Table Rock spotted bass

[rps]

Something caused this thread to come up on my "unread content" list. Though it may be old, I believe I have pertinent comments.

Guides each have different ethics, beliefs and goals. Fair enough.

I can only speak for myself, but I have always wanted guides who only picked up a rod to show me how. I have had guides that fished for themselves. I have even had guides who "fronted the boat" on me. I have not been comfortable with guides who fished to increase the take home. I remember only one exception in 60 years of fishing.

I once took my father in law on a guided trip out of Gaston's. We were fishing for rainbows. He desperately wanted fish to take to the restaurant to have them prepare for our families. He was not a fisherman. The guide helped me make him happy.

As for spots, let them grow. They don't hurt the fish base, they give thrills to many (ever caught a 3.5 spot?), they help make meanmouths, and are the most approachable to novices. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.