Shuffling

[Secfly]

What is the real deal with shuffling? I was fishing Taney a week ago and there was this guy shuffling, catching fish at his feet one right after the other. I made a comment to him something like is that really fun? With the tone in my voice; like I didn’t really approve. I thought he was going to come over and start a fight. I just mentioned the fact that about every other fished seemed like it was foul hooked. He said I’ve caught 35 maybe forty fish and have only foul hooked 12 to 15. What you never foul hooked a fish before...

I personally don’t think it is ethical. Don’t really know if it’s legal. But come on, in my opinion that’s not fishing. I like to have some line in the water.

Scott

[Micheal Kyle]

OH NO NOT THIS AGAIN!(LOL)

I think this should be some real fun the second time :ph34r:

[Bob A]

Guess this thread will always get responses, but that's okay, too, for whatever good it does. My understanding is, shuffling is legal in Missouri, unlike other states (unfortunately). On the other hand, even if it were illegal, enforcement would be just about non existant for a number of reasons.

To me, shuffling, as far as ethical is concerned, ranks right about down to as low as we can get in terms of sportsmanship, conservation, and protecting our natural resourses. When I see this, I instinctively want to puke ...but...it's legal. But so is beating up on your kid so long as the kid isn't killed or maimed. I personally wish Missouri would go after these shufflers in the same way other states do. We really dont need this kind of thing on our waters. Okay, it might run off a few anglers (stretching the term) but on the other hand, higher standards on our waters could also attract a more desireabel angler.

Bob A

[gonefishin]

Secfly: Until I got on this forum I had never heard of shuffling. The best I can gather is that if you arent casting at least 20 feet you are accsued of shuffling. Anyway since being on here I have watched people who were fishing in close and have yet to spot even one person who was actually shuffling. Do I think it happenes yes, do I think it is a wide spread practice as is implied...No. I will probably get into trouble for this statement but basically I think the whole shuffling argument boils down to tension between fly fishermen vs spin fisherman. It seems that fly fishermen believe that if a person isn't fly fishing and is actually catching trout, they must be shuffling or perpetrating some other horribly unethical act. I have never understood this because I own and use both fly equipment and spin equipment and regularly catch fish on both without ever stepping into the water.

THere is similar tension between longbow vs recurve bow hunters, and recurve vs compound bow hunters and compound bow hunters vs crossbow hunters.

In short it is one of those 'do these jeans make my butt look fat' questions. It is best avoided all the way around.

[griffin]

Guess this thread will always get responses, but that's okay, too, for whatever good it does. My understanding is, shuffling is legal in Missouri, unlike other states (unfortunately). On the other hand, even if it were illegal, enforcement would be just about non existant for a number of reasons.

To me, shuffling, as far as ethical is concerned, ranks right about down to as low as we can get in terms of sportsmanship, conservation, and protecting our natural resourses. When I see this, I instinctively want to puke ...but...it's legal. But so is beating up on your kid so long as the kid isn't killed or maimed. I personally wish Missouri would go after these shufflers in the same way other states do. We really dont need this kind of thing on our waters. Okay, it might run off a few anglers (stretching the term) but on the other hand, higher standards on our waters could also attract a more desireabel angler.

Bob A

Personally, I think shuffling ranks right there with stuffing your spouse in a wood chipper.

griffin

[Secfly]

"I think the whole shuffling argument boils down to tension between fly fishermen vs spin fisherman."

All the people I see doing this are holding a fly rod in their hands.

I have no problem with spin fisherman. I think they add to the overall quility of fishing as a sport. A lot of spin fishers I see also practice catch and release. Also I have not seen a person with a spinning outfit fishing at their feet.

Is there a good way to address this subject with those that are shuffling?

or should we just not say anything?

Scott

[griffin]

I think you should get into a fistfight with them because they are not fishing in a legal method that you agree with. If you're not comfortable with that then maybe carry a big ole stick and wack 'em in the head when you see 'em.

darn shufflers.....the end of civilization I say!

griffin

[olebnb]

Last time I was on Taney, I caught a trout, removed the fly, tossed it in the water beside me, and released the trout. Next thing I know I've got a 20 inch bow on the other end.... Am I a shuffler??? :unsure

I put shufflers right down there with crack dealers. Actually, I think I'd get along with a crack dealer better than a shuffler. Shuffling is bad enough but snagging and foul hooking the fish at your feet is dead wrong. I guess these people shuffle because they won't let them fish in the holding tanks at the hatchery...

[Jeremy Hunt]

That's funny. I see father's teaching there son's how to do the "Taneycomo Shuffle". Anyways.. What about when you walk, you shuffle to. So everyone shuffles free food. Trout are smart to get a free meal. I would to

[Phil Lilley]

Gezzz... I think I'll go and get the old series on shuffling (I think 159 posts long) and resurrect it... have everyone read every post and then respond. I think griffin is copying and pasting from his old posts

Can you say DRAMA!

Remember the old Cafe` and the little guys with guns a blazing... I never liked those but they'd be appropriate here.