[eelman]

What I said privatly to chris, I will share here. Basically, whatever is going on here certainly does not involve me. I dont like the fact that Saltheart made the comment he did and using my name in there. There was no need for it and I dont want to get sucked in to some stupid board flame session That I have nothing to do with. My best intentions seem to somehow blow up constantly so, I have made a personall choice to stay away from the board for just the reasons that I clearly see in this post. Posts here seem to become extremely anal ! You cant post your "opinion" without it being turned into a flame war. You cant post advice because then "your a know it all" If god forbid you forget to add a smile face someplace to somehow indicate your "joking" there will be hell to pay !

I have always been confident in what it is I do. Sure, there are others here who have the same confidence in what they do, I dont fault that. Some people just dont want to listen to what others have to say no matter what the case may be, they will find a way to twist it around and make the guy look like jerk. I have in the past been guilty of this also, I am certainly no saint but, at some point you just have to stop and look at it and say it isnt worth the time or effort.

An example may be a simple question like: "whats the best way to hook an eel" then, someone answers, suddenly that answer is no good ! the person who ansewerd it is picked apart to the bone, he responds angry and the whole mess starts. After awhile you just say forget it? It makes it hard to answer someone becasue you know what coming ! Questions like that, I have a tendency to answer very matter of fact, that comes accross as a "know it all" however like I said early, I have 22 years doing it and have had tremendous results so, I answer with confidence.Anyway you get the point. It isnt worth it.

Coiming back this year and getting myself involved with the board again has been a rollercaster experiance, there are many things I wish I could take back, there are also some I wont take back. I have met some nice people and some not so nice people, I have been followed, my friends have taken hits, I have been lied to, I have stuck my foot in my mouth, I took hits for posting pics of fish and it has been overall apparent to me that in the past couple of years things have changed dramatically. I have been parinoid as to what to say to whom? I have run into people from the board who have intentionally made there way to places I fish just to say "ha ha I found you" I have ZERO respect for that and, I will state matter of fact that I have never done that to ANYONE on this board even if at times I knew exactly where they were fishing. Lots of it is of course is my own fault and I know that but, not all of it. So I guess I have learned alot here about the "new way". For whatever I am and , this may come as a shock, I do like making friends but, Not the type that are just looking for something -or-info etc..Basicallly to use you.I have to say a guy like Clammer is someone who has become a friend in the true sense of the word! He asks for nothing just friendship, enjoys fishing and is comfortable to be around, Piemma is another example of someone I would call a friend as is his partner Bryan, doesnt ask for anything, fishes on an invite and is appreciative but again, these three guys are from a different era and they dont make them like that anymore.the difference is that I can tell these guys anything and be comforted in the fact that they wont be in my boots the next night.I dont fish as hard as I did 15 years ago, I realize I am not "old" but I have slowed down from when I was in my early 20s. I still love catching big bass but I wont kill myself anymore to do it, been there and done that. I enjoy more now being with steve or clammer and laughing all night and getting away from the every day stress of life.

I have met Chris and he was nothing but friendly to me so I cant say much more than that, I honestly dont feel he is jealous in any way. Evereyone has there "bored" moments. I have caused my share of crap over the years and I think sea-dangles has a long way to go before he catches me! So, everyone should cut everyone a break, life is to short and what does it all really mean anyway???

On one other note, I sincerly regret what happened between John and I on the board but its spilt milk ! That was coming for awhile and acually it needed to happen. He is however family and that comes before all else. He has a tough job here moderating this forum that he puts out there for everyone else to use and enjoy.

Enjoy this board and try to be nicer to each other and dont judge a book by the cover! There are some real good fisherman here and tons of knowledge! Use it the right way and everyone will be better off!

Bill