the fisherman mag drops the ball

[fishsmith]

I've been getting the Fisherman and On the water for 10 years now, and I saved the old ones ( I just read a Joe Lyons article on "Road Kill flies" ), I'm not renewing either this year, both are all ad's and rehashed articles.
I've come to learn that fishing catches fish, reading about others fishing doesn't.

Screwing up Kingston, RI for Kingston, MA on the cover is huge! I hope they give you free advertisement for the show next year, or give a full page to MSBA, in upcoming issues.

[5/0]

I think that people are learning more & more about fishing different locations,technique's,habits and most of all meeting other people who have the same Crazy addiction from forums like this one vs a cover to cover advertising mag.

Hi my name is Bob & I have a fishing problem

[Joe]

"Tying The Roady Roadkill"
I liked that one....but they got a few letters from people who thought it was serious

[Neal]

Guys, Neal Larsson from OTW checking in. I just wanted to address a couple misconceptions going on with regards to On The Water... first is that the magazine is all "advertising". I really would like you guys to check out an issue of the magazine and take a hard look... Let me explain...

You will find more feature articles (usually 10-14) and columns (10 going to over 20 from April to October with the Insiders) in OTW than any other National or Regional fishing magazine and the beauty of it is that we are all fishing for the same species some just about every article can be applied to wherever you live in the region. That's not the case with "rooster fish", "bonefish", and "arctic grayling" that the national magazines write up while throwing you a striper bone once in a while. Most national pubs give you 5 or 6 real features and 5 or 6 columns and they stack their advertising to give you the illusion there's some meat there. We chose not to try and fool our readers with a "continued on pg. 98" format and let you read the articles from beginning to end. Unfortunately some of you are left with the impression that it's all advertising.

As for the advertising... The reality is that it pays the bills, but neither Chris Megan as Publisher, Gene Bourque the Editor nor myself as GM will be buying a waterfront home or 45' Cabo anytime soon. We publish this magazine because, like all of you on this message board we have a passion for fishing and enjoy sharing that with our readers. We consider the magazine's true owners the readers of the publication. The direction of the magazine is formulated by feedback we receive from our readers at Sportsman shows, emails; message boards like yours as well as out on the beach or on the docks.

As for the Fisherman, there's room for the 2 formats, of course I like our quality and format better, you guys ultimately can be the judge on that... But mistakes happen and we're all human. Zach, I Can say is a great guy that works hard and my hat's off to him for putting that magazine out 50 weeks a year with little support from the home office in NY.

As for OTW, keep in mind if we don’t know there’s a problem we can’t fix it, any direct input to us here at the magazine, again, is appreciated and always welcome. Step to the plate and drop us an email or give us a call if you have any issues. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Neal Larsson
800/614-3000
neal@onthewater.com

[JohnR]

Here is a problem - only Gene Bourque and Elvis Flaptail are allowed to on S-B or to abduct writers


Just kidding Neal - welcome to S-B. While I agree with The Fisherman taking a down turn after Tim left it has gotten a bit better since Zach took over the reigns. But OTW is still the cat's ass for a monthly in these waters...

Keep up the good work.

[slapshot]

I agree, On The Water is the only mag worth reading. The TV show is pretty good too.

[TheSpecialist]

While I agree with The Fisherman taking a down turn after Tim left it has gotten a bit better since Zach took over the reigns. But OTW is still the cat's ass for a monthly in these waters...

I totally agree. I don't mind the advertisements, as I know it helps keep the price of the magazine in check. I am not thrilled with seeing the same article over and over again. Although they are not exactly the same I have noticed that one writer will write 5 or 6 different articles, and use things back and forth between them. Keep up the good work.

[Iwannakeeper]

Neal,

I agree completely that your mag has more reading material (atricles/columns) than most or all of the competition. And OTW, in my opinion, is the best regional fishing mag there is for the inshore and offshore fisheries in new england. I also want to compliment you on a format option. I absolutely love that your articles are complete...and not (continued on page 98).

Where I think the complaints lie or at least my complaints lie in terms of advertising is the sheer volume an distribution of the advertising. I really doubt I could balence the volume and distribution any better, but I do find it distracting and takes away from the overall enjoyment of the magazine.

the other complaint I want to echo is the "rehashing of info" I do agree that I get a sense of De ja vue often reading OTW. I am part way through an article, and I start thinking I have already read it before, seems like a re-use of information. Who knows maybe I read the info here, which became the inspiration for the article.

Keep up the good work. I do like the magazine and will be renewing my subscription. But I do encourage some changes in advertising.

-IWK

[Flaptail]

"Elvis Flaptail" I will have you know John that I am going for a new look this year. Kinda Johnny Damon meets Johnny Rotten meets Marilyn Manson meets James Bond. Kinda a grand slam, spit in yer face, shock value but shaken not stirred thing, you know.

[bluefish]

I live in Brooklyn NY and love the magazine! Although it is aNew England mag, much of the "info" applies everywhere striped bastages roam... love the magazine!

[Got Stripers]

I love the authors on OTW, hey Gene I was asking for you today, but never bumped into you. Stop by the booth tomorrow if your there.