InFish shoulda had Golden...

[Todd_NE]

Just finished reading my new "Special Anniversary" In-Fisherman. It was superb.

I just can't get over the thought how important the internet has become in so many ways to my/your angling. I was thinking 'ol Walleye Central is a legend in the making...

Todd

[Thunderstick]

Personally, I wish In-Fisherman would quit telling us how great they are and stick to writing about how guys like me can catch more fish!

[EAGLE EYES]

I would have to agree with that comment! I think it is a big chip on Al's shoulder that needs to be stopped. We all now you can catch fish Al! Now show someone else what you've learned. I'm not knocking down InFishermen completely I think they're an excellent educate. I just wish they would concentrate more on education,not ability.

[John in MN]

I am letting my In Fisherman subscription run out after many, many years. There just is not that much fishing info anymore. Every issue has a "History of this" or "The status of that". I am going to subscribe to Walleye Central Magazine instead.

[Welcome to the club John]

Well done John, I did the same thing years ago! I got so sick of the I am a great fisherman, here's me with a fish attitude. Sure they teach, and yes there is some great info. But they seem to be trying to make some things more complicated that they are. I also think they need to stop bnlowing theyre own horn so much. I am also tired of the underlying theme that they are the only source of fishing information in the universe.
VIVA WALLEYE CENTRAL!, aint freedom grand?

[MIKE]

TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU GUYS. THAT JIM MAKES ME SICK TO WATCH, SEEMS TO BE SUCH A KNOW-IT-ALL. I HAVE FRIENDS IN NORTHERN MN. THAT SAY THE LINDER'S ARE VERY HARD TO GET ALONG WITH BECAUSE OF THAT KNOW IT ALL ATTITUDE. GO WITH WALLEYE CENTRAL.

[Bob Leeds]

years ago they helped me alot but now they dont teach much anymore.Im sure most dedicated fisherman can catch as many fish as them, if we had the money to fish canada even novice fisherman can do well especially on pike.I have fished with al and ron on a canadian lake where my grandparents have a resort and they didn't do crap.We had to tell them where to fish.They said the lake sucked and they are so wrong they just couldnt find the fish it was a walleye and smallie show in the fall.

[CJ HUGHES]

I think they are doing a fine job.Al Infish has taught me more about Walleye fishing than any other source.They share all their skills,trolling jigging whatever to everyone.Next time you go to a lake or to a Walleye club meeting ask one of your fellow anglers where and what they are hitting on.They will look at you like your crazy.Plus Al is the only host that you will ever see on TV that will keep some of his fish to eat.As far as a role model for my sons he is a far site better than 99% of any of the so called sport\drug\rape\murder stars.I like Infish I think some people are jealous of him,who wouldn`t be EAT SLEEP FISH pickup paycheck.

[ufda]

C'mon guys, did it ever occur to you that the two "special" issues came out after In-fisherman was purchased by Primedia? You did notice that they were self-promotional, but did you also see all the resort advertising in the issue on places to go and all the tackle advertising in the personality issue. Ring any bells. Could it be the new corporate control drumming ad money?
I've subscribed to In-fisherman on and off since Ron and AL came out with the original Red book which was actually a correspondence course. They do have their ups and downs, but they are still the best "multi-species" source of techinques and methods I know about. I will vote for Walleye Central when it come to walleyes, however.
So, I agree, "they should have had Golden".
ufda

[Todd_NE]

Great reply ufda!

I'm not afraid to admit I got a kick out of this special issue even though I seem to be the only one - do I like fishing articles better - yes! I thought it was fascinating to read about some of the views of the various authors and even pick up the subtle and not so subtle jabs, counterpoints, etc. If you think things don't change, look at Ray and Roland in the Triton shirts...

I sorta think In-Fish has ran out of steam over the last few years but I also think that's not a negative - look at how far they and we have come in 20+ years. They've been very helpful over the years in improving my angling, reporting tournament results and techniques used, on and on and on, and I love the fact they are multi-species. I don't think they're condescending or patronizing - if YOU have a better mousetrap they'll print it! They've recently had some great articles on the Aqua Vu, walleye techniques, cold weather cats, breakthroughs in equipment, I still like their lake and waterway rankings and info for the traveler, and the editorial/science content is outstanding.

I don't know any of 'em personally, but few people get far in life without good personalities, brains, and commitment.

Heck, the biggest thing I miss is Toad Smith stories - I still love the one about dumping big 'ol cats or carp in the local kids mudhole... Or the "frog in his throat". hehehehhe I can just visualize him Zacker, and my step dad on a trip even though they never probably met... and me on a sandbar soaking it all in... way to go Stange.

My original and current thought still is that for walleye angling, and fishing in general, we have not yet begun to scratch the surface with the Internet and I see a day where Walleye Central might very well eclipse, in the walleye angling community at least, In-Fisherman or Walleye Insider. Who knows?

I can't imagine not having InFish or Walleye Central.

Todd

[Toad]

No doubt, In-Fisherman has changed. Ten years ago when I first contributed to the mag, they had a much larger range of editorial freedom. If it would've been up to Al & Ron, they'd have just assumed use no advertising, as they did in the early days. And then, even after they determined the absolute need for ads (for revenue), Ron's idea was to stick all of it in the back of the magazine, with the articles first. (Obviously, that didn't go over so well with potential sponsors).

Thing is, though, it's tougher today to present absolutely fresh, revolutionary info than it was many years ago. But this is the organization that has advanced the ability of the average (walleye) angler like no other-- believe it or not. Today, there's a whole legion of well-informed anglers with a bunch of fishing media outlets to match.

Certainly, Primedia has changed things. Most of the staff won't directly acknowledge it, but the building just doesn't have quite the same feel anymore. (Much of it to do with the absence of the wild creativity of Ron Lindner and now Dan Sura).

Don't know that I agree with Al and his "self promotion," but then, the TV show is not the same as the magazine. And Al Lindner remains one of the most approachable celebrities there is. At any rate, I agree that WC is fast becoming a fine source of walleye info and I really enjoy "chatting" with you good folks .

-a friend called Toad

[Mountain Man]

If your out for a read on Ron and Al its a no brainer. Take everything else off the table and if for no other reason than inspiration there never has or will be a source equal to Al linder.
Both persoanally,in public,as a Christian or in print he glows with self confiedence. And confiedence in your ability is the whole game.
Anybody can learn skills and yes fish almost everyday if they want to, b

[Gregg]

I agree that the magazine is not as informative or even well written as it used to be. But, I would be years behind without the Walleye-Insider and watching, fishing in, and reading about the PWT. I learned by first reading an article, watching it on t.v. and then applying it on the water. A great way to learn for a guy whose family and friends don't fish that much. Now, Wallleye Central is the next step. I can tweak my skills by asking questions on Walleye Central and getting immediate (unbiased) feedback or help someone else. So much better than waiting for an article to come out.

Gregg

[Thunderstick]

Here's my beef with IF's Anniversary edition and the direction of the magazine in general: I pay a good buck as a subscriber and I can understand them getting literary and politically topical. And I can understand the advertising, some of which I actually enjoy. But it's soon to be spring and many of us are sharpening our hooks and lubing up the reels and drooling in anticipation of the upcoming season. When my buddies and me get together to talk fishing we don't discuss the impact of the internet or how Ray Scott or Johnny Morris have influenced our favorite pastime. We talk fishing. And as the last snowflakes of the winter melt away we are hungry for information that will make the coming trips more fulfilling. A more appropriate focus, as far as a "Special" issue is concerned (in my opinion) would have been to revisit some of the more groundbreaking articles that have appeared in IF over the years. I guess when the writers at IF are running out of new ideas they have to seek the sanctuary of self promotion. I don't subscribe to IF to read about Al Lindner. I want to read about catching fish!

[Gunga Din]

I hear a lot of comments on this board from old-timers who date back to the early years of IF. Well, my history with it is relatively short and what's old news to some may be new to others. Take a look at a computer magazine that's a few years old and the info is so outdated it's comical. But back issues of a fishing rag still have timely, accurate, and helpful info.

So from my point of view, IF is the best show/mag to help me improve my fishing skills. It may not be what it used to, but maybe that's because you weren't always as savvy as you are now. Hey, you could always watch Bill Dance! (bad joke).

But if I had to choose, I'd choose WalleyeCentral because of its interactive nature and exposure to a large number of pro's from all around the country. I can ask questions to pro's, vendors, dealers, etc. And I can get real-life feedback from users. Hey, this is the spot on the spot!

[EAGLE EYES]

AMEN THUNDERSTICK!! Your last two sentences tell the whole truth.

[Ron]

I think that Al Lindner is the most complete encylopedia on multi-species that there is, but I am also letting my subscription expire later this year. Three things bother me. First, I think that they have said it all in the past and are struggling to try to say it again in a new and different way. Second,they are going to too many history and other "fluff" articles. Finally, they are becoming flooded with advertisements and I don't have to pay for that - Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops send catalogs to me for free.

[St. Louis Eye]

It is sad that all magazines have to become "advertsing havens" and it is unfortunate that all of you replying have stated all your problems with in-fisherman on here. Please remember that words mean a lot. I have never subscribed to the magazine and after reading these messages probably would not, but I hope you have spoken your mind to in-fisherman about your likes and dislikes. How are they to know they are doing something others dont like if they never hear about it? This sounds a little like my grandma's ole knitting circle.

[RMB]

After reading the many varied responses I find it interesting that there are so many negative responses. The majority of us sitting at our computers should be thankful that we have been the recipients of the "new age" of fishing. Infish magazine has been exciting all these years because the unexplored world of freshwater fishing was just blooming in it's conception. Now we have underwater cameras, and electronics to play with. Although these things bring a new dimension to fishing, they are somewhat pail in comparison to the innocence of learning all the basics and methodology most of us looked forward to each month when Infisherman hit the shelves. I agree, maybe the content could head back to the basics. After all, there are many young folks out there who need to understand the basics before all the advanced stuff makes any sense. I think some of us tend to forget that we were ALL inexperienced at one point or another. As far as AL and Ron go. I know neither of them personally, but have had the pleasure of meeting them both in normal surroundings (Fleet Farm shopping, the Prop shop, etc....) and never has either one been too busy to chat or share info. when asked. They would be the first to tell you that there are a lot of folks out there who have helped to teach us fish (Buck Perry, Bill Binkleman, etc....), but if the bottom line is, if these two guys and the many fine folks at Infisherman hadn't done what they did year in and year out we probably wouldn't be sitting here right now expressing opinions. I for one am jealous. They are doing and have done what I will only dream of doing for a living. Unless of course I hit that power ball!

[River_eye]

I agree with you. I am not a regular reader of In-fish. I have actually only started calling myself a fishing fanatic in the last two years, as I am only 18. All the history and technology stuff is fairly interesting, but I'd much rather learn how to be a better angler. It is important to have a good mix of innovative techniques as well as the basics.

Although they could put together a better magazine, I understand how hard it is to be equally appealing to the beginners as well as the more seasoned anglers. Really, besides technology in equipment, fishing has not changed one bit, the fish still do the same things. They can report on the new technology, but all this high-priced stuff is such a little part of fishing. What the mag needs is a good balance between info on the fish, and info on what we use to catch the fish.

River eye

[rlelvis]

Well enough has already been said about "The Magazine" as I have heard it called and I am in total agreement, to much gloating goin' on. I am in the military and usually move every few years therefor I seem to find myself fishing for different fish evrytime I move. I used to subscribe to In fisherman but found that it just wasn't what I was looking for and was only a moderate help in actually inding fish. Now that I am living in Upstate NY and live walleye I have found this site to be invaluable. I spend hours every week reading this message board and printing topics. I wish I had all that subscription money back now to buy MORE STUFF.
My hats off to Welleye Central And am glad it is back up.

Good Fishin'

[crash]

GOD BLESS WALLEYE CENTRAL AND ALL INVOLVED

[Ron]

Primedia knows what they are doing. They increase advertising until us "grandmas," as you choose to call us, won't take it any more - and that's now
for most of the people I know.

[curt quesnell]

the single best thing i ever read about walleye
fishin is SECRET TEACHINGS HANDBOOK put out by
in fisherman. you still get it with a new subscription. i read it 20 times and then lost
it or i would have read it 20 more times..

if they published a new SECRET TEACHINGS HANDBOOK
on walleyes every month i would expect to see
some of the same stuff pretty regularly.

some of the stuff in the in-fish is repetitive,
some of it goes way, way over my head. some seems
too simple. it remains the publication against
which all others will be judged.

if all i got out of each new issue of in fish was
"northwoods with doc" it would be worth it. this
is the magazine that taught me most of what i know
about walleye fishing (that i didnt learn from my
dad).

we are absorbing information like a bunch of
sponges now and tossing the sources aside like
empty beer cans....anyone that does this to a
quality piece of ongoing information like the
in-fisherman will be hardpressed to replace it.

those "special" issues and "anniversary" issues
are wonderful trips down memory lane for those
of us who have subscribed forever. they are some
of my favorites.

i think you guys who were whining about the big
egos on the tv show are nuts. it would seem funny
to hear educators in school say "i really dont
know anything about this but......."

for all of you who know more about walleye fishing
and walleyes in general than al or ron lindner i
will look forward to reading your posts and storys
and magazines for 25 years with no duplication of
ideas or subjects...

if you quit readin in-fish or quit watching the
tv show thats your business.....but you will miss
alot of stuff.

try subscribing to walleye insider as a different
view (they use the pwt pros)..but i gotta warn ya
...they act they know what they are talking about
too...

curt quesnell

[RAINMAN]

DEAR OLD AL IS TO BIG FOR HIS BOOTS. HE THINKS IS THE BEST FISHERMAN HE KNOWS. HIS HEAD MAKES HIS BOAT TOP HEAVY

[JimmyJ]

I have only the In-Fishermen organization to thank for teaching me to fish. I had NO one to take me fishing as a youngster. What I read in IF and then took to the river or lake was how I learned. In the 1980's I attended 2 In-Fishermen Workshops at Camp Fish in Walker,Mn. I met Al Lindner there and he was very personable. I learned that they ran this Camp for all kids especially Inter-City kids at a loss($$) every year. They were first rate people and still are. Did you ever notice that there were no cigarette or alcohol ads in their Magazine? We could use a nation of Al and Rons.

[Thunderstick]

Who are you? Al's stepchild?

[bad fish]

hey i like IF the info i read is really good.but the info from W.C.is about the area i fish and the people i fish with keep up the good work!!

[JimmyJ]

Very Funny! I think a statement like that shows your ignorance.

[RAINMAN]

I THINK AL CAN READ. DO YOU KNOW HIS E-MAIL ADDRESS
IF YOU DO PUT IT ON THIS PAGE THEN WE CAN TELL HIM
WHAT WE THINK

[EAGLE EYES]

Anyway, To get back to response of the original post. Yes Todd, I think Walleye Central is a legend in the making also.

[GullGuide]

I live and fish around these guys...Al is very easy to talk to so is Ron....If you think they are hard to get along with try talking to Babe Winkleman!

[GullGuide]

CJ,
One of Al and Ron's favorite sayings is "There is no job that all you have to do is fish..we know cause if there was one we'd have it!"..There is a lot more to their jobs than just fishing.

[net em]

They have sucked for the last 5 years, money folks thats what is always the down fall, why do you think most of the good info comes from walleye central?Its people like us that still work the 40+ hrs per week that ACTUALLY share good up to date info on what is going on and whats working.**** I could make a fishing show too if I had the money I can think of several lakes I could travel to and catch lots of fish 95% ofthe time but can't afford that.Com on guys its a no-brainer.Buy yourself a shadrap for the price of the magazine .

[EW6]

I'm only 17 and I think you guys are being a little critical of IF. Do you think that you could put out information for 20 years, and not repeat yourself a little . For those of you who have read IF for a long time it is repetitive, but for young anglers such as myself, we are only hearing it for the first time.

IF is the best fishing magazine I have read, because it applies to everyone and every species. There is actual advanced knowledge in IF that you won't find in all magazines. You can always pick up an Outdoor Life and read about what a spinnerbait is.

And of course Walleye Central is going to have more Walleye info, but so would IN-Fisherman if they didn't put so much other time into the other species. As a fishing Magazine I would definetly vote In-Fisherman number 1.

[stewart]

Can't contribute much on technology threads, but these opinion ones are tempting. Touchy subject, but good to see people voicing their strong opinions in a polite way overall.

I'm new to In-Fish, but from the five issues I have from '92 I can see that they have declined.Nothing lasts forever. Hope to one day read all those old ones.

Internet is changeing things. It's one more source to compete with I-F, and every new source of info. diminishes I-F's ability to have a big impact.

p.s. I-F still a good mag, like the adventure stories in Outdoor Life, and Field and Stream has good essays.Gene Hill, you will be missed.

[tim-wis]

WOW!!!!!! I WOULD SAY CURT Q., JIMMY AND EW6 HIT IT RIGHT ON THE HEAD!! I TO HAVE READ IF FOR YEARS, I DON'T ANYMORE, BUT NOT FOR THE REASONS YOU GUYS DON'T. I JUST DETECT A LOT OF JEALOUSY OR SOMETHING HERE. WHY I DON'T KNOW? IT IS AND ALLWAYS HAS BEEN A GREAT MAGAZINE. I TO MET AL ONCE AND HE SURE SEEMED LIKE AN ORDENARY GUY TO ME. ALSO HAVE MET DAN SURA, HE USE TO WORK WHERE I WORK (HERE IN WIS.), NICE GUY! TIM

[ufda]

God am I sick of people saying what they would do if only they had the money. What an excuse for mediocrity, or worse, failure. Do you really think these guys had the money when they started? They did not. But, they worked their buns off, found a good idea and capitalized on it. Why are you and Thunderstick so bitter? Or is it just jealousy?
ufda

[ufda]

Yeah, and you subscribed for 6 or 7 issues a year. The two issues you received promoting resorts and personalities were additional and FREE. God, some people would complain if you hung them with a new rope.
ufda

[Jim Henery]

I too have not subscribed to In-Fish for several years. I feel they got away from teaching us how to fish,which was their early format. As for personal attacks I think that is uncalled for. I don't know Al but his history speaks volumes of good things.Could be jelousy ?

[minneman]

IF is a tool, just as your first zebco 202,you used to own, you grow wizer and find new and better tools to get the job done, im sure most of us can say we learned some valuable info and tecneiques(spelling)i know i have, but i refuse to bash something or someone who has tought me more about fishing than anyone(with the exception now of WC)think of the younger croud veiwing they shouldnt have to make decisions based on your boardom with IF. WC is an exceptional tool i love this place, the one thing i dont like is the fact that some people just dont think before they type,my 2 cents,TED