I don't know if any of you read last weeks Western Outdoor News, but there is an editorial section named "Bass Talk" authored by George Kramer. Basically in this weeks issue he calls out San Diego fishermen in a negative way. He, and I quote, says "San Diego is a special home of habitual, boring conformist angling stylists who huddle in local tackle shops waiting for someone to come up with a technique that's easy to use and that works everywhere." He later says that "When it comes to innovation, if the San Diego bassin" crowd were that mouse in a maze, they'd starve to death in their own driveways."
He does talk highly about Cameron Smith(Socalfrogger) and Art Berry, but aside from that threw the rest of the county in as unimaginitive anglers who all do the same thing. First off, I took offense to this because he is ripping on a large portion of my customers and friends, with no real reason. BWW spends a lot of money advertising in Western Outdoor News, so I thought an e-mail expessing my concern in such a slam would be appropriate......No response. I got a call from WON and was patched through to Kramer, and he could not see my point that it was irresponsible to rip on an entire region of anglers because of a few anglers he has a problem with. He said that surely if that article was offensive, that he would get e-mails or letters about it.

I'm pissed, I don't want a newspaper who I pay for to advertise in to insult any region of my customers. I know that several on this board are from San Diego, and ask if you find an editorial like this to be offensive to e-mail WON at wonmail@aol.com. Also relay this to anyone on such boards as SDFish or any others. I guess I don't carry much weight to them as a paid advertiser, but maybe others can help them see the light. Half of these writers never show up at any tournaments, or even have any idea what goes on in bass fishing in general. They should be much more responsible in their journalism. Please tell me if I'm totally off the beam on this one.

I see it from both sides. Mostly I side with CJ. I don think it was right for him to slam the San Diego region of fisherman like that, but at the same time, he is right in a sense. The majority of the anglers in SD are closed minded to new techniques. I think the article was an attempt, allbeit a poor one, to show the population what it takes to break out of the mold.

However, the lakes down in SD are very tough and the techniquies that work are very well known. Most of the fisherman in SD dont want to fish professionally, so there really isnt any need for them to break out of the mold. The old saying "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" applies here. Its not that their unamaginative, its just that people in SD have figured out effective ways to catch fish and they do it. As long as they are catching fish, why change???

its the anglers that have the dream to take it to anothe level that this article applies to. Basically, the majority of the fisherman in SD are catching fish, regularly. The ones that broke out of the mold, sometimes dont even catch as many as the others, but they are the WINNING fish.

But like I said, it was harsh the way he came off, especially since he has been fishing the same old 6" worm on a dart head that he used to fish 15 years ago. Talk about being a rat in a maze? He should have starved a while ago if he wants to put it that way. You would think a guy like him would know how and why to fish any bait on the market.

Anyways, thats my 2 cents, hope it doesnt cause a stir
Cameron

I agree CJ. I wonder why he would just come out and write something like that. That is not what fishing is all about, slamming people because they use the same techniques. I feel Mr Kramer went in the wrong direction with that article. CJ, what else did the article say?

George is way off base on this one. I know he's written for along time, but maybe it's about time to put the old dog to sleep. His negativity made an already bad article even worse. Even worse, this guy knows nothing about today's tourney scene. San Diego fisherman are no different than anywhere else and if they really are, who really gives a f@#@!

I do agree w/ CJ, that is pretty shady making a judgement call like that on the whole SD scene,although im not from SD. All i know is that there are hell of a bunch good sticks out there, and in my opinion SD is a real proving ground. The lakes get tons of pressure and the bass are smart, so if your living out there and catching fish who gives a F#%$ how your catching them. As long as your getting some action. Who knows he might be getting bogus info anyways on what they are using and what techniques, they could be tight lipped down there for all that old geezer knows. Good fishing to everyone.

Tsunami.

George who? This guy is an old timer who doesn't know sh#t about today's bass scene. The last time this guy caught a bass, Lynard Skynard was touring and Three's company was the best show on television. Why dont you just do us all a favor and go back to your carp infested home, spawn another 10 or 12 kids, and apologize to all San Diego fishermen that you are sorry for being such a pompous, judgemental, and bitter man. Besides, I think you are just jealous of all of those who live in San Diego because you are like 50 something and have never got out of Elsinore.

I was stoked to read the very positive reference to Cam, and generally like to read Kramer's colomn, but I was a bit surprised by the negative attitude of the column. Seems like there are a few young kids who are working pretty hard to learn the ropes down there, as well some seasoned veterans who could hold their own anywhere. What was his point?? The guys that were/are catching the suspended fish, busting fish, swimbait fish, dropshot fish, etc. weren't dragging brown blue vein worms around all day, and most are SD guys. Maybe Rich Holland pissed in his coffee at the office that morning, who knows. Maybe the fact that he was born the same year as George Perry and Perry got the record back in '32 is eating at old man Kramer. Kind of surprised at his indifference to Chris's concerns, as well. Oh well, I think everyone knows you take everything in the Green Liar with more then a few grains of salt. BTW, the BWW tips in WON every week are by far the best info in the paper, hands down. Please keep throwing them in there!! Anyone else trip out on the photo of Joey Mullet every week holdiong a 3 pound (fish of your choice) at arms length, listed as a 6.5 or whatever? Take it for what it's worth, a fishing tabloid with two week old news about Crave. Luckily we have all moved on to the 21st century and the internet. my two cents plus a buck fiddy

edit- is Mr. Kramer more familiar with other parts of the country and what anglers there are doing? I guess he is... ;)

Hey CJ, i didn't mean to hit and run yesterday but i heard you on the phone and didn't want to interupt your heated conversation, that's why i popped in and out quickly! I couldn't agree more w/your post, in the first place (like Double Trouble) stated, the guy is an old outdated fool that doesn't know jack about today's tourney scene, when i used to read his long winded, boring article's they were all reminiscent of year's gone by when they used to fish vinyl this and vinyl that...never about the present. I too was surprised that he would so blatantly DISS the S.D. area like that, oh well, i guess he needs to print something to keep a job!


Jeff L.

Dude, that is a tight a$$ Butterfly, can you hook me up?

Jeff L.

Hey there guys,

Interesting comments and I read every one posted up to my posting. I was especially interested in those individuals comments concerning the need to add the fact that the author of the offending article was 'this old fart', 'old geezer', '50 something' (oh my god),
'the old dog' 'go back to carp infested.....' Really guys!! Does this tell one something about the age/maturity of SOME of those who posted replies. I suspect there are a lot of young anglers in San Diego and posting on this board.

Nope...... I not telling you how old I am!

JapanRon
a.k.a.tsurikichi

Ron, I know several of those who have posted to this thread, and few of them are young (>30) and even fewer are from San Diego. I think the consensus is that no one wants to read negative articles in WON or any other periodical. It's funny because I was saying how I don't like personal attacks in the paper, but most guys here personally attacked the author of that article. I guess it just goes to show that an article such as this was just the tip of the iceberg. Most of us look forward to reading reports and articles in other publications and on-line rather than in WON. Substance is what most look for, not sensationalism.

Word! The butterfly man couldn't have said it better myself.

Chris... You guys earned my respect on this one! Gives me even more reason to support BWW. Hmmm.. it's no wonder why I find myself "huddling out" at your shop.

WON... I could have just gone down to Toy's R Us and easily found better "imaginative writing" in the children's K-6 section. I guess my point is that it's pretty crappy to make us PAY to read such unimportant gibbery jabber!

How about a feature in WON on "Innovation & Progressive Bass Fishing" written by the man of course--Mr. George Kramer--for all the S.D. folks.. Now that would be really interesting! I'd be curious as to what he would share--especially now, after all that's been said..

CJ....You are right on the beam on this one. I grew up fishing SD lakes and yes SD lakes definately are different.....like everywhere else. It's the BIG picture here, without different lakes or patterns in So. Cal. we wouldn't have the talent in the west like we have.George was a Kook to write something like this about ANY area. The only reason I get WON (week old news) is cause I fish the tourneys. Duh.... C'mon George...out with the old and in with the new

Hey there CJ,

The truth is it took me a whole year to finally realize that the weekly WON has LOST. The DFG column might be interesting. I do like the magazine though as it address the California fishing scene.

Oh ya, Being an idiot is one thing, simply being older is another matter entirely as it happens to many.

JapanRon

Point well taken Ron. I appreciate your comments and your point of view as a self-proclaimed "senior angler"...LOL(only the highest regard intended. I have respect for the lady who does the DFG section. I e-mailed her about a question a few weeks ago and she got back to me within the hour....on a Saturday. Very impressive.

Chris,

You have every right to be upset, and I admire you for your courage to stand up for your friends and customers. I'm a dedicated friend and customer of BWW, and if anyone disrespected myself or my Club with irresponsible comments, I WOULD EXPECT YOU TO DEFEND US, as we would you!

George Kramer is a Hack and a Has-been. He is not "Current" on events and techniques that have transpired in Bass Fishing through recent years, and I'd love to see him grab a rod and compete in one of his employer's (WON BASS) tournaments. It would be awesome just to witness his name at the bottom of the final result list.

To name names, as it were, is equally reprehensible. If George has an opinion on a specific geo-graphic target area, and the angler's who fish it, he should limit his remarks to reflect a general nature, and not be name specific. His actions were deliberate, and he should reap the whirlwind of payback.

Hey George! Stick with what you do best. Keep falling asleep on your 1963 Corona typewriter and find us a way to fish Diamond Valley Reservoir before I turn 65 years old (I'm only 36!)

It is YOU my friend, who still uses a 1/2 oz egg weight and 10 inch worm while Texas Rigging. I guess if you put a bead under that egg weight, it earned you a forward in Don Iovino's book. I hope Don makes a killing on the sale of HIS name....HE HAS DEFINATELY EARNED IT!

Way to go Chris! I'm proud to be your friend and client.

Sincerely,

Brad Acorn
Treasurer, Orange County Bass Club

When I got my WON today I noticed that Kramer responed to CJ's comment in the sound off portion. Just thought i'd let you all know it was in there!