09-01-2011, 01:49 PM
I haven't run into the tournament issues, but it is competition and big money on the line for some. So anything goes, but what really goes is courtesy.
I have only seen some of it on the "overly popular" waters. Mainly I think it is people who have spent a lot of money getting there, and feel they and their guide has bought them first rights. Others are just jerks that no matter where they are, they have no manners or courtesy for others.
I guess I am just not used to the combat fishing anymore. I usually fish more remote areas as I don't like elbow to elbow fishing, and a carp or a brookie is more fun to me than a steelhead caught in a popular hole with 30 other people there.
I was camped on the South Fork this last month and two people drove up and parked just up from me and then walk through the middle of my camp, between me and my truck, to get to the water. Obviously they didn't notice me there putting my waders on! They went down to the river and set up their fishing camp for the day. I was courteous....I at least said good morning to them, as I waded out between them.
The thing is, I wasn't camped near anyone else and that spot wasn't special in any way. There were empty places all up and down that area. So why????? Was it a hot spot because someone else was already there? They were from Idaho, so I think it was their "grandfathered spot". Hope it was lucky for them after I waded up and down the area. The will probably post next and complain about the idiot that waded up and down around their fishing hole!!
Later as I had moved to a different area, a driftboat came and plowed right through the seam I was fishing. There was plenty of room for them. I was the only person out there as far as the eye could see. Dozens of other boats had passed by and hadn't needed that spot. The river is huge and there is room for all. I half got the impression that it was intentional. Mainly from the guide's face as they went by. Boredom??? Entertainment value?? Harrasment of the lowly waders??
This was all in one day in the middle of the week, so it wasn't even really crowded. Nether of these was any real big deal to me. Frankly I caught more and bigger fish on some of the smaller streams of the area,
but it shows an attitude that is developing all over.
That is what it really comes down to .... good manners. Too bad so many missed learning that!
It really is only a few, thank goodness. Most people are very nice and will help you out if you need it, or go around you and leave you plenty of fishing room. It is the few that make the most stink though.
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I have only seen some of it on the "overly popular" waters. Mainly I think it is people who have spent a lot of money getting there, and feel they and their guide has bought them first rights. Others are just jerks that no matter where they are, they have no manners or courtesy for others.
I guess I am just not used to the combat fishing anymore. I usually fish more remote areas as I don't like elbow to elbow fishing, and a carp or a brookie is more fun to me than a steelhead caught in a popular hole with 30 other people there.
I was camped on the South Fork this last month and two people drove up and parked just up from me and then walk through the middle of my camp, between me and my truck, to get to the water. Obviously they didn't notice me there putting my waders on! They went down to the river and set up their fishing camp for the day. I was courteous....I at least said good morning to them, as I waded out between them.
The thing is, I wasn't camped near anyone else and that spot wasn't special in any way. There were empty places all up and down that area. So why????? Was it a hot spot because someone else was already there? They were from Idaho, so I think it was their "grandfathered spot". Hope it was lucky for them after I waded up and down the area. The will probably post next and complain about the idiot that waded up and down around their fishing hole!!
Later as I had moved to a different area, a driftboat came and plowed right through the seam I was fishing. There was plenty of room for them. I was the only person out there as far as the eye could see. Dozens of other boats had passed by and hadn't needed that spot. The river is huge and there is room for all. I half got the impression that it was intentional. Mainly from the guide's face as they went by. Boredom??? Entertainment value?? Harrasment of the lowly waders??
This was all in one day in the middle of the week, so it wasn't even really crowded. Nether of these was any real big deal to me. Frankly I caught more and bigger fish on some of the smaller streams of the area,
but it shows an attitude that is developing all over.
That is what it really comes down to .... good manners. Too bad so many missed learning that!
It really is only a few, thank goodness. Most people are very nice and will help you out if you need it, or go around you and leave you plenty of fishing room. It is the few that make the most stink though.
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