Where to draw the line

Reese and Feeshrman appreciate the help and kindness shown. Found a big learning curve over the last four weeks for sure. For me it's not about the tourney aspect and never has been. Call me a goofball or whatever but the friendships and memories made last way more than any money could buy!! My thread was never intended to be about tourneys but I see that is what a lot of folks are reading into it.

As far as tourney friends go I can always be asked a question and I personally am not offended. Like some have said I may not tell all the truth but I am not gonna lie to ya either. See how some get offended by it though and point taken too. Better to put it out on open IMO. Mr. Bill BRM told me on the crappie masters "jw we are friends before and after the tourney but during we are competitors". Wells spoken and commend him for that as I personally knew where we stood lol. Man here I go rambling again sorry.

It's six of one, a half dozen of another. In my experience, good fishermen can catch more fish with general information than guys who may not be as experienced who have specific information. There are newer anglers who could be led to a spot, given the right color combos, depth, and trolling speed and still catch fewer fish than the guys who have an idea that the fish are in 6' of water and want a faster speed. The reason being is there are countless little things that make a difference that good fishermen may not even know they're doing. So, you help out where you can but it doesn't guarantee that the other guy is going to wear them out. This was especially true when I was guiding. I could tell someone where to go, what to use, and which tide worked best and they still wouldn't catch the same fish that we were catching. Again, lots of little things.

I think the amount of help that people are willing to offer varies wildly between species. Crappie fishermen are generally pretty helpful on the water an online and are willing to lend a helping hand when they can, but trout fishermen can be some of the most generous fishermen on the water. I have had guys give me hot flies and give up their hole on the river when they were wearing them out and I was coming up with goose eggs. After the first time it happened, I started doing the same. It's a small gesture but it has big rewards. You know that someone is coming off the water with at least a little renewed faith that it isn't all "hardcore fishermen". That being said, it's important to be respectful and not crash in on someone when they're enjoying their time. Keep a distance. In some cases, I'd get out of the river and sit down. No sense in me messing up someone's spot when they're doing so well and I'm not. On the other hand, I will flat-out lie when I'm on a good duck hole. I took to lying after a friend of a friend hunted down my cell phone number and started calling me at 4 in the morning to try and figure out where I was. After that, I was skunked every time I hunted unless the person I was sharing info with was trusted and volunteered information in-kind.

So, here's the short version- You can lead the majority of the people on the water to fish and they'll still not wear them out. The minority of fishermen need general information and they'll do the work to figure the rest out. Respectful folks can get the best treatment and everyone walks away feeling better when they pay it forward, within reason. I haven't killed a duck in six years.

Hey wind knot I haven't duck hunted much either as most of my original duck hunting friends have passed on. The younger generation of hunters seem to be driven to hunt for other reasons and have am image to uphold IMO.

Taken a long time for me to learn but it's always better to give than receive for me but the rewards are always better that way for me.

Good points from everyone on here. Always a learning process no matter what you do in life!!

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Originally Posted by bfish

Let them fish do their thing, which leaves more to catch the rest of the year and in future years.

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This entire thread is VERY educational. There have been some extremely good advise, reasons, and where to draw the line comments made.

Good post JW.

ATM I sent ya my number if you ever want to go fish or talk fishing

You draw the line where it starts. Give general advice to general public. Family and friends different story.