Is the old guard losing it? - Page 8 - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

tlapinski · 08-22-2005, 05:13 PM

CS, Bloo, etc... I was thinking about this today. I wanted to clarify something I said. When I was speaking of respecting the older guys, I was referring only to those in our game of surf fishing. I meant no disrespect to you all outside in the real world. (not saying you're an old timer either Bloo, just clarifying

) I just think that respect, notariety, etc.. in the world of surfcasting is not to just be handed out beacuse you have been at the game a while. I repsect a lot of you older and younger guys a ton.

BigFish · 08-22-2005, 05:17 PM

Uh-oh.....T-Lap and I are starting to think alike!

Moses · 08-22-2005, 05:20 PM

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.

Nebe · 08-22-2005, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlapinski

CS, Bloo, etc... I was thinking about this today. I wanted to clarify something I said. When I was speaking of respecting the older guys, I was referring only to those in our game of surf fishing. I meant no disrespect to you all outside in the real world. (not saying you're an old timer either Bloo, just clarifying

) I just think that respect, notariety, etc.. in the world of surfcasting is not to just be handed out beacuse you have been at the game a while. I repsect a lot of you older and younger guys a ton.

same here... Art from rims comes to mind. when i first met him i was ready to kill him, then afer a while i realized he was pretty cool.. but a total A-hole upon first sight. i thought he was goign to pull a .45 on me

by the end of the night we left on good terms but it was a hairy start

capesams · 08-22-2005, 05:52 PM

in all these years of fishing[not straying far form paradise] I've noticed that there's basicly 3 age group's ...the oldddd guy's[80's] the middle age[50's] and the younger guy's[30's]..away's seems to be a 15-20 year gap between the different group's.........anyone else ever notice this or have I been sniff to much salt air.....???

vineyardblues · 08-22-2005, 05:55 PM

steve, when is your birthday? You will be 81 this year ?

VB

capesams · 08-22-2005, 06:05 PM

mind will never get past 3, but the bod feel's like a 103. to many years o hardknox.

Jenn · 08-22-2005, 06:28 PM

[QUOTE=#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&]Are we who have 20 years in the surf or more slipping? is a new breed of hero emerging? Is Eben the new master? Maybe the drive is gone, maybe we cant keep up with these young bucks? does it matter if you fish 7 nights a week? Hmmmmmmmm
QUOTE]

I have read this whole thread from start to finish and only have one question to ask.

so heres to you #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& since you started all this!!!!

how old are you and what makes you think you are part of the old guard???? Has it occurred to you that there are fishermen out there 20 years older than you that think YOU are the NEW GUARD????

Perspective (if you pay attention to it) is everything.

BigFish · 08-22-2005, 06:36 PM

eelman · 08-22-2005, 11:30 PM

[QUOTE=Jenn]

Quote:

Originally Posted by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&

Are we who have 20 years in the surf or more slipping? is a new breed of hero emerging? Is Eben the new master? Maybe the drive is gone, maybe we cant keep up with these young bucks? does it matter if you fish 7 nights a week? Hmmmmmmmm
QUOTE]

I have read this whole thread from start to finish and only have one question to ask.

so heres to you #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& since you started all this!!!!

how old are you and what makes you think you are part of the old guard???? Has it occurred to you that there are fishermen out there 20 years older than you that think YOU are the NEW GUARD????

Perspective (if you pay attention to it) is everything.

To answer your Question Jenn, to me it matters not how old I am but that I have surfished for stripers for 20yrs, In my book thats someone who put there time in regardless of age.........

No, there is no one out there who thinks of me as the "new guard"

My definition of new guard? The guy who has been surfishing for 5 years or less......................

I am certainly not an old timer by anymeans but I have earned my place! I have paid my dues , I have pounded the beach and I have done it on my own.I have not just fell out of my truck wanting an instant 50 when I have fished only a few seasons.

Difference between new guard old guard.

New guard way= "where did you catch those fish"

old guard= "Nice fish, good job" ( notice not asking for a spot)

New guard= " thanks for the tip bud, I went to your spot but got skunked, I know you said the bite was on eels but I used a rainbow bomber instead! why did I get skunked"

Old Guard= " Thanks for the tip, slammed them on eels tonight, you were right ! "

New guard= " hope you dont mind , I took five of my buds to that spot where you took me the other night, we cant wait to go back! "

Old guard= " Enjoyed your company, thanks for putting me on some fish, call me if you want company again, better yet I will invite you if I find some down my way, thanks again"

Is anyone getting the picture yet!!!!!

Slingah · 08-23-2005, 05:49 AM

I think I'm the medium guard

Moses · 08-23-2005, 06:24 AM

[QUOTE=#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenn

My definition of new guard? The guy who has been surfishing for 5 years or less......................
Difference between new guard old guard.

New guard way= "where did you catch those fish"

old guard= "Nice fish, good job" ( notice not asking for a spot)

New guard= " thanks for the tip bud, I went to your spot but got skunked, I know you said the bite was on eels but I used a rainbow bomber instead! why did I get skunked"

Old Guard= " Thanks for the tip, slammed them on eels tonight, you were right ! "

New guard= " hope you dont mind , I took five of my buds to that spot where you took me the other night, we cant wait to go back! "

Old guard= " Enjoyed your company, thanks for putting me on some fish, call me if you want company again, better yet I will invite you if I find some down my way, thanks again"

Is anyone getting the picture yet!!!!!

No, I'm not getting the picture yet. I'm approaching my 5th year surf fishing and the majority of folks I fish with range from 3-20 years experience. Even though some of us may be considered new by your definition above, we do not ask those types of questions. Perhaps my exposure to them and my old neighbor the sharpie taught me what to ask & what not to ask. Again, assuming all surfcasters <5-10 years experience have nothing to offer is a big mistake.

piemma · 08-23-2005, 07:39 AM

Great summation!!!!

zacs · 08-23-2005, 07:46 AM

bart · 08-23-2005, 08:07 AM

i think that summary #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& just gave couldn't be further from the truth. sure, i've asked about spots before. when i interned wth Joe i was always prying but that was because i basically fished the same spots as him. i already had a basic knowledge of these areas and just needed a little reassurance that i was on the right track at times. he was nice enough to give me some hints and for that i will always be grateful. but i also think that he realized that i was really serious about my fishing and that i definitely worked hard at it and put in a good amount of time. i never wanted something handed to me. i usually don't have a good handle on where the fish are as i live in MA and fish in Rhody, but rarely will i ever PM people and ask them where the fish are. if i do PM someone, i usually have a gameplan and ask them what they think of it.

as for bringing people to spots, i have been shown some, and anytime i'm thinking of going bakc there i always ask the person if they don't mind. i think you have had a bad experience with a few bad apples, but most younger people who take this sport seriously know the etiquette.

Sea Dangles · 08-23-2005, 08:22 AM

Is anyone getting the picture yet? This is really getting tiresome Bill. Why did you appoint yourself the expert? If you listened as much as you talked, a wiser man you would be.Perhaps I came across as a little too critical before but you still haven't learned. Another edited post.Still not thinking clearly. Push away from the keyboard and count to ten. Now ask yourself if you get the picture. This kangaroo court must go into session.

eelman · 08-23-2005, 08:27 AM

Maybe the whole thing boils down to a "state of mind". Of course not eveyone is like what I mentioned , but for the most part thats what I have ran into.

There is a guy on this board who I have met only a couple of times his board name is " Snake Slinger" Anyway he hasnt been at this for all that long, however when ever steve and I run into him he is always quiet, pleasent, minds his buisness and is just a great all around guy. He fishes a spot we know well, never takes anyone always fishes alone and puts his time in.He is the type of person I have no problem giving info to about anything ! Its not going to go any further than him and he is trustworthy.

So I guess not everyone is the same

So lets forget the years on the water and look at it as a state of mind.

eelman · 08-23-2005, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Dangles

Is anyone getting the picture yet? This is really getting tiresome Bill. Why did you appoint yourself the expert? If you listened as much as you talked, a wiser man you would be.Perhaps I came across as a little too critical before but you still haven't learned. Another edited post.Still not thinking clearly. Push away from the keyboard and count to ten. Now ask yourself if you get the picture. This kangaroo court must go into session.

If its so tiersome, then dont read ! The post was edited to add stuff not take away. Here is the picture I get, I counted to 10 last night and set the hook on a 27lb fish

Thanks for the advice

piemma · 08-23-2005, 08:33 AM

OK, so I have no problem with younger people. My partner is 26 which I have stated before. 2 nights ago I fished with 2 friends form this board that are in their early 30's at one of my "honey holes." One of my friends got the biggest fish of his life, a 20 lber. He is new to this "rim fishing" that we do and he listens to eveything he is told. He doesn't burn spots. He doesn't "jump" spots. He is becoming a damn good surfman because he understands the ethics involved with this sport.

It not an AGE thing! It's an additude as Bill has repeatedly stated. It's like you guys haven't listened to anything that has been posted. Read Bill's post and READ between the lines. He's is stating some important things.

You know the same night my friend got his personal best, I hung a big fish. We were fishing a particularly dangerous spot with a big surge on, steep rocks, slime etc. My other friend didn't hesitate to go down the rocks to help land my fish and, in the process, took a wave over his head. I fish with these "young" guys because they are becoming the "old guard" They get it! They understand friendship, covering your partners back, and being ready to help. I trust these guys and would fish anywhere with them. You guys who fish the night watch in marginal condition, in dangerous places know what I am talking about.

ThrowingTimber · 08-23-2005, 08:41 AM

Nothing like a good leaderman in a heave

eelman · 08-23-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

OK, so I have no problem with younger people. My partner is 26 which I have stated before. 2 nights ago I fished with 2 friends form this board that are in their early 30's at one of my "honey holes." One of my friends got the biggest fish of his life, a 20 lber. He is new to this "rim fishing" that we do and he listens to eveything he is told. He doesn't burn spots. He doesn't "jump" spots. He is becoming a damn good surfman because he understands the ethics involved with this sport.

It not an AGE thing! It's an additude as Bill has repeatedly stated. It's like you guys haven't listened to anything that has been posted. Read Bill's post and READ between the lines. He's is stating some important things.

You know the same night my friend got his personal best, I hung a big fish. We were fishing a particularly dangerous spot with a big surge on, steep rocks, slime etc. My other friend didn't hesitate to go down the rocks to help land my fish and, in the process, took a wave over his head. I fish with these "young" guys because they are becoming the "old guard" They get it! They understand friendship, covering your partners back, and being ready to help. I trust these guys and would fish anywhere with them. You guys who fish the night watch in marginal condition, in dangerous places know what I am talking about.

I guess some people have a better way with words than I. Paul is lucky to find a couple of good guys he can fish with and trust !

BigFish · 08-23-2005, 09:12 AM

There are alot of guys on here I would trust.......if you truely love to fish, which I do, spend some time with new people from this site! I don't need a label on me....and even if I did......"Old Guard" would not be it! I do not claim myself a great fisherman! I have been fishing for stripes about 6 years now......got all the tools and toys....make my own plugs that catch, and I have been VP of my fishing club twice. I am as into surf fishing as you can get....but admittedly, I am not as talented as some but I do pretty well. I have my moments and I enjoy fishing with buddies and fishing with folks I have never met before. It might not work out every time, but I have made some great new friends and fishing buddies from opening myself up to new things. Even if I had a few 40's to my credit or even a 50....I would not label myself! I want to be known as one thing....fun to fish with! Not a newbie, not a sharpie....someplace right in the middle who enjoys stepping aside after I have gotten the skunk off and making sure my buddies hook up even if I have to yield my spot for a few moments to make that happen......or hand a stranger a tin or a plug when the feed is on and the only one hooking up is me cause I happen to have what they like......I have more fun when all around me are hooking up! I am sure #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& is a talented and hard fishing surf caster, just as I believe a few others here are great at what they do also......I have fished with better than me, and I have fished with a few who needed a little guidance and if I helped them, then great. I have been helped by a few also......my fishing buddies are pretty great at fishing....dare I say better than me, but we also feed off of each other....share info....we each prefer different spots for the most part but we fish them all together. I would rather catch a trophy fish with a couple of my buddies around me than to catch it all alone......its nice to have someone to reflect on the moment with and talk about it years from now and laugh......it is what its all about! #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& is right when he says it is a state of mind....its all what you want to get out of this fishing thing personally! I am getting out of it exactly what I want.....enjoyment, memories, friendships that are meaningful and longlasting......and I believe I get the same respect from my fellow fishermen that I give to them.....it might not be "old guard"......but it does just fine by me!

eelman · 08-23-2005, 09:16 AM

I would give anyone here a chance, I may not take them to my honey hole on the first trip but I would be willing to show what I know and then see what happens. Its hard to trust strangers, but hey, you never know. This is certainly a tough and demanding sport, no question about it. Lots of walking, tons of bug bites, constantly wet, losing sleep, its all really unnatural. It taxes you beyond your limits if done right.

I just dont take it lightly some do and thats fine for me its in the blood, part of who I am and I would rather die than not chase striped bass. There are some nice people out there and paul is right in that age does not amount to a hill of beans but, my luck has been the bad in the "who I meet department"

I wish it was different because I hate to fish alone, there are times when my partner cant make it and its always more fun to catch fish with a friend, not to mention how dangerous it is to fish alone around slippery boulders half a mile from your truck!

The other night, Steve lost his keys in the water right away, we hardley fished! I had no problem helping him look and then driving him all the way back home and back to the spot again. I missed a whole night of fishing but, I didnt care at all thats what good friends are for.

I would help anyone in need, I am not a monster, just serious about a sport I love.

Old guard/new guard-who cares! Just give me the right time of day when we run into each other and I am willing to help out!

I will tell you this, when I do take someone, I put them in the choice spot, I do everything I can to make sure they get a fish-or-at least give them the best chance possible, I talk alot, telling them everything I can to make it more fun for them. I like seeing someoine else get a good fish and I am hsppy for the.

When Eben got his fish all steve did was grab the kid behind the shoulders and congradulate him, he didnt pound him with questions, just gave him kudos's on a job well done and, I am sure to eben that meant alot ! To me that would mean more than catching the fish!

piemma · 08-23-2005, 09:19 AM

I'm starting a new thread so this thing can go to sleep......

BigFish · 08-23-2005, 09:21 AM

Folks....I think we have found middle ground......lets fish it!

I am still hoping to get out with Piemma.....we were supposed to hook up last week but I could not make it happen.......I would love to get out with #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& this fall......I will take him to my spot first someplace sandy.....maybe he can take me rock hopping afterwards!

eelman · 08-23-2005, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

I'm starting a new thread so this thing can go to sleep......

A little testy now there paul

Hey Bigfish your on!

piemma · 08-23-2005, 09:24 AM

Larry:
Anytime. PMing

BigFish · 08-23-2005, 09:26 AM

See....now this is what its all about!

eelman · 08-23-2005, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piemma

Larry:
Anytime. PMing

Paul you have reached your "quota" on how many guys you can take

Your going to need a bus and start wearing the pide pipper hat

JoeP · 08-23-2005, 10:10 AM

I like Piemma's perspective on this whole thing. There is an entire "attitude" about this whole thing that starts with preparation of gear at home in winter and during the season, studying weather, tides, structure, bait, etc., reading, learning spots on your own because that is the best way to learn, keeping records and studying them, learning how to fish, and then finally fishing itself.

It is not only about just the fishing. Skip any of the above and your success is less. Also part of this attitude, for me anyway, is I enjoy every aspect of the above.

It's not about just buying some “popular” stuff you've read about because it "sounds" good, reading the PROJO or OTW, etc. for spots or asking people just where the fish are. It's like anything in life -- If you don't learn on your own and put time and effort into achieving success you will not succeed.

There is also a very secretive and protective aspect of the attitude. Except for the 2-3 fishing friends I have, I don’t ask someone where he caught his fish (even though I may want too inside), I hate reading when someone asks about spots or when someone posts about spots, I don’t brag or post about the fish I caught or didn’t catch, when someone asks me if I caught any fish when I’m fishing or walking back to my Jeep my standard answer is “a couple small ones”, etc. The only thing I really like to talk openly about is gear and general how to’s because I think that is the best use of the Internet.

But, remember, this is fishing and is supposed to be enjoyable. Quit if you don’t like it. What I don't get is all the fighting & bitterness that comes out sometimes for stupid reasons.

I can’t say much about Piemma’s comments on fishing buddies because I fish 99% of the time alone as the guy I fished with hasn’t fished much this year and when he does fish he doesn’t last more than an hour or 2. It is nice to share the fishing experience with someone but I still enjoy it as much.

I also don’t fish much more than 1-2 times/week with a 6 year old boy, 3 year old boy, and 1 week old boy at home. I have other more enjoyable and rewarding priorities with my wife & kids.

However, the attitude remains the same even if the fishing part doesn’t happen as much.