Hello everyone, im usually on here posting reports but there something i just need to get off my chest. Went fishing the other day at one of our local ponds and when i pulled up i noticed that is was kinda crowded, no worries, just fun fishing anyways and i proceed to make my way down to the lake. As i get there one of the locals gives me the stink eye and w/ his hands makes that (puppet talking) like i have a big mouth jesture and motions to the guys across the lake and says to me. " How come everyones figured out this lake, those guys werent catching fish before now they are." Huh? what kind of comment was that!!! and in a previous conversation w/ a "so called" local a week before i was given a lecture saying and i quote, " if anyone asks you what your using to catch bass in here say your using( i forgot what stupid lure he said but take your pick) and that your using 40 pound test, we need to keep these barneys out of here". And these comments were made to me after helping some people out w/ their choice of baits and line after they were having a hard time catching fish. I was suddenly made to look like a bad guy for helping people and they were bitter that i told a friend about the "so called" secret spot, that everyone has freaking already heard about. First of all why is a guy a barney if isnt catching fish. And if youve watched that person get skunked on previous trips deny him a chance to catch some fish and join the party when he asks you for some advice on baits and tackle. It just boggles my mind. So today i returned to the lake w/ a buddy and i see one of the "so called" locals and confront him about some bad mouthing that ive been hearing about and i just couldnt believe some of the comments this guy was making. Get a load of this one. "Ive been CULTIVATING this place for a long time and i dont want it to get ruined". cultivating........can you believe that. The guy was acting like he owned everybass that was in that pond and he personally stocked each and everyone. Also " your a bass fisherman you should know that things come in cycles and it only gets good for a little while"......Hello!!! DUH!!! thats fishing i think that happens in every lake or pond. I was trying to convey the point to this guy that it doesnt matter if theres a few guys fishing here if youve got skills youll get bit, but he was still bitter and couldnt see my point. The sad thing about it
is that i really sensed the greed coming from this guy, the
satisfaction of seeing people get skunked and walking away frustrated. For god sakes its fishing!!! and its "fun"fishing at that, theres no money on the line, no points on the line, nothing. Just plain fun. Isnt that what its all about, and everyone was catching and releasing any ways so i just couldnt understand this guy. The funny thing about it is that its always the guy who isnt catching @#$% that ends up bitching about something. Sorry everyone i just had to get that off my chest good fishing to everyone.

Tsunami

I understand your frustration. And theirs. I guess there's a balance to everything. They did sound a bit high and mighty though--I'm sure someone clued them in as how to bass fish at some point in their lives. I'm sponsored and still seek advice. I do notice when places get mentioned there tends to be an increase in people showing up, especially at small lakes, ponds and beaches. I groaned a bit when everyone started talking about all the regional park lakes. Besides those who post here, there are many folks who "lurk" and steal all the info without ever giving back. That's why there's not only 5 new folks at a spot but double-digits. If folks show up and keep the bass, that is a real no-no. As for crowds, that is something I guess we all dislike but need to deal with. I am always willing to help someone but I personally don't get too detailed about a specific brushpile or a gps waypoint at a lake or an ocean spot online. If it's a real covert ops place, I may not post at all. Again, once at a spot or if someone asks online I am more than willing to help with tackle and techniques. In certain situations I don't want too many to see, I'll email the person instead.

Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

Tsunami,

Hey it's fisherman like you that give all of us a GOOD name and guys like the "local" who gives us a
bad name. What goes around, comes around. You give good information and sooner or later some
will come back to you.

Don't worry about the people who like to bad mouth you... You don't need their respect anyways.

I'm not sure if you're talking about Eldo, but I know that those lakes there get pounded. But hey,
what can you do? I think when the fishing gets tough - it just means the bar has been raised and
the challenge is a little greater. I think you probably feel the same way. And it makes catching a
fish all the more rewarding.

Speaking of Eldo... I haven't been there or any where in a while!

I can't help but give people pointers when I know what's going on at a particular lake. The other day when I was doing well, I actually gave a guy one of plastics without him even asking. Then I shared the little opening in the reeds with him so that he could pitch into the same area I was fishing. More often than not, the people that you share the info with won't be much of a threat anyways. Because usually it's all in a flick of the wrist or exactly how you're moving your bait. More than anything the new guys will take up space or might be in your favorite spot for a while. I just wait until they move and then I catch the fish they've been hitting in the head with they're lure for an hour. Although I do get frustrated with crowds.

I wouldn't let it get to me. The secretive mentality isn't too good for this sport. Most people just want to get out there and catch a few fish and have fun. If they are catching and releasing then it's no big deal. If you have the skills you'll still get them. When I'm out there I share what info I have and most fishermen will do the same. But there will always be that one person talking smack no matter what you do.

IMO, it is all about the attitude of the person receiving the info. When a family approaches and inquires about the bite, I go out of my way to help them out. There is nothing better than helping a kid catch a fish.

The guy in the full rig ripping around on plane on a 10 mph lake, drunks, or foul-mouthed idiots that don't care that their are kids around and sound travels on water, get the cold shoulder or false info. I tip people that I would like to fish near, but I can be an unbelievable SOB towards those that I don't.

IMO most that visit this page are good people, so I often share when I'm lucky enough to hook up. (You've probably guessed by the frequency of my reports that it is not often lately :( ) I have noticed that when WON or Matthews chistens a lake as being hot, it attracts more of those that I would prefer not to fish around.

Bottom Line: Share the bite here, but not with Matthews or WON ;)


NoTrollMotor

Thanks for the replys guys, i absolutely understand their frustrations because I myself fish there just as much as they do. Ive never mentioned the place online here, and ive never personally posted a report on the place (imagine if i did), but in all fairness to myself i managed to find out about this place on my own and i did my homework there and finally figured out the baits the fish really like, it might take a little tweaking in color but ive finally narrowed it down, w/ out any help from the local crowd in fact the guy that was giving me so much grief was the first to come up and ask me what color and what bait i was using when i figured out one of the money baits there. I just dont understand why it was ok for me to tell him and not the other so called "barney" that hes talking about. An in response to your post No Troll Motor i absolutely agree w/ you about it being the attitude of the person recieving the information. But the few guys i did share info w/ were really good and respectful people who were super polite in asking and who are just as stoked on fishing as i am or any of us are on the boards matter of fact he had a kid w/ him and his nephew hooked up on a toad after switching baits and i thought that was just awsome. They were catch and release guys also. IMO the secretive, grumpy, vibe outsiders is so bad for the sport. I surf alot and i see that attitude out in the water all the time and it really bums me out and takes some of the fun out of it. Bass fishing will never grow w/ that sort of attitude. I cant even begin to tell you how much more ive gotten out of my time on the water after meeting CJ, Kevin the guys at BWW and Jesse and Mark down at Performance. They freely give up GOOD info. and are always happy to help. I can remember starting bass fishing when i was younger and spending so much money when i couldnt really afford it on the lamest stuff cuz, i couldnt get any good advice from anyone when i was out fishing, that whole secretive thing. So now im happy to help someone else out because i know what it feels like to be in their shoes. Good fishing everyone.

Tsunami

Nice post and attitude, Tsunami. I have been getting a fair amount of the same crap over a saltwater spot I "gave up" and how to fish it. One guy especially is on my case whenever I'm there, and when I'm not complains to my friends. And I have , sadly seen more than a couple "lurker" types out there catching and killing the lunkers I turned them on to...

Not sure I will talk up a spot here again...

quietman

Quietman

http://www.kayakfishingpro.com

I can't believe how much drama can be created over such a little hole in the ground.. especially if it's just fishing. There is nothing that is X-file about this spot, and it's definitely not area-51 folks.. It's a Public Park for crying out loud! Look up “orange county regional parks” on Yahoo or the Thomas Guide and you'll find out real fast that Carbon Canyon--the publicly known “secret”--amongst other parks is actually no secret! I see kids fight and squabble over swing sets in playgrounds but this is nonsense..

The bottom line is.. no matter where you go--you still have to catch the fish! It's not like the fish are walking over and hanging themselves on your scales... and don't be FOOLED or SUCKERED into believing that there is only one way to catch fish there either. Shoot, my dad used to take me up to the trout farms when I was a kid and we used to absolutely slay'em—on saltwater sticks and 30# test even.. lol! Besides... if it's skill that's really the issue here then why would there be anyone worried about other peeps getting in on the action? Answer.. because this has nothing to do with skills, and everything to do with selfishness and keeping the fish nice and easy to catch..

There’s more injustice in preventing others from fishing the park than purportedly spoiling the fun for a few greedy hold outs and so called locals who hog up the place and call it theirs. Also, just because a person suddenly fishes the place regularly doesn’t mean that they sit higher on some lame pecking order either… and they definitely don’t have the right to get upset if they see more or other people fishing it.. because they were once noobs to the place too, pffft. You won’t see guys like Mike Long trying to shoo people out or prevent people from fishing Poway, Dixon, etc--lakes that he literally ”OWNS.”

I’m sure everyone has their own secrets and spots that they know of and I respect that.. but it's plain ignorant when a person thinks that they were the only person who discovered a spot and believes no one else should have the right to fish there because of it.. or because they allege that others will only bring harm to the place..

Besides, what gives anyone the right to "localize" anything? Because a guy claims that he cultivates the lake?? OMG.. LOL! Give me a break!

Was it at the PUDD? I know that some of the "skilled locals" can get irritated when people are fishing in "their spots". I find it funny when i tell them that if they are that skilled it doesn't matter about the spot and it just adds fuel to te fire. Its hard to say how to react in situations like that, if you say someting and the individual is already irritated it can just create more problems but who is he to say its his spot and they are "barney". We all got to start somewhere.

Don't worry Brian, Bassholes like this jackoff are everywhere. I gotta get out there with you guys soon. Hopefully that guy is there so I can wear my Barney hat. Peace!

Brian, way to take a stand. Seems to me if more of us stand up for ourselves and our right to fish, there'd be fewer and fewer of these blowhards. You can't believe how many times you can get called a "mouthpiece" for giving other anglers advice and direction. Seems to me that anyone who is afraid of losing touch with bass in a community hole is a one-trick pony who can't make adjustments to catch bass when his favorite pattern becomes extinct.

If you're ever in need of a job, stop by my shop because helping people learn how to catch bass is exactly what we try to do here. Don't stop doing that, or posting reports, it's one of the things that makes Calfishing a great site. I'm proud to know ya. Chris.

BTW- Performance Tackle in Los Al, and Mark and Jesse are the bomb!!! They run a great shop, and are one of the few that can talk bass or salt with experience.

Well said Chris.


Big Hammer Swimbaits-Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

How can you let Aholes like that get to you ? Have you ever been picked on as a kid ? How did you handle that ?

Give it right back to them. Double the dosage. Works for me every time on the cattle boat where the boat 's JP deadheads camp out on the stern .

Don't get me wrong. I am cordial and sentive, but F with me , you 'll get Fed.

Why question your good intentions ? Fishing changes all the time. There are rarely ONE surefire method, bait, location.

Next time you see this loser, tell him that you posted the location on every boards and laugh like a maniac and mention that picking tin cans off at 400 yards with your AR15 is really your passion.

BTW: work on your standup as much as ground work (per Fab.Iha), I think I 've met you at Eldo.

whats up Jason, sometimes i feel like i should give it back two fold but it would just take the fun away from the whole fishing experience. Its not even worth it to me, id rather let my point be heard and go on trying to catch fish you know. Im out there to relax and enjoy my surroundings and hopefully hook up on a toad not bicker and argue w/ thick headed individuals. It would be easier to just get tough w/ them but honestly i just dont think that type of behavior is good for bass fishing in general. I would be just feeding into all the negativity that we need to get rid of if i did that. That whole situation didnt bug me enought to ruin my day at all. I just need to get it off my chest when i got home so i shared it w/ everyone here.
BTW practice stand up 2 to 3 times a week as well as the groundwork (Barra Gracie OC baby!!.)

And CJ and Kev thanks for the replys guys. Alot of the info youve guys have passed on to me ive given to other people. Thanks again.

P.S. Thanks for the offer CJ i just might take you up on that. =)

Tsunami

Just started reading this board Great Board! Maybe someone could help me, I'm thinking about starting a guide service on Carbon Canyon Regional Park Lake. I will be bringing people from all over the country and Japan. Kidding!

These guys need to get a Life! By the way, I used to fish this lake in 1977 with the neighborhood kids, my mom would pile us into her Cadillac in the summer drop us off and pick us up hours later.These lakes are no secret, they are regional park lakes for people to use for recreation, including fishing. If these guys want a private lake get a membership to Oso or Vail maybe even buy a pond in Pontotoc Mississippi. These are high pressure lakes that will only get more pressure as time goes on. These guys are going to stress when the people moving in to the new homes across the street find out there are fish in that park.

Remember fish politely, set an example for the kids and enjoy yourself. I like to fish these park lakes and am satisfied to get 1 fish. BTW, does Craig Regional Park have Bass? I don't want to start a scandal but I have a trophy from 1978 I won in a fishing derby there, 2nd place.

Hey bud you're not alone. I worked the party boats for twelve years and am still a licsensed captain. I love to take people fishing and teach them how to catch fish, not watch people catch fish. There is nothing more fun than changing some kids bait or lure and watching the ear to ear grin when he or she hooks up! You just know they're hooked for life.

As far as cultivating goes, Iv'e had guys tell me the same thing. I never saw them down at the local pond freezing their --- off in a float tube illegally placing 25 christmas trees in the lake for cover, with bricks and twine that we paid for by selling advocados. Nor did I see them practicing catch and release years ago when no one believed you caught a hog unless you showed it off dead. I even had some guy brag about killing a smallmouth because no one would believe they caught one there. I didn't even grace that one, even though my buddies and I snuck into Owl pit and caught over 100 6 to 12 inch smallies one summer and transplanted them there. We caught them for a few years but haven't seen one for a while. WARNING-Don't ever catch a fish in front of them or you'll get a sourpuss look like you've never seen or soon will forget. Guys like that really suck. You can feel the negative energy all the way across the lake. I just found this website the other day and think it's an awesome forum. I look forward to learning and sharing info with those of us that can and do appreciate the thing we all love most-FISHING. Stay in touch and GOOD LUCK !!!!!

BURGIE

I think that many of us can relate to the points brought up by Tsunami's post. I will be the first to say I have met some extrodanary individuals while fishing some of our local waters over the years. However, I have also come across some others who may have had excellent skills when it came to fishing however, they also possesed overwielming ignorance, and also displayed a lack of consideration and respect for other Anglers. I feel that these people are a very poor representation of the Angling Community as a whole.

I find myself feeling disapointed when I get to a fishing destination only to find it surrounded by a group of super hardcore Anglers. When I fish around these people I feel like I'm fishing in a bass tournament with everyone trying out do all other Anglers on the playing field so they can say I WON. Now I can't deny the fact that I am A hardcore Angler my self so, I 'm left asking my self "why should I feel this way"? Well first of all I'm not there to compete with other Anglers, I go to relax and take a break from it all. If anything I'm trying to avoid this kind of stress. It would be a lie to say I don't go to fish. I do try to catch fish at all times but I have caught enough fish in my life to say that I would rather see a kid who's out for his first time catch a big fish then myself or any one who is new to the sport for that matter. May be that might be the fish that raises an interest in fishing changes that persons life. One day way back when I was that kid who got caught a fish and was hooked. I have no hesitation in saying from that day forward this sport began to make a positive impact on my life. I'm willing to bet for many of you there was a day when that kid was you.

I have invested most of the free time in my life to fishing and there where times I got very little information from others which could have saved me a lot of frustration, time, and money. For those who don't learn from an experienced angler as we all know it can be very hard. I try to help these people because I feel that If no body takes the initiative to help introduce new people to the sport then fishing truely will have no future. If we could just pull together to help educate Anglers who are new to the sport by providing good information instead of discouraging them we will all be much better off. If we express the importance of fishing responsibly and caring for our resources chances are moving forward there will be awareness and support for sportfishing in the years to come. If every Angler out there introduced fishing to a couple people each year how much more support do you think we would have? Not to mention the benifits that fishing might bring to these peoples lives. I truely believe that bad or incomplete information breeds ignorance however I also believe good information leads to awareness, enlightenment and wisdom. Just a few of my thoughts on the matter. I hope it gives some of you something to think about and thanks for hanging on through this.

Very well stated by all of you!!! I grew up fishing with grandpa using saltwater poles, heavy line, treble hooks and lots of salmon eggs. However, he never really got the chance to teach me how to truly fish with skill. I'm rapidly becoming addicted to both salt and fresh water fishing although I have very little time to get out there. Many of you have offered great advice for me and it's individuals such as yourselves that make this sport so great. Now I'm somewhat of a hot head and have had a few run-ins with some so called experts. I won't take any crap from any of these individuals. However, after reading what you guys have posted I can see even more clearly that there is no reason to get upset, it's nice just to be out there and I can't wait to take my children out and teach them the sport.

I appreciate the great post from you guys, I may be one of those people who doesn't post much, but I learn a great deal from you and enjoy reading your stories. THANKS!