anglers about people who get harassed by others. One example is when a person, say one of the top posters on this site, starts intentionally casting over someone elses line just so he can push the person away. I see stuff like this and just have no respect for anyone anymore. Its just happening way to much and to do many people and feel a big part of it resides here and that if you want people to abide by your wishes, you better not tick off your fellow fishermen.

What Id like to hear are some personnel expericnes from someone whos "spot" got burned. Someone mentioned stories from 1999 but I cant seem to find any old reports and the person only registed in 2000 for the site. Can someone link in some old topics, thanks.

Before I say anything, I'll state again that I still haven't seen the article. This also more of a general post as opposed to a direct response to what I quoted.

As a shop that puts out a report, we're always very careful about spot burning. To me, there's a very fine line that separates putting out a helpful report and pissing people off . If I say "Brenton Point has had good fishing on Pencil Poppers at sunrise", it's still a very general description, especially since that good fishing at that moment probably won't last. Even if it brought 6 people down there, I'd probably still be able to fish my spots during the day and without question once it got dark. If I named a specific spot on Brenton, complete with where to stand, that would be dangerous, in particular if I stated how, when, etc. I get heated if I find somone on one of my prefered spots, mostly because no one is normally there. If that particular spot I stand on got burned I'd be a long time getting over it.

Take a look at the OTW Shore Guide's description of Brenton. It's actually VERY vague and the map doesn't even point to a lot of the best spots.

Most of our reports list several very general locations, with some specifics such as what to use or any tricks we've noticed running charters in the past week. Short of tracking down our boats or the guys fishing from shore, you're not going to figure it all out but it will point you in the right direction.

And that is what I think has everyone so excited. Specific rocks within spots. Again, I STILL haven't seen this article, but if that level of detail is included it would concern me. I guarantee our email box would be full and the phone would be ringing with angry people if we ever went into that sort of detail.

I've been stalked before, people think that since you work in a tackle shop you MUST know what's going on at all times... :rotfl:

I've encountered people in the dark while fishing and found them there a few days later. It's rare, but it's happened. Sometimes they move, sometimes they don't. Either way I get irritated. Hiking a mile to find my spot occupied tends to do that.