Fishing Forums... Pro & Con

[Phil Lilley]

I've been having discussions with a couple of friends (really- this has been ongoing for quite awhile) about what fishing reports on the internet does to reported fishing "holes".

Last spring, I reported crappie were excellent at Long Creek. We saw lots and lots of people fishing Long Creek after the reports were given. I reported walleye and whites were excellent a couple of years ago at a certain spot on Bull Shoals- at night- and the next night there were dozens of anglers in thaa spot (my fishing buddy who told me about the spot still hasn't forgiven me yet )

My point - I know there's alot of guys on this forum, registered or not, who won't share good spots or at least posting timely reports (delaying a day, two or more) so's not to have their good fishing spot overrun.

So what do we do? I've reporting on fishing for 8 years on the internet. 90% of the time I report exactly what I hear or see, not holding back any info from the public. The other 10% is info I am asked not to report- or- areas used by guides who would KILL me if I devulged their spots, esp on Table Rock, bass humps and points that are used by them on trips and even tournaments.

Do we like fishing in crowded coves or rivers bends? Not really. But it happens even without these reports - it's called word of mouth. But forums and other reports do make a difference in angler traffic, esp in the spring during walleye, white, crappie runs.

I'm throwing this out for discussion. I don't think any minds will be turned as to what anyone believes... I'm not trying to do that. Just starting a discussion- an interesting one- that will bring some of you out of hiding to voice your opinion.

[Seth]

I feel people should be grateful that you take the time to post reports.

A lot of people don't get a chance to fish these bodies of water as much as the locals and find it nice to get an idea of where to start when they show up to do some fishing.

I definetly cram all I can in before I head down to Taneycomo to do some trout fishing since I only do it a few times a year as I live 3.5 hours away.

I sure do appreciate everything you do for fishing Phil. Thank you.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I suppose it depends Phil. I would think that two factors should possibly guide the information. One is how much pressure can the area absorb and second what is likely to be done with it. I don't know if it was word of mouth or the Internet, but during the peak of the Spring Crappie bite last year, you couldn't get in at the Long Creek ramp. One would think that a major arm on TR could hold the fishermen, but I don't know if people took it as Crappie biting on TR, or fish biting only on Long Creek arm.

Taney seems stable, with not too much pressure, except in the tailwater on warm days, reports or not. Taney doesn't seem to be effected by reports because the bite rarely wanes. I think the reports do improve the Taney experience without hurting the fishing, but it is a stocked lake.

The rivers, in particular Smallie rivers, can't afford anymore catch and keep fishing. I'm not against sharing some information details on the rivers, but I won't post beyond whether its good or bad.

[Phil Lilley]

If the reports, say this spring's crappie reports, are spread out more- the reports wouldn't hurt particiluar areas like just reporting on one area, like Long Creek.

Before, you only read my reports and reports others may have emailed in to me. Now the forum gives other easier opportunity to report on many other areas where I'm sure crappie and other species of fish are.

My hope is for education more than reporting a good mud flat or riffle although a head's up is always nice.

[MoCarp]

Being a (don't laff) serious carp fisherman, I posted on another forum exact details on a good spot--only to find out later that the spot was pounded by bowfisherman--the fishing on that spot has never recoverd to what it once was--

if that can happen on carp, imagin what effect will have on bass, crappie, walleyes or Trout! --still share your info but only generally--then those that want to know specifics can ask via PM--that way the spots do not get overwhelmed or fished down to the point the hotspots no longer producing as it has in the past--

we ALL know of places like this--share with friends --those that catch and release or selective harvest--the spot will be just find--let the meat fisherman or game hoggs find it--then kiss it good by

Mo

[ollie]

Mo Carp, your my kinda guy. Just give generals like weather conditions, color of lure, water conditions, etc. I will NEVER give out specifics on smallie waters unless I know you or you try and pm me, harsh as that might sound. Once again I am sorry if I offend anyone, but that is my way .

Phil, I don't mind the education part, it is good. I just think the smaller streams should be in a general area. Until everyone on the net is C&R I will remain silent about specifics.