I did not grow up with a father that utilized the outdoors but worked to feed our family. I have learned to hunt and fish on my own after graduating high school. I never had a mentor in the outdoors. I can remember spending every waking minute reading books, magazines, watching television programs to gain knowledge on how to catch fish or hunt. I think that made me have the passion that I have today for the outdoors. I realize it is now my turn to pass it on, the burning flame to live and breath the outdoors to others and my children.

So when divulging or helping others I often wonder where to draw the line. I try to live and treat people like I want to be treated. I have noted there are people that are willing to help folks and a many that don't. Folks that say they want to promote our sport but get upset when someone posts pictures about "there" lake. I hear and see folks fish with ya one day to just turn around and talk about you the next day when you are fishing with someone else. I have seen some folks change for the better and others change for the worse. I am no angel and have done some of the things I mentioned in the PAST and have been also been close minded.

Fishing is a sport and should be enjoyed by all people. The folks that take fishing way too seriously just remember someone had to have helped you in the past! Take time to pass along some help to someone else and you will be surprised at how you are rewarded in the future. Your rewards may not be monetary but may be in great long lasting friendships that develop. I have had the opportunity to fish with some great guys from the forums and learned something from them all. At times they have learned from me too lol.

What does all this jabbering mean some may ask? You reap what you sow!!!! Help keep our sport growing and remember you you don't have to divulge all your years of knowledge gained through the countless hours on the water either to help someone!!!

I personally want to thank all of you who have helped me become the fisherman I am today!!!

Tight lines and bent rods to you.