It's Changed

[Thunderstick]

It used to be a lot more fun going out with the ol' man tossing a minnow into the lake and praying for a strike. Today, it's all technology. I never wanted to be a scientest. I just loved to catch fish. I feel the more I learn the less I know. All I want is to feel as good as I did when I caught my first perch. I am uncomfortable when "fishermen" go on about the cone angle of fish finders and the gear ratios of reels. Please...is ther anyone else out there who doesn't give a crap about the latest technology, who doesn't own an underwater camera, who has no idea what the gear ratio of his reel is...and simply enjoys getting out on the water and gets skunked most of the time but doesn't care because it's fun? Pretty soon, the only reason people will fish is because it's a way to win money in some stupid tournement and I think that stinks. I just love to fish and I don't give a **** if I'm using the hottest gear or not. In fact, I don't get depressed when I come home with a goose egg. I love trying. And I think that the pressure put on fishermen to succeed on every outing sucks. I love catchin' fish. But mostly, I love fishing. What do you think?

[River_eye]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-18-00 AT 04:17AM (CST)[p]There are a lot more people like that than you think. Although, they are not the people that you find on this board, at least not many. Guys who take a more laid back approach to fishing are plenty, but you won't find them scanning this board trying to pick up somthing that will give them a bit of an edge next season. Here, you'll find us. We eat, drink and sleep fishing. It's just us striving to be a better fisherman/woman, and somhow trying to be able to catch more fish under many different conditions. And if we're able to catch just one more fish, it will have all been worth while. Don't worry, there's still so much more to fishing than electronics, and that will never change.

River eye

[johnwaleye]

well put river-eye

[John N]

And then there are guys like me, who enjoy nice stuff, including some of the high tech stuff that nobody dreamed of when we were kids, but I'm still happy just to get out where the wind blows across the water, where you can watch the eagles soar, see the occassional deer swimming or watching from the shore, and enjoy the company of my fishing friends. Love to catch 'em, but for me it's really the process that's fun, not just the result... Good fishing, John.

[Bigeye]

I'll admit when I bought my first used boat about seven years ago and decided to do some fishing and take the kids for a ride it would lead to this. I get all the mags, I read this board religiously, I watch the videos,I talk about fishing and boats so much to my buddys my wife thinks I've lost it. Next Sat. I pick up my new Pro V with all the latest goodies. In fact my buddy will be here in 30 minutes and we,re heading for the lake to chase some lake trout , gotta go !!!!

[bad fish]

RIGHT ON BROTHER.they want to change it to catching instead of fishing.enjoy the moment.and if you get enough for a fish fry-bounus.

[curt quesnell]

one of the real nice things about fishing is that
you can do it on any level. you can fish from shore your whole life if thats what you want to do. and you can get as far into it as your banker
will allow.
enjoy fishing the way you want to do it and dont
let em get ya down..

cq

[chrism]

Do ya think that the kid(s) fishing with you understand all of the technology that we use? Perhaps they are living those memories we once had when we caught our first fish...Those that will stick with them forever, regardless of what kinda boat they're in or what sort of electronics we have, just like all of us expierienced at one point in our childhoods.
In my opinion, gadgets are for getting from A to B safely, expensive lures are just that, and high end rods/reels/lines show us how smart the fish actually are and it's human nature to want to be better than your foe(in this case, the Walleye).
I have gadgets, expensive lures, and all that stuff (most fish I have caught were on jigs or spinners, the least expensive lures I own...maybe there's a message in that...)
Do I enjoy fishing more? Yes - because not only can I do it in a boat or from shore, but I can also go "fishing" by going to the local tackle store and spend$$$, reading a mag, opening a cabellas catalogue or spend some time on this board!
Fishing is a lifestyle that we grow into on and off the water. And some like it more than others...
Keep it in perspective and you'll be happy no matter what stage you are at regardless of what you own. And a good fisherman(woman) will help rather than bragg.

[Ron]

Looked at a big sceen TV yesterday. Asked the guy a question. He talked non-stop for five minutes and I didn't understand a word of what he said. My wife programs the VCR. I plan on packing it in when a roll of toilet paper comes with instructions and I can't figure them out! Just get out there in your 12' boat and your red and white bobber and enjoy fishing the way you want to!

[finaddict]

Hey thuderstick its human nature to strive for a better way to do things! If it wasn't we all would be fishing from shore with a spear that is if we accepted that new fangled stick with a point on it!! Lighten up, do it any way you want. You must accept some new technology or you would'nt be able to read this!! GOOD FISHING!!

[Bank buster]

Hey Thunderstick,

I have a boat with all the "gadgets", I fish tournaments. I love it. I love fishing every moment I can. I live for the next trip, and make about 100, "one last cast" each trip's end.
I love the pastime/sport. I live for it. I eat sleep and drink fishing.
Despite what you might think, fishing still relaxes me, and I wholly enjoy it.
There are many many times I look to the sky and thank the Lord for allowing me to see another beautifull sunrise or sunset. Easily one of God's crowning achievements is a sunrise on a partially cloudy day.
Without whipping the tournament issue to death(again), why are they stupid? And do you really believe that anglers fish tournaments to win money? There are a few who fish for that reason, and do win money. Most of us donate our money, by the bucket full!
Fishing is the greatest thing anyone can learn, and is one of the few sports where everyone can meet it on it's own level. You fish as you like , I fish as I like and so on.
I am actually offended that you choose to blast a big part of my choice how to fish, as I would never demean your choice. I can stand in my 30,000 dollar boat and tell you your canoe/jon boat/or equally priced rig is a nice one, and even envy you a bit. Can you do the same to me? Sounds like not.
Of all about fishing I love, nothing is better and more enjoyed than taking my son fishing at the local pond and sitting the bank with him for a few short hours. Or wading a local quarry or stream with him and most times end up goofing of or taking a little nature hike with him. I would not trade these times for a truck load of Ranger Boats.
I take his friends fishing as their parents do not. I have never felt such satisfaction as seeing several little faces beaming back at me, on the way home, bright as the sun. Some of their parents are now getting involved as they see the joy on their childrens faces upon returning home. And most of the time the stories are not of the, "I caught this many fish." type. The one I still hear about is when I let a big ol painted turtle get far enough up the bank, before I called the childrens attention to it. I went and picked it up to show the kids and it peed on me! The kids still talk about that.
I am sorry. I ramble a bit. But you get the point.
Have fun and enjoy. And if you are a technophobe, you are really going to have problems in the future. Lastly, i knw guys with every possible gadget there is on their boats, and they still cant catch fish.
Take a kid fishing today, and teach them a lifetime of happiness.
Sorry for the looong post.
my 35 cents. LOL.

[fordnut]

I have had $30,000.00 boats sit next to my $300.00 boat. I`v caught more fish,and they don`t understand why. my point is, its not what have, but how you use it. All the electronics in the world can`t change that.

[twogun]

Hey Thunerstick, technology can put fish in the boat.tech. can make it fun,easy, and make it exciting. You don't have to have deep pockets to be productive or have fun. We all fish different ways. I believe that periodic updating is a must,as far as lures, rod and reels. If you have the line in the water and you feel good about the way your fishing don't worry about the other guys.We all use fishing in different ways; RELAXING,LEARNING, ENJOYMENT, EARN A LIVING, TO BE OUTDOORS, TO WIN OR PLACE IN TOURNEMENTS, I don't fish tournements nor do i have a $30.000 boat, find a happy medium and rock on.

[stewart]

New technology seems inevitable, but to paraphrase Lee Wulf all improvements in fish catching technology are anti-conservation. This includes things like the internet which allow average anglers like myself to increase my knowledge without first having to spend a lifetime on the water.

We are all becoming more effective in a shorter amount of time, and this puts strain on our natural resources. For example,the walleye populations that used to go untouched, such as suspending fish, are now being targetted.

I have no problem with technology in itself because it's how it's used that really matters. However, as technology improves and our population continues to increase the need for restraint will too.

[River_eye]

Exactly. What makes it such a great sport/recreational activity is that you only have to get into it as deep as you want and still have lots of fun. And really, there is no limit. If there was, we'd reach it, get bored and go home. Although there is no such thing as a master of fishing, it's still fun to get as close as we can.

River eye

[Thunderstick]

I didn't mean to imply that I was down on technology. Actually, I have probably spent way too much on gadgets myself and I appreciate the capabilities that modern fishing affords us. I suppose what I really meant to express was the notion that, despite all the new tools we have available to us today, the true measure of the contemporary fishing experience is actually just being there. So many current discussions regarding fishing focuses on things other than the actual joy of wetting a line. Read through any fishing mag and much of what is presented is geared to "what's hot", i.e. what can I spend my money on this year. If you're like me you already have everything you need to catch fish. By that I mean: the brains and desire to do so. It's simply a matter of applying yourself to the task. Once we understand this, the collection of new gear becomes merely a matter of "keeping up with the Jones'" and we spend less time and energy enjoying the outdoor experience which, after all, is what really matters. I'll see you all on the water.

[Fin Addict]

Fishing is like any other sport, we all have different motivations. Some golfers go for the beer, the buddies, a nice walk outside or to get away from work and family for a while while others are obscessed with getting the lowest possible score. These are the guys who are at the range all the time and getting the latest gadgets. They work at it and the better they get, the more they enjoy it and the harder they continue to strive for perfection. Same with musicians and many other things in life. I play golf the way you choose to fish. I will never be very good and I really don't care but I can have fun at it nonetheless. When I fish, it is with a passion because it is amoung my favorite things to do. With regard to fishing, I know more people like you than people like me. I would also bet that most people like me release nearly all of their fish and strongly support the resource so I don't think you'll have to worry about there being no fish left for the casual fisherman. Isn't it great that we can all enjoy this sport at our own level.

[Beaver]

I`ve seen guys with all the gadgets who still can`t catch fish. But I`m not going to knock them because,after all, they`re fishermen just like me and you. My grandfather fished with bamboo rods, my dad had some that were steel. No matter, they fished. I have friends with $250 fishing rods. I don`t need to spend that much money,because I know what it feels like when a walleye thumps a jig. I don`t think it will feel better the more I spend. Like the old saying goes..."Give me a fish and I eat for today, TEACH ME TO FISH, and I eat for a lifetime."...no matter what I use.

[Fish-on]

If you really want to put some excitement back into your outings, leave the fishing gear at home one day and only take an Aqua-Vu with you.

I'm not kidding here. Try it! It'll change how you see this sport, and revitalize your fishing ambitions.

[eyewinder]

I think that I feel many of the same things that Thunderstick has voiced. I have owned the boat of my dreams for the past several years, but I still:
1) really enjoy early spring fishing from the bank
2) occasionally wonder if the guys w/flyrods who fish running water in chest waders and/or drift boats don't have a simpler, less complex approach to their sport
I love my fiberglass, tricked out, electronics-enhanced walleye boat. . .and I'm neither confused nor psychotic--just a bit conflicted about progress, as I suspect Thunderstick may be.

It's all good!
eyewinder

[aar7]

Kind of an ironic topic to be posted on one of the newest technologies . . . the internet.

[Sandy]

It's like the old saying.......you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink.
You can have the best locator to find the fish or a underwater camera to see the fish but that doesn't mean the fish is going to bite. Technology is great if you know how to use it.Alot of times if you go back to basics and use a simple technique you will catch fish. Just my opinion.:-D

[luvtotroll]

I disagree about the strain on the resource.
With the increase in popularity comes more money going to the restocking, research and development of quality fisheries. Walleye fishing is as good as it has ever been.
How many current opictures of huge stringers do you see? Not too many compared to 20 yuears ago. Most people do practice CPR. You can even put a trophy on the wall with out removing the troghy from the system.
I find it hard to belive that man can completly destroy a resource without trying very hard to do so. Especially when we are trying to improve it so much.
Fish how ever makes you happy and let everyone else do the same.
I fish tournaments and hope to compete in the big ranks in the near future. This what makes me happy. Not catching any fish is not disappointing but a learning experience.

Good luck
Scott

[Mike B. (OK)]

Say Eyewinder, fly fishing can get just as complex, if not more so than walleye fishing. I took it up a few years ago, and man, you should see all the flies, leaders, lines, rods, waders, clothes, etc. you can get. Then you can start tying your own flies, matching the hatch, reading entomology books, yadda yadda yadda. You can make perch fishing complicated if you want too. I say each to his own, some guys are into gadgets, some aren't. Just make sure you enjoy what you are doing, and remember why you do it.

[Nate W.]

I work full-time in the hunting industry. Hunting is becoming a game of dollars. Big dollars buys up the prime hunting areas to produce the big racks to bolster peoples egos. The rest of us are left to scratch and claw out a small place to hunt. Whereas with fishing, I don't care how much high-tech stuff the guy in the other boat has, he's still catching the same fish as me! I hope that never changes.

[eyedoktr]

Yes, there are still some people that fish just for the escape from everyday things. I am one, but, I also enjoy the fun of the fight,and the release, to fight another day. I have low-tech electronics by today's standards and I don't plan on updating anytime soon.They are just another tool, like rod and reel.

[Tommy Mac]

Walleye Central has the best motto-

Shut Up And Fish!

Catch A Big One!
Tom

[Mountain Man]

Fishing hasn't changed that much. Ya gotta get the fish to bite and ya got to learn where they are to get them to bite and ya gotta figure out what they want to bite. I fish tourneys with smaller& older boats than almost anyone around me. And ya I've seen em laughing, but they don't laugh long.A week ago at a Mississippi a guy nearly died laughing and made some very derogatory remarks when my partner and I in a sixteen flat bottom with an old moter caught the big fish of the tournament. Unfortunately my son, two,daughters,and wife were standing next to him. Had my son not been raised right the gentlemen would probably not have been laughing long. Each time I catch a fish or my guide customers do I still have the same fun I did back on the dock at
Goose Island 40 years ago. Fish the way ya want
new gadgets are nice but they aren't required to have fun.

[ufda]

I understand where you're coming from. Over the last 50 years I've purchase a lot of gimcracks and gizabedizes and yet the most fun I've had fishing lately was very simple. It involved my grandkids and some small sunfish. Took two expensive fly rods and tied a length of mono to the tip so the kids could use them like canepoles . Put on hooks, split shot and red and white BOBBERS (no floats here). Left the Crestliner at the boat ramp and walked out to the end of a dock and spent the next 2 hours unhooking small sunfish and taking pictures. What to they say? If the kids treat you with love, respect and always listen to what you say, - you're a grandparent!
Take a kid fishing.
ufda

[Hans]

>I disagree about the strain on
>the resource.
>With the increase in popularity comes
>more money going to the
>restocking, research and development of
>quality fisheries. Walleye fishing is
>as good as it has
>ever been.

Not true.

First, the number of fishing licenses sold in the US is DECREASING, not increasing. The amount of money spent on restocking, etc., is going DOWN when measured in real dollars. The "hours to catch a fish" is going up. The "hours to catch a pound of fish" is going up even faster! The number of kids coming into the sport is down by 2/3'rds since 1965! More and more the sport is populated by grey headed affluent old men.

[Adam Lundsten]

>LAST EDITED ON Mar-18-00
>AT 04:17*AM (CST)
>
>There are a lot more people
>like that than you think.
> Although, they are not
>the people that you find
>on this board, at least
>not many. Guys who
>take a more laid back
>approach to fishing are plenty,
>but you won't find them
>scanning this board trying to
>pick up somthing that will
>give them a bit of
>an edge next season.
>Here, you'll find us.
>We eat, drink and sleep
>fishing. It's just us
>striving to be a better
>fisherman/woman, and somhow trying to
>be able to catch more
>fish under many different conditions.
> And if we're able
>to catch just one more
>fish, it will have all
>been worth while. Don't
>worry, there's still so much
>more to fishing than electronics,
>and that will never change.
>
>
>River eye
>

Im going with River eye I dont give half a SHI* about fishing electronics to me i dosent help you fish its just another way to cheat. I dont use inder water cameras for 2 reasons there illegal in MN and the other reason its a waste of moneu and a joke. Electronics dont help you. Its all yourself and how good you know the lake. I dont go fishing just to catch fish. I dont care if i catch pike to bullheads as long as i catch a fish and I also just like being on the lake its relaxing. I gotta admit ive asked my questions but not any of them have been on electronics. well heres my finnal point. "electronics are a waste of money"

[Adam Lundsten]

My other reply was just a opinion. I didnt mean for it to offend anybody. I got to admmit I fish with my uncle allot and hes 2 fish finders, depth finders, and some other bells and gadgets. All I was saying is i dont believe in fishing electronics and im not putting people down that use them

[Jon'eye']

It all starts when your a kid. Thank God for them old rivers and lakes. Wrestling with old cats and carp, sometimes a walleye, BOY would I be proud! I would drag that thing home with the BIGGEST smile on my face, muddy shoes, pants, sun burned, the works.

How many of you guys and gals were the "Pro" of your block when you were a kid?

You just got to love life!

[stewart]

>With the increase in popularity comes
>more money going to the
>restocking, research and development of
>quality fisheries.

To me stocking is not a real solution.If we weren't straining the resource it would not be necessary in the first place.There are always exceptions of course.

Popularity does have the upside you mention.You have people who care about the fishery(Wulf again).

>How many current pictures of huge
>stringers do you see? Not
>too many compared to 20
>years ago. Most people do
>practice C&R.

I can see stringers and pictures of big dead fish every time I open a 'Chasse et Peche' magazine.

C&R was promoted by Wulf after he experienced the decimation of trout populations with the advent of spinning gear.I agree with you that as technology has improved so has our awarenes of the need for conservation, but even C&R fishing can be quite high impact if improperly done(think deep water walleyes, or I-F's articles on the status of big pike in N.A)

>I find it hard to belive
>that man can completly destroy
>a resource without trying very
>hard to do so.

I don't think people consciously seek to destroy a resource, just like when people drive to work they aren't trying to cause global warming.

There are still fish in my home waters, but not as many as there could be.

>Fish how ever makes you happy
>and let everyone else do
>the same.

I agree, but we are all sharing the same resource and one's actions affect the others.

This post was not meant to be an attack in any way. I think we all have the same goal of enjoying our time on the water.

[Sheila]

Skunked or not, rained on or not, I always luv to go fishing. I think you must know where you stand in the "pecking order" of this commercialized fishing world - remember what it's all about for YOU and not worry at all...(until you've scored the big 0 many times in a row...then get out the magazines). I have been known to make top-fishing dogs laugh without even trying. I've fished with cheap stuff, expensive stuff, in lakes I could barely figure out how to launch in, let alone know where the rocks/sand bars or the fish are.

Skunk me baby and I will brag about it. Catch lots of fish, same thing. Fact is, I enjoy the SPORT OF IT and trying, no matter who, what, where or how many. See the post I'm going to putup on the board [Favorite Story].

Hang in there. Brag that you used a "stick and a worm". Be glad if you don't spend gobs of money on high-tech fishing stuff. And I trust/feel much more luck will come to you in the future for sure.