Good topic and interesting replies.
Once upon a time I would talk to others on the water but unfortunately received the cold shoulder more often than not. Mind you I never started a conversation with "gimme all your spots, secrets and knowledge". I have met some nice peeps out there too but the majority are very guarded and want nothing to do with conversation. As far as bait and tackle shops I feel its very much the same. Some good but again very guarded speak and I have even been outright lied to and knew it.
I am still a googan and probably always will be. Dont give 2 craps about status anymore as long as I remember its only fishing and its supposed to be fun because for a while I let it become not fun.
I have met some great people on this site but as far as randomly striking up conversation on the water with someone, well I just dont anymore because of my past experiences in doing so. I would like to think fisherman in general are a kinder more sharing bunch but I dont see it often enough.
With that being said the good ones generally go above and beyond normal generosity!