Is the old guard losing it?

[eelman]

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]

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

[eelman]

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!

[BigFish]

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!

[piemma]

Larry:
Anytime. PMing

[BigFish]

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

[eelman]

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]

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.

[piemma]

Good post JP

[SAXATILUS]

First I would like to say hello, just found this site, never had much use for the net and never new things like this existed. Pretty cool though. I would just like to give my thoughts to the subject. I have been fishing for over thirty years, but only five in the salt, so I guess I would be considered "NEW GUARD" even though i am pushing 40. Please don't lump us all together. I have met and talked with a couple of "SHARPIES" . I certainly was not after thier spots. But it is sure nice to get some info on important things like reading the water, rigging and presentation techniques etc. Just because A person is new doesn't mean they were not raised right. Thier are bad people in all circles. People who you would take to a killer spot and then they burn you, are people with no morals or respect and most likley unethical to boot, doesn't matter if they are 20 or 60, been fishing for 30yrs or 1yr they are just not good people. Just wanted to say all us guys new to fishing the salt are not after your spots, but your knowledge I would take all you were willing to give. #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& I would love to pick your brain over a beer sometime as I too love to throw eels on conventional gear. I am new but not an a## hole. So next time you see some dude struggling out there on the rocks try and help him out they might not be so bad.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by JoeP

1 week old boy at home.

Congratulations

[Sea Dangles]

Glad to see clearer heads prevailing on the changing of the guard. I haven't fished too long but have a talented group of teachers. Iron Mike has put me through a crash course, literally. We fish big water and safety has been compromised to the point of broken bones. But I think it's fun. When I read the guard crap I become resentful because anyone deserves one chance. With an 8,6, and1 year old I don't fish as much as I would like, especially in the summer. I coach their teams and change diapers but still try to get out a couple times a week. Last october I watched the sox win th World Series at the Mews and then caught the outflow and nailed a 40+ pounder on an eel.I was alone and never bragged about it or posted pictures. Does this make me old school? Who cares, let's fish.

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Congratulations

Thanks

[RIJIMMY]

I've read this entire thread and have no clue what the point is.
The "old guard" are who they are becasue they kept at it for years. Time weeds out the people that are not serious........If the new guard kept at it for years, I'm sure they will be similar to the current "old" guard.
Those not passionate/serious about fishing for bass eventually quit, its not easy to be out in rough surf, 2am, cold wind. I dont think twice and live for it, Its not for everyone and time will weed those out.

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by RIJIMMY

I've read this entire thread and have no clue what the point is.

Inner reflection... the ying to the yang....potatoe, potato, apples and oranges.