Standing On The Shoulders Of Genius (posting My Thanks)

[FishinCricket]

In the past two years that I have been reading and participating in this forum I have learned so many things, had so many great trips, gained so many great friends... I have stood on the shoulders of genius for every fish I have ever hooked..

I find myself constantly wanting to give a little thanks here and there, but I don't want to clutter forum conversations and I dont think it would be possible to send a note to each and every one of you that I have learned something from.. Thus the reason for this thread.

A friend who is tireless in his efforts to help me learn the delicate art of fly fishing. Priceless.

The general and specific encouragement of the members here. I can't tell you what a difference it makes to have an experienced angler comment that "you're casting is looking great! You've really taken to that fly rod, haven't you!". It's the difference between having a decent day of fishing and walking back to the truck on cloud 9.. Priceless

On this forum you ask a question about a specific knot and three different people immidiately reply or PM with not only am answer, but a link to a diagram and a suggestion of two simpler knots that work just as well! Tell a member you are interested in learning more about casting techniques and he literally PM's you an essay of EXTREMELY useful information! Priceless.

Ask a guy to go fishing with you and he not only brings along two of each fly he has tied (or lure he has bought) but when lunchtime rolls around he offers you half his sandwich! Priceless.

Just browsing the forum you find a bit of advice that one member gave to another last year. You use that same technique (that has never occurred to you) and just tear up a hole that has never produced fish before! Priceless.

You get on the river with one of these guys and get to talking about politics or something.. The two of you disagree on an issue on a fundamental level (ultimate gun control vs. No gun control).. You agree to disagree and then he asks if you want to step into his spot and try and catch this lunker he can't hit)... Nothing stands between fishing buddies. Priceless.

You announce to someone that your gonna be in their neck of the woods the next day to go floating and they immidiately give you directions to the best hole on that stretch (resulting in a hook up of a miassive fish and a lifetime memory), and then apologizes cause he can't come along! Priceless

There are many more examples, but you get the idea. This forum is full of great people. We don't all agree on everything, but we agree on this:

Fishing is a great part of life, and carries it's own lifestyle. Be good to your fellow fisherman, be good to your waterways. Enjoy yourself. Be thankful, not just in November, but every single day of your life, with every breath you take.

Thanks again, sincerely, to every fisherman that has helped me along the way. Thanks in advance to all who will do so in the future.

[Buzz]

Well put. I couldn't agree more. I too have gained a lot from being a part of this forum. Priceless.

Thanks Cricket.

[trizkid]

couldnt have said it better my self!

[KCRIVERRAT]

Cricket, now that's from the heart! Great post... I've also learned alot here, just gettin' tired of the two guys I have been fishing with from this forum giving me "noogies" after my mistakes...

KC

[eric1978]

Great post cricket, and absolutely true. Aside from the ultimate learning experience, which of course is going out and hitting the water, I don't think you can learn more about fishing from any other resource, period. I know that since I've discovered this site just a few short months ago, my skills have noticably improved. It's amazing how a minute detail you read in some old thread can add a whole new dimension to your base of knowledge. Thanks forum members!

[laker67]

If you are looking for answers or just interesting conversation, this is definately the site to come to. The members here cover the whole fishing spectrum. From countless years of experience and knowledge combined with common sense, to the fisherman beginning the whole learning process. The newcomers may not be new to fishing, but new to a particular style of fishing. This is the place for good, and common sense advice. My thanks to all members.

[MaxDrown]

Amen.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Well written and quite thought provoking post, Cricket.

I am sure this kind of comradarie never fades away too.

It only compounds on itself with every new day.

Brian

[drew03cmc]

Cricket, everyone on here is all about helping. If you have any questions, let the forum members know, and we will be able to help.

[FishinCricket]

Thanks for all the comments guys..

Reading back over my original post I realized something: I'm a freakin mooch! lol. I suppose that's why I wrote this note of thanks. My appreciation (and the promise to carry on the tradition) is all I really have to offer.