What would you like to see on our website?

[Bob Jensen]

I am interested to know what you would like to see on our website, within reason. Please, no suggestions of Backwater Eddy in swimming suit shots.

When you visit this website, do you go to our Main Page or straight to the Message Board. Did you know that our website is updated weekly with new articles?

Do you mostly come to the Message Board?

Instead of having separate areas for Fishing Reports, Recipes, and General Interest stuff, are you ok with just posting those items on the Message Board.

Do you want more Fishing Tips/Articles.

Do you want more Fishing/Outdoor Issue type of posts.

Would you be interested in an Area of the Week type of thing.

I am open to suggestion regarding what you want. I want to grow this website, and believe that we can do that if we give you what you want. I will appreciate your input.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[Shorelunch]

I really enjoy finding the educational articles on your (and other) websites - whether it's fishing techniques, tackle, boats, etc. I'd love to see an objective (as possible) article on when, where, how and why to use all of the new super lines, mono's etc.

I plan/buy web advertising for clients. What I always look for is a well-structured website so that users can find what they're looking for. It's frustrating as a fisherman (and advertiser) not to find the information that is or should be there (on many types of websites). I think message boards are fantastic, but that recipies, new tackle articles, etc. should be found on the menu or homepage.

I think many fisherman (myselft included) are information hungry, or at least want to be entertained. Just provide interesting, timely features you mentioned above and other reasons to go to your website, promote it a little, and we'll flock to it.

My 2 cents.

[GLO]

Am not seeing the depth yet in terms of specifics (not talking about the names of manufacturers) in location and presentation I was hoping for after addressing these same issues last year. Would it be possible to provide some additional facts on the website as sort of a "supplement" to the shows with some more specific information on techniques, equipment, location, etc.? Just a thought. Still my favorite show to watch, but being a hawkeye fan, am biased. GLO

[Box]

I come via message board. You could also have the url in your sig ;)

I personally like seeing stuff change pretty fast, but having links to the "history" stuff. I.e. weekly changes would be cool, then have the old stuff available for at a couple months. Pictures are worth a thousand words... some digital snaps taken during the shows would be cool.

As someone else said, a well organized site is very important. Have access to EVERYTHING on one page, and try to keep it there. Your site does a pretty good job of that, but the lack of link from forum to main page hurts you, casue i think a lot of WC guys hit FTM forum, but then don't see the link back to your site - ad a red color to it ;). I know I am one of thsoe guys.

-Box

[GLO]

I forgot, and I'm sorry for being critical, but I just looked at the upcoming schedule and it looks a lot like last year in some ways. I see another trip with Jim McDonnell using planer boards, it didn't really amount to much last year, will it be different this year? Do you snag another sheephead? Ho,Ho! There are so many more interesting things you could be doing with Jim and a lot of knowledge which could be shared, maybe a smallmouth episode at West Lake, maybe some night-fishing techniques. GLO

[dpigs]

fishing tips are always appreciated -- possibly a show on electronic use thanks

[Eyeagra]

The recipes would be nice to have listed.

Electronics tips by tech's would be helpful.

Guide referrals by region would help some of us plan trips as would lodging recommendations.

A kids section with tackle tips for the beginners. Links to mentoring programs where anglers may be of help to educate kids and expose them to the art of fishing. Big brother and Big Sister opertunitys by region.

A outdoor gear section where new sportsman/sportswoman friendly clothing could be reviewed would be a handy feature.

A fast access menu to the links that open in a separate window would be handy too.

You do a great job Bob and team, the shows are very good this year.

Thank you.

[Backwater Eddy]

But Bob, how many folks have ever seen a "Leopard frog-skin Thong"?

Maybe a different model for that is in order, besides me?

Yes, you too can have the new Hi-fashion Backwater Eddy "Leopard frog-skin Thong". You can see them at www.hop-a-long-frogthong.com be sure to get yours.

Quick.........before they all hop away!

The perfect St. Valentines Day gift for the Miss's.

:D

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson...><sUMo>

"Backwater Guiding"

[Gary Korsgaden]

Bob,

I see the answer to this question all over this forum. Look at the issues regarding fishing, regulations, DNR and sportsman responsiblity. The last one on crappie management brought over 500 hits. Alot of anglers care what is happening to the sport of fishing or any outdoor activity they partake in. Educating anglers on a variety of fish management discussions with questions and answers brings folks out. They are curious about what is happening and what can be done. In asking these tough opinion questions that draw alot of sparks, from both sides of issue, alot of good ideas come from them. People love controversy.

Lastly, we take alot of sport and enjoyment away from fishing with too much information. That is part of the enjoyment, for alot of anglers. in finding their own fishing honey holes. Because I choose to not be politically correct, let me add this, I find the fishing reports from your "staff anglers" very boring and mundane. The ones I have read are nothing more than product mentions. Looking at how many read them or click on them tells me others feel the same. The many "product" mention articles and tips the last years have lost crediablity to a large faction of anglers. Radio talk shows, when the topic of outdoor issues come up,the phone lines are full. Not the topic of where to go, about opportunties being altered or taken away draw the most attention.

You and your group are professionals, professionals protect where their meat and potatoes come from. At the grass roots level,that means the resource, without it where would product sales be and the revenues generated. With a need for more sportsman to be involved and heard. Why not your group lead that charge.....I expect my comments to bring a charged emotion from many who read this...I waiting for the low blows that will come from these thoughts....I hope before some spout off I hope they will reread this...and absorb what I am saying...and not respond to defend your group or you Bob. It is not meant to be personal. Just a observation....one I have shared with you one on one for some time.........Gary K

[Angler at large]

"Because I choose to not be politically correct, let me add this, I find the fishing reports from your "staff anglers" very boring and mundane." That is one mans opinion, and you have the right to such if you so chose Gary.

We all have criteria on what may be viewed as more or less "boring and mundane." I for one do not see "Fishing the Midwest" or it's reporting in that way.

As for seeking advancement of the sportsman's cause with intensional controversy, maybe "Talk Radio" is a better forum for such endeavors. I like "Fishing the Midwest" for it's family sporting atmosphere, not i,embellished with undue controversy. The world is full of that the way it is now.

Addressing sportsman's issues does not mean in your face controversy as you would wish Gary. You often catch more flies with sugar then vinegar.

[daveT]

Its not "Backwater Eddy in swimming suit shots", but you should consider putting a Fisheadtackle Daily Fishing cartoon on your site. These are very popular, and you could add more entertainment to your site. Get the code at fisheadtackle. com They are for all ages, and are light gif images. Give me an email for more info. Fishead

[Iowamusky]

Bob,
How about some musky shows i know there your favorite to fish for. take care, tracy c.

[Backwater Eddy]

Eh..daveT, I would just as soon, as I know many other would, just skip me in a swimsuit shot.

Ya know, some things are best just left to the emagination...Eh.

:D


(Some folks try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way, and the road less traveled isn't paved.)

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson..><sUMo>

[Gary Korsgaden]

I wanted to reply to the fact that you can accomplish more with sugar than with oil and vinegar....I agree with you 100% but I don't agree with that fact that you didn't care to be recognized....it is my opinion one that perhaps many don't share but.........I post items of interest and opinion to stimulate a response...as I have posted before. My point that professionals don't protect or care about the resource is a observation of mine.....just recently NPAA a Asscoiation of Professional Anglers pushed hard against a recent bill
that Montana State Game And Fish found necessary about "no culling" of fish. This group fought hard against this. Why? because
recently at a Professionaly Walleye Tournament in Montana. One reason
the mortality was very high. I feel in this instance the Montana Game and Fish was trying to protect the resource "delayed mortality" as it sometimes called. The Professional Anglers Group was trying to protect tournament angling. They won. It scares me these groups over rule knowledgeable trained DNR fisheries folks, this is one example.Lake Asscociations accomplish the same thing with their agenda. Remember one thing majority of anglers do not fish competively, they are the ones that support the resource with their license fees, as a majority they contribute far more to the resource in funds for the DNR Fisherery Agencies. These are the folks I am concerned about the majority. Thanks for your response.......

[VoyageurNorth]

a section based on the Boundary Waters/Quetico Park