What's the worth of posting in "Fishing Reports?"

[VMS]

Not upset at this issue, but a bit concerned. It seems as though there are alot of tight lipped people on this board nowdays. I have posted to find out water temps on certain lakes along with turnover (on FIRST as well) and cannot seem to get any responses. I looked today at some of the questions people have and nobody posts a response, no matter how little of an answer it takes.

It is sad to see that there are many people out there looking for little bits of info and nobody will help. I would help, but my experiences on many of the lakes is non existent...I fish a couple of lakes...thats it. When questions are posed there, I will try to at least put something. With all of the guides out there on the board who have an abundance of lakes they fish, someone has to know something on the lakes in question.

I hope I am not just preaching to the choir here....

Steve

[guideman]

Steve,
Many of us are very busy this time of year...and lets remember..the info here
is free. Sorry gotta run!:)

[Eyesore]

VMS, go to www.lake-link.com and then fishing reports. Much more current info. If you don't see your lake, just post your question and somebody should give you a come-back.

[Slamr]

Whatever happened to "spending time on the water"??? It seems as though many people on these boards have a dependance on getting the "word" from others before they venture out! If you don't have the money to hire a guide, that I understand....but there is still a lot to be said for buying a map and getting out there and POUNDING! Muskies are definitely NOT an exact science, and what worked yesterday or last week for one person is not necessarily going to work for you. ALSO, a day on unknown waters, trying to figure it out can be frustrating.....but then again the thrill of doing well on a lake that you didn't know b4 that morning, is one of the best feelings that I at least get!

Just My Very Un-Humble Opinion

Slamr

[Slip Knot]

I have to agree with Steve I am new to musky fishing and have asked simple questions like water clarity on a lake and I get no replies. It does not make a diffrence what time of the year it is(winter or summer). I also think that there are a lot more people who just like to read and not post an answer to a question. Alot of the replies are from the same people. I guess I would get tired of typing. I guess what I'm trying to say is let stick together and maybe we can get the vet's to open up and answer some of our questions over the winter months!! Bill

[HerbB]

One thing you can do is go to the DNR WEB site. I don't know about Illinois, but MN has a great DNR WEB site where you can get a great deal of information on most lakes in the state. I go there occasionally just to check lakes that I've fished for years. The info you're asking for is quite possibly readily available. And like Slamr says, its great to do well on a new lake. One of my most memorable outings ever was my first time on Bald Eagle Lake back in 1995. Took me just 30 minutes to land a 45 incher. Research can pay off big time.

Good luck and good fishing.

[VMS]

I am glad to see some responses coming in. I know that this time of year is busy for many (myself included) and understand that many may not have time to post. That being said, I can understand fewer posts to a question in the area.

I think, though, that some are missing my point. For fishing new waters, nothing but time on the water will help you and getting to know a new lake is no doubt a challenge. I myself am familiar with the other websites and am glad to see someone post them as a referral. But...it just seems that few people HERE will offer information no matter how small the question might be. From what I understand (my perception here) is the Fishing report section is to post questions/comments regarding the waters we fish...what works, not working, etc. I just don't see that happening...and would like to see more input from those on the board. again...it is a concern/observation that I know I have gotten frustrated with and others have as well. I am not looking to step on anyone's toes here, but am trying to encourage more input from those who can.

[HerbB]

There is a big danger with posting a great deal about your favorite lake. If one does that, one may see a dozen more boats on the lake the next time you go out. People often don't like to give away their secrets because it may come back to haunt them.

It seems that general questions will generally get you many more responses. But I wouldn't look at this message board as your only source of info. There are many other places to look for various information like WEB sites, maps, magazines, and even bait shops. There is a lot of info out there. One just has to look a little to find it.

And a lot of people probably aren't even looking at this board anymore. Its the end of the season in the northern areas like Canada and MN and a lot of people are putting their boats away for the winter and heading out hunting. Lets face it - a person can only do one thing at a time.

Good fishing and good luck.

[ONE POINT OF VIEW]

if you had a good trip and post you may be giving away
the baby. If you had a bad trip, what is there to post?
People often ask questions in the trip reports section
which always confuses me due to the fact I thought it was
for trip reports?????

Some quick tips that might help you get some info.
1. note someone who lists Lake x as a water they fish
and email them. May start a friendship or at least
get some decent information.
2. ask a very specific question, such as what colors
work at lake such and such? or should I start with
weeds, rock, sand bars or steep drops etc at this time.
3. offer what you know so far about this lake and then
ask for clarification, ie i see there are a lot of small
bars and some very large flat areas, am I better working
A or B and whats my fallback position on this lake if
burning bucktails isn't working?
4. make sure you leave an email, some people don't want
to make things general knowledge that they might offer to
a single other angler.
5. barter, offer lake info you have, marked maps etc.
on lakes you know for info on lake Q you have never fished
before
6. play beginner, lots of people will help a newby more
willingly than someone who has 300 baits knows how to use
them and can do 4 casts a minute with bucktails

[kmon]

Point well taken:
Off to the fishing reports to make my entry.

On the questions note: I have noticed that
some questions don't get answered because
they've been answered so many times before.
Like using different lines. or a bull dawg.
A little poking around in the archives might
help the newbies.