Sometimes the Truth Hurts

[John Berry]

I thought that the article was well written. I also think that the elitist concept creeps into it. The actual truth is that fly fishing is differant for every one. I love a variety of fishing experiences. My favorite is probably taking native brookies on dry flies in the Smokies. But I sure get off on tagging big fish anywhere. To each his own and what ever melts your butter is right for you as long as it is legal and ethical.

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Couldn't agree more John, succinctly put too.

I read this on JWs board and was sufficiently moved to put fingers to keyboard, but decided discretion was the better part of valor this morning and I didn't post

Cheers

Steve

[LostMyWife]

Gonefishin said something about a fist fight starting with this topic. So far I ain't even seen a soft slap.

But, I really like the word elitist. I thought it fit rather well, but being a conservative republican I thought I would look it up. Here's what I found.

Elitist.....The belief that one group or individual is superior to another.

The belief that some people or things are inherently superior to others and deserve preeminence, preferential treatment, or higher rewards because of their superiority.

Well that was just a great definition. But I guess it has a lot to do with the crowd that you are speaking to at the time. That article, posted on that website, which seems to be read or subscribed to by hard core, old school flyfishermen, is probably appropriate.

It would appear that this forum is more live and let live as long as everything is legal, ethical, and follows stream ettiquette. So, it may not fly as well here.

I just thought we would have a lot more fun with it.

So Terry, what is it you really ?

[Snow Fly]

"God gave fishermen Expectancy

So they would never tire of

throwing out a line"

Author unknown

[McManus]

"Like 'military intelligence', and 'airline cuisine', 'sophisticated angler' is an oxymoron." Thomas McGuane

[Terry Beeson]

To paraphrase Dan Akroyd on an old, but classic, episode of SNL...

"LMW, you ignorant slu....uh... snoot..."

There... feel better?

(The gloves are off!)

My only point is that when fishing becomes nothing more than a competition for me, I'm out of it. That's one reason I don't bass fish much anymore. It got to the point where my fishing buddy with the boat didn't want to go fishing unless it was in a tournament or practicing for the next one. To me it took much of the enjoyment and relaxation out of it. I need down time... not more stress...

Again... just MY opinion.

[LostMyWife]

To paraphrase Dan Akroyd on an old, but classic, episode of SNL...

"LMW, you ignorant slu....uh... snoot..."

There... feel better?

(The gloves are off!)

My only point is that when fishing becomes nothing more than a competition for me, I'm out of it. That's one reason I don't bass fish much anymore. It got to the point where my fishing buddy with the boat didn't want to go fishing unless it was in a tournament or practicing for the next one. To me it took much of the enjoyment and relaxation out of it. I need down time... not more stress...

Again... just MY opinion.

It's JANE your ig.........oh wait, i get it.

Hey wait, can we type "Jane, you ignorant sl??" on this site, or will that get us kicked off?

[Rusty]

Terry,

I was the same way. I too fished bass tournaments, got really, really burned out. I guess if I had been winning more money at it, It would have turned out different, it didn't. So I put the poles up for 8-10 years. The next rod I picked up was a fly rod, at my wifes and brothers suggestion. She said I needed a hobby. I think she just wanted me out of her hair. I can't blame her, I get tired of myself sometimes.

Anywho, I fish for the pleasure of it. If I am catching a lot of fish, that is a bonus. If I catch a "grip-n-grin", which has yet to happen, that would be a blast too. If I drive two hours to fish the Taney tailwater and catch zipo, then I know of a great BBQ place up the hill that will feed me and serve me a great rootbeer soda drink. So the trip is not a waste for me.

[Danoinark]

I would presume that the author still keeps score. Maybe he doesn't have a clicker on his wading belt, but in his mind he is going to guage his day on whether he has a fish or two or three...

His psyche would dictate that if there are no creel numbers then he must ask himself, have I lost my "touch"? How do I explain this to my fishing partners who are bringing to hand large numbers? Am I not the angler I thought? I think we all keep numbers, some are just more vocal about it as if it matters.

Dano

[McManus]

Hmmmm....I just love to go fishing, But I must keep count, because when I go and catch "nutin"---doesn't mean I didn't have a good time; but I know the count.