Thanks to everyone. I can't say that I'll change the face of the magazine or outdoor writing..
But I appreciate the crtiticism just as much as I do the compliments and "atta boys"... And when I say I'll read a sample from anyone who wants to give writing a go.... I MEAN IT... One major thing that will help the face of the magazine to change is new writers with new angles. I've always said/thought that even something as seemingly obvious as Thom's example "Eeling basics for Big Bass" would probably be a great read over and over if Toby wrote it, or John Lee or Zach or Charley, McKenna, #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, or Cookie Monster.. because these guys are all going to have insights and nuances all their own. If you ever go looking for an article about surfcasting that will totally blow you away after 5 years of doing it/reading about it... you're screwed, you're not gonna find one... but if you read the articles for new spins or maybe just an "Oh, I never thought of it that way" than you've won... just adding a new item to your extensive bag of tricks. I could babble on about how nice it is to have a good read from a good writer, but I might be one of the few dorks that just likes that. Guess that's why I have this job. Anyway... please email me if you guys have ideas, photos, article queries or just a suggestion.
Thanks.
-Dave Anderson
danderson@thefisherman.com