I got mad last night after reading some posts where new crappie fishermen were being dissed for asking questions about tackle and tactics. This was on Facebook which I’m not a fan of and where I’m only a member because some of my sponsors require me to be. I’m no longer a member of those pages. This is what I posted on a site I visit a lot but rarely post on:

I went to 3 different crappie forums I was a member of today and when I logged off, I asked to be removed from each one.

Folks who were new to crappie fishing were trying to ask legitimate questions about tackle and tactics and each time ended up getting shamed by those who didn’t like that so-and-so rod or this or that tactic. It embarrassed me before it chapped my butt.

It seems that many in the crappie community have forgotten that once upon a time, they were a beginner asking many of the same questions but probably had somebody take them under their wing or at least give them honest answers to questions. I seriously doubt any of us had to go thru the BS that is taking over many fishing sites. BTW, one of the sites was one I was a moderator on. I gave up spending my time trying to deal with idiots who never read the terms for membership they agreed to.

I deal with tons of beginners every day on guide trips. People want to know how to do what we do because it looks like fun and they like to eat fish. Many newbies I deal with don’t know which end of the pole points toward the fish but you can bet, at the end of the day, I have taken the time to try to pass along as much info as I could and answer every question they asked. I want them to know why I have my electronics, what they do, and how I use them to be a better fisherman. I’ll show them what equipment I use and how they will use it. If it is a seasoned fisherman, I’ll show them how to go back to their fishing area and catch fish by showing them why I’m fishing a particular area or what about this spot makes it better than another spot.

I’m not in business to give away waypoints and I do keep some cards close to my vest. I have great sponsors who help me a lot but I’m not going to tell anyone those sponsors are the only place they can go for tackle or equipment that might work for them.

We all need to think back about those who helped us learn and where we would be if somebody didn’t take time to answer our questions. We sure didn’t have the forums when Jim Perry or I started. Information now is so much easier to share and quicker to learn if we all work together.

Peace.



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