When fishing becomes really angry...maybe its time to try something new.
Many of your posts are fair comment about the questionable conduct of some of the folks who show up at the river. As always, there is an array of skill levels at the river, from beginner to seasoned experts.
For the past 10+ years we have a group that fish the Vedder for 2.5 great days. One year one of the guys from our group wandered up to an open spot on the river with only one other guy anywhere near. Lots of room for both to fish freely without evening noticing the other. However, the seasoned veteran felt he needed to vent some anger so before our friend even set up, let alone cast, the veteran came to him and said, “If you come anywhere near my line I’ll cut you’r f..’n line”. This is not a great way to start a fishing weekend. Another year we just arrived and hadn’t even geared up when a fellow came over yelling at one of us that he was responsible for the dead pink sitting on the bank that some illegally took and then left on the bank. Fortunately one of our group members recognized the problem and stepped in to avoid the chance of a fight and pave the way to the two guys recognizing they both want the same thing… a peaceful day of fishing, good etiquette, fun fishing without having to deal with someone elses rage that they bring to the river. I think many of the guys who are at the river share a common interest and like the idea of being part of a bigger cast of folks that share a common interest.
I’ve seen a lot of anger from pro’s when neophytes don’t fish like the pros. I remember my first season decades ago, and I wanted to fish like a pro but I didn’t. The good thing was that I had enough real pro’s around me who led without rants and instead were tolerant, patient, and above all led by example. Our crew doesn’t litter, fits in well anywhere at the river and enjoy seeing the other people around us doing the best they can to have a great day .
I’ve seen accomplished experts rip on the “beginners” and perhaps some of those pro’s try to bring others down to build themselves up. In any case it’s somewhat like beating your little child up when they are first trying to learn how to ride a bicycle…it doesn’t encourage learning at all. Anyone who gets ripped on at the river may not be quite as inclined to take up the interest of the person who is yelling at them. In order to accommodate a more realistic chance of change, taking the time to genuinely try to help someone else out, while being friendly and respectful, is more likely to meet with success.
The angry, impatient, and intolerant pro doesn’t win anything, least of all someone to want to change their practice and become like him . What distinguishes a real pro from a person who’s just great at catching fish is measured not just in the style, manner, and expertise he uses, but also in those who genuinely want to learn to be like him one day. I don’t know of any beginner that would aspire to one day become a guy who can bag lots of fish and stay angry, frustrated, bitter and constantly ready to fight.. That’s the antithesis of fishing.
When everyone gets to the river their pumped for an awesome experience, and why shouldn’t they be. Sometimes that huge energy gets misplaced and people suffer. Be nice, respectful, and helpful if you want change. It’s more fun along the way in anyhow. There’ll never be any end of difficult people who show up at the river. The true measure of a strong pro is how you get that attitude and energy back into the common focus, and the tougher it is, (with people who are really angry sometimes), the more I admire those who can accomplish that task each and every time.
I like the comments about littering and the fact that you guys lead by example by taking the time to clean it up. That keeps me and everyone else who reads your post way more inclined to act like you. Genuine thanks!
People who go fishing will use the only means they have to try to accomplish what they set out for …catching fish. If you see a beginner who’s snagging fish, and its really that important to you, take the time to offer to show that person how to get just as many fish the right way.
I’ve met a lot of good folks on the river and I’ve had a lot of good folks help me through the years. I’m trying to pass it forward now by being patient, tolerant, respectful, and helpful and it turns a day of frustration and anger into peace, fun and great fishing. It;’s an amazing experience I want to pass on to my grandchildren one day and you guys are the leaders, so continue to keep it all good. So if fishing ever becomes really angry, maybe a new approach is worth the time and extra effort. Thanks !
Many of your posts are fair comment about the questionable conduct of some of the folks who show up at the river. As always, there is an array of skill levels at the river, from beginner to seasoned experts.
For the past 10+ years we have a group that fish the Vedder for 2.5 great days. One year one of the guys from our group wandered up to an open spot on the river with only one other guy anywhere near. Lots of room for both to fish freely without evening noticing the other. However, the seasoned veteran felt he needed to vent some anger so before our friend even set up, let alone cast, the veteran came to him and said, “If you come anywhere near my line I’ll cut you’r f..’n line”. This is not a great way to start a fishing weekend. Another year we just arrived and hadn’t even geared up when a fellow came over yelling at one of us that he was responsible for the dead pink sitting on the bank that some illegally took and then left on the bank. Fortunately one of our group members recognized the problem and stepped in to avoid the chance of a fight and pave the way to the two guys recognizing they both want the same thing… a peaceful day of fishing, good etiquette, fun fishing without having to deal with someone elses rage that they bring to the river. I think many of the guys who are at the river share a common interest and like the idea of being part of a bigger cast of folks that share a common interest.
I’ve seen a lot of anger from pro’s when neophytes don’t fish like the pros. I remember my first season decades ago, and I wanted to fish like a pro but I didn’t. The good thing was that I had enough real pro’s around me who led without rants and instead were tolerant, patient, and above all led by example. Our crew doesn’t litter, fits in well anywhere at the river and enjoy seeing the other people around us doing the best they can to have a great day .
I’ve seen accomplished experts rip on the “beginners” and perhaps some of those pro’s try to bring others down to build themselves up. In any case it’s somewhat like beating your little child up when they are first trying to learn how to ride a bicycle…it doesn’t encourage learning at all. Anyone who gets ripped on at the river may not be quite as inclined to take up the interest of the person who is yelling at them. In order to accommodate a more realistic chance of change, taking the time to genuinely try to help someone else out, while being friendly and respectful, is more likely to meet with success.
The angry, impatient, and intolerant pro doesn’t win anything, least of all someone to want to change their practice and become like him . What distinguishes a real pro from a person who’s just great at catching fish is measured not just in the style, manner, and expertise he uses, but also in those who genuinely want to learn to be like him one day. I don’t know of any beginner that would aspire to one day become a guy who can bag lots of fish and stay angry, frustrated, bitter and constantly ready to fight.. That’s the antithesis of fishing.
When everyone gets to the river their pumped for an awesome experience, and why shouldn’t they be. Sometimes that huge energy gets misplaced and people suffer. Be nice, respectful, and helpful if you want change. It’s more fun along the way in anyhow. There’ll never be any end of difficult people who show up at the river. The true measure of a strong pro is how you get that attitude and energy back into the common focus, and the tougher it is, (with people who are really angry sometimes), the more I admire those who can accomplish that task each and every time.
I like the comments about littering and the fact that you guys lead by example by taking the time to clean it up. That keeps me and everyone else who reads your post way more inclined to act like you. Genuine thanks!
People who go fishing will use the only means they have to try to accomplish what they set out for …catching fish. If you see a beginner who’s snagging fish, and its really that important to you, take the time to offer to show that person how to get just as many fish the right way.
I’ve met a lot of good folks on the river and I’ve had a lot of good folks help me through the years. I’m trying to pass it forward now by being patient, tolerant, respectful, and helpful and it turns a day of frustration and anger into peace, fun and great fishing. It;’s an amazing experience I want to pass on to my grandchildren one day and you guys are the leaders, so continue to keep it all good. So if fishing ever becomes really angry, maybe a new approach is worth the time and extra effort. Thanks !
