Is the old guard losing it?

[Moses]

Very interesting thread. I just read and re-read all posts from start to finish. First a little bit about me; I'm 36 yrs old and have been freshwater fishing as long as I can remember. My father and older brother enjoyed it and took me along often. They also both have always fished saltwater but for some reason never invited me along in years past. It wasn't until November 2001 that my older brother invited me down to the Sandwich area that I was first introduced to striper fishing. It was a very warm day for November and we were into schoollie's for 2 hrs straight. Over that winter, I did as much research (internet, books, magazines, person to person chat, etc..) as I could. I've been truly addicted since that outing.

Now fast forward to today. I've joined a couple of online boards, met a handful of folks, asked some stupid questions and learned alot and realize enough to admit that I have alot more to learn. I just hope those that conside themselves old guard/sharpies, etc.. give some of us newer blood a second chance.

Concerning old guard/old school, I only know one well enough. He's my neighbor where I grew up and he has told me stories where I'll sit for hours on end, mouth wide open like a little kid soaking it all in. He's passed along rods/reels to me that are 50+ years old (he's 87 now and still one tough bastard) because he can tell I'm serious about striper fishing. Knowing things he's passed along has been a real eye opener for me because some facts/stories only exist in the memories of those who have personally experienced them. This type of knowledge is priceless and I'm glad he shares them with me.

Everyone has their own interpretation of what striper/surf fishing means to them. It's good to have hobbies (addictions) and be passionate about them. Since getting in to saltwater fishing, my personal situation (home purchase, children, etc.) has changed over the years which has a direct impact on my fishing time. I would expect this happens with most people, a natural evolution of sorts. To me, the important thing is the passion for fishing someone has. Most people can see/hear it when they chat with folks both young and old.

I also prefer to fish with people, just my nature. We don't necessarily talk alot during fishing, I simply enjoy other's company and occassionally that leads to shared/new information. This can be just as rewarding as catching fish. Again a passion for learning everything there is to know/consider/evaluate when one is fishing.

I already have my two boys into fishing, ages 6 & 2. My 6 yr old caught his first striper last april and loves both freshwater saltwater fishing. My two yr old loves my weekly & monthly fishing mags and when one is delivered to my home, he's waiting at the door with it when I come home from work. I almost can't wait for the day when all three of us can spend some quality night time fishing together, whether on a beach or from a boat.