Oct. OTW

[Karl F]

Got Spots?
complete with park here, stand here, and cast here..
great for the Mc'Fishermen....
Rhody Guys, I feel your pain.

[doyle007]

wow, is the article that detailed? i don't get that magazine, and they don't sell it anywhere near me here in southern NJ, but i'd be bent if they did an article that is super specific. one of the two major saltwater fly fishing magazines just had an article about the western coast of CT that was super detailed. it's one thing for a publication to point out how and why, but exactly where is another issue altogether.

by the way, once i get a copy of October's OTW, who wants to join me in RI?

[chris L]

thats what happens with all the internet experts out there . all of a sudden they have writing skills . So they give up the info that someone else told them . Its not all the writers just some of them .

I like the writers that give how to info .

[Slipknot]

Chris, it wasn't an internet writer

I could not belive what I was reading either, and it wasn't just RI

If a spot is common knowledge, that is one thing mentioning it but to take ya by the hand and explain what to throw, when and where, that's a bit much

[Skitterpop]

has changed.............

[zacs]

OH well..

[chris L]

Originally Posted by Slipknot

Chris, it wasn't an internet writer

I could not belive what I was reading either, and it wasn't just RI

If a spot is common knowledge, that is one thing mentioning it but to take ya by the hand and explain what to throw, when and where, that's a bit much

I havent even received my copy yet but just cause that one wasnt written by someone on the net . there have been and will be plenty in the future .

[Arno]

<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.

[fishaholic18]

Originally Posted by Arno

<first post>

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.

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

[Arno]

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.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by fishaholic18

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

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

[Pete F.]

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.

[*LB]

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 . . .

[fishaholic18]

Unfortunately, most people won;t follow those rules.