Why are some of you like this?

[hawg wobbler]

This past summer/fall was my first season musky fishing. I was hooked immediately and totally enjoyed it every time I went out, which was quite often. I was exposed to several different bodies of water and met a number of seasoned veterans of the sport. Like I said, it was a wonderful summer, with 15 musky boated. But.....my problem is this. Many of the people I ran across who fished musky were the most pompous, arrogant s.o.b.'s I have ever encountered. I was definitely in a learning mode with this being my first season, so I have attempted to coax some information out of these people, quetstions about bait, fishing the different season's and such. Do you think I received any tips, suggestions or help in general? Nope. As far as they were concerned, every musky out there was "their" fish whether they fished the same lake as I did or not. Their arrogance was disgusting. Now, I know fishermen in general are secretive or fib a little, but come on, does it have to be that way? What's wrong with letting someone know what's the hot bait or what technique seems to be working or which lake is "hot". I realize I'm painting with a pretty broad stroke and not all of you are like this, but I'm betting some of you are. This is just my opinion and it's not meant to be a shot at anyone, so please don't take it personally. I do appreciate the help I've received from this board. It's been very valuable.

Not every muskie fisherman is like that,some of them are and thats to bad.I think alot has to do with how hard these fish are to catch and the amount of work needed to figure them out.Sounds like you had a pretty good year{at least by east pa standards}.A couple of tough years and youll feel the same way.{maybe}I try to be as helpfull as i can with the hopes that someone will do the same with me.Some time its just one small tip that can change your luck.Dont let it bother you,and try not to let it keep you from helping others out.Good luck next year.

[Sponge Bob]

Dude....don't let it get to you!!! Remember the story about the Emperors' New Clothes? Those that you speak of are just like the king....pompous + arrogant but can't see themselves as others see them-- ignorant + stark naked stumbling through life thinking people are laughing w/ them....hang tight as there is no cure for "butt headedness" yet you must mentally vaccinate yourself + continue on...help others + ignore those who consider themselves above others!:)

[ToddM]

Some people are just that way and it does not matter what fish you are after. I meet and talk to new people at boat ramps all the time. I usually don't run into unreceptive people. Remember one thing and that it is a two way street. Have some informative value for them as well. For instance if I ask someone how they are doing I get a yey or a ney. Many times that may be it. I then offer some of my experience of the day or season and that seems to get most people to open up. Just today, in fact, I had one person show me where they caught a 48" fish and another person show me where they raised two. Just be positive, friendly and make the converation a two way street, even if your info is not positive in respect to success.

[ToddM]

I have a great personal example. I asked a hayward guide last year what was his favorite area of the chip. I worded the question wrong where it sounded to specific which I was not trying to ask and he said "the whole thing". At that point I brought up some of the areas that I fished and we discussed them. He was never unreceptive but did not answer the area question directly. I did learn quite a bit from him by offering up information.

Spongy,I kind of got the same feeling that you did.This is also my first year.I think that there is a prevailing mindset that it is best to be secretive.I don't know why,guides put you on fish all the time.They are our best learning tool along with time on the water. I ran into some PMT guys at a bait shop and I ask them questions about baits and these guys were more than willing to answer all my questions.(thanks pros).Don't get discouraged(somehow I don't think thats possible w/you).SB where are you from in VA.Used to live in Fredericksburg then Charlottesville. Jeff;-)

[Thick Shady]

Hawg,

I might get in a little trouble saying this but it won't be the first time. I think that some of that is the competition aspect of muskie fishing. With contests like Muskies Inc. Member contest and just bragging rights between buddies that people will do some strange things.

JMHO

S-

Jeff, I live about 10 miles west of Roanoke....not too far from C-ville. I fish New River + Claytor Lake when I get a chance. Weather is still nice here....we just got back from the Outer Banks yesterday + though the weather was awsome it did little for the fishing; we did do ok but had to fish hard....I must admit we kept quiet about where + what we used....I used to live there so it made it easier to locate fish areas. If you are ever down this way give me a zing!:)

[Marc Thorpe]

Hawg wobbler,they are all mine!

All kidding aside,when you spend alot of time on the water,you like things to remain quiet.Many folks have no fishing ethics wich for most of us is scary.When the line of respect is crossed many times the guides get the loosing end.You must understand the time and effort that person spends out there.What you learn is your treasure but not yours to share.I think most who take their busness to a passion level enjoy the peacefullnest of having it alone.I do not know to what extent you where offended but look at the other side of the coin for a minute.

If you enjoyed success or not with that person,His time and effort belongs to him.You will gain more respect and knowledge from paying attention than you will by being told where,how deep and what lure.
One other thing for yourself,you will apreciat and enjoy your own personal efforts at fishing when your succes will be had by your own doings from what others have taught you.

Remember,one day you are a hero,the next day a zero
marc

Sorry, but I need to get in on this. My experience has been exactly the opposite. When I came to this board I knew little about the particulars of fishing for the Esox species. Fished bass, panfish, walleye and pike all my life, never muskie. I met some folks on this board who not only were willing to share their experiences, they invited me to lakes they fish, gave me baits, showed me spots, did everything but hook a fish and hand me the rod!
Sorry that some got off on the wrong foot with you. I can tell you there are fishermen & women out there who seem to get great joy from sharing their sport with others. You'll find them, hang in there till then. m