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

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.

piemma · 08-23-2005, 10:23 AM

Good post JP

SAXATILUS · 08-23-2005, 12:47 PM

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.

eelman · 08-23-2005, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

Pick my brain anytime, but not over a beer, I dont drink! I will have a soda instead!

The Dad Fisherman · 08-23-2005, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeP

1 week old boy at home.

Congratulations

Sea Dangles · 08-23-2005, 11:29 AM

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.

Moses · 08-23-2005, 12:19 PM

As usual, exact meanings of someone's post doesn't always ring through (including my own). But reading the last handful of posts, I think we all agree on the common traits;

1. Passion for what we all do
2. Attitude is everything, living it, breathing it, getting in the zone as you're headed out for a night of fishing
3. IMHO, age and years at this sport shouldn't matter as much as top 2

Again, real good thread..........

JoeP · 08-23-2005, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Dad Fisherman

Congratulations

Thanks

Slipknot · 08-23-2005, 07:30 PM

Bloocrab for president

Pete_G · 08-23-2005, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slipknot

Bloocrab for president

I agree, well said.

FormerUser · 08-24-2005, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slipknot

Bloocrab for president

I second the nomination!

Sea Dangles · 08-24-2005, 07:01 PM

He's got my vote.

JHABS · 08-24-2005, 07:37 PM

Bloocrab..........

RIJIMMY · 08-23-2005, 01:10 PM

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 · 08-23-2005, 01:46 PM

Quote:

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.

RIJIMMY · 08-23-2005, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nebe

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

sounds like a lot of BS to me.

bloocrab · 08-23-2005, 03:36 PM

Karl .. .we've never met but I'm sure we'd be good company, I'm glad you enjoy my posts...most don't

On the respect thing...

I understand what you're talking about TLap/...
Just to re-iterate, Respect is a touchy subject. I don't respect a guy because he caught a 50, 60, or 70lb striper......I respect the guy who knows what he's doing and isn't afraid to do what-ever it takes to follow through with his confidence in technique and performance (follow his OWN gut feeling). The guy who still heads out when his normal partner can't. I don't fish to impress anyone, it isn't for merit, it isn't for respect...it's personal full-fillment FOR ME, I actually "jonez" when I don't fish.....I was explaining this to Goose last week when he called me up to fish, with the personal things going on in my life right now I can't just head out for 1 night and be "all set", especially if the fish cooperated....but everyone's different. Goose once made the statement, "you make time for what you want"...unfortunately "what I want" and what has to happen are 2 different things..it's definately a "state of mind" thing for me.

Also - - - //There are a hand-ful of GREAT fishermen that I highly respect that have not caught a 50..and I'm sure there are a couple of lucky dumm-asses who have caught 50's that I don't think of as great fishermen...and again, there are those who DO know what they're doing, have caught a 50, and I STILL don't respect them, (different kind of respect- I can't stand "show-boaters")...I think someone mentioned somewhere in this 40 page thread (consistency)///that's pretty important too, but some GREAT fisherman still aren't that lucky but I wouldn't take anything away from them. You can't decide what size fish is going to bite your hook, it's as simple as that. You can only put yourself in places where you think they'll be.

Classifications???///??? Old Guard/New Guard/??/Sharpie/??// Someone's always looking for a title.........fishing wasn't discovered when you or I started doing it. It's been around for a long time.......LLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGG before the internet and WMI dayz. The internet is a good way to bring fishermen together, but what a mixed bunch we are...

Notaro · 08-24-2005, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bloocrab

Karl .. .we've never met but I'm sure we'd be good company, I'm glad you enjoy my posts...most don't

On the respect thing...

I understand what you're talking about TLap/...
Just to re-iterate, Respect is a touchy subject. I don't respect a guy because he caught a 50, 60, or 70lb striper......I respect the guy who knows what he's doing and isn't afraid to do what-ever it takes to follow through with his confidence in technique and performance (follow his OWN gut feeling). The guy who still heads out when his normal partner can't. I don't fish to impress anyone, it isn't for merit, it isn't for respect...it's personal full-fillment FOR ME, I actually "jonez" when I don't fish.....I was explaining this to Goose last week when he called me up to fish, with the personal things going on in my life right now I can't just head out for 1 night and be "all set", especially if the fish cooperated....but everyone's different. Goose once made the statement, "you make time for what you want"...unfortunately "what I want" and what has to happen are 2 different things..it's definately a "state of mind" thing for me.

Also - - - //There are a hand-ful of GREAT fishermen that I highly respect that have not caught a 50..and I'm sure there are a couple of lucky dumm-asses who have caught 50's that I don't think of as great fishermen...and again, there are those who DO know what they're doing, have caught a 50, and I STILL don't respect them, (different kind of respect- I can't stand "show-boaters")...I think someone mentioned somewhere in this 40 page thread (consistency)///that's pretty important too, but some GREAT fisherman still aren't that lucky but I wouldn't take anything away from them. You can't decide what size fish is going to bite your hook, it's as simple as that. You can only put yourself in places where you think they'll be.

Classifications???///??? Old Guard/New Guard/??/Sharpie/??// Someone's always looking for a title.........fishing wasn't discovered when you or I started doing it. It's been around for a long time.......LLLLOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGG before the internet and WMI dayz. The internet is a good way to bring fishermen together, but what a mixed bunch we are...

Amen. Also, fishing is suppsoed to be about fun and learning. Who cares about the title?

piemma · 08-25-2005, 07:17 AM

You know, if nothing else, this thread certainly developed a lot of dialog and interaction between dissimilar group.
WTF, go fishin' and forget the BS......