You guys kill me...
I'm 34, raised in Iowa and before a few years ago had never seen a tide chart in my life. I got into surf fishing when I discovered you could catch stripers from shore...had no idea...although I had caught many from boat.
All my gear is new because I've only been at it a few years.
I try to get out 1-2 times per week...and know very few locals who fish the same waters where I live. As such it isn't easy to learn the nuances of the spots or even new techniques.
Granted, I've never known the shore access of old, but it takes only a few seconds to realize how prescious what we have today is, and what a few irresponsible keystokes could do.
People like Piemma, RIRockhound and Eben have shown me a lot, and never asked for anything in return...except for Eben
These issues of burning spots, not respecting locations or people etc...have everything to do with immaturity and a lack of class...and nothing with the new guard of surfcasters...
Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go polish my Versace wading belt.
-spence