Setting the Record Straight

[eastcoasttransplant]

Hey guys,

I just got called out on another site for asking my many different questions without "giving anything back".

Being a relatively new fisherman to the Great Lakes, I figured that this winter would be the perfect time to get the straight story from those in the know about various fishing techniques, gear, etc. Obviously, some feel it's their need to protect others from people like me, and to slam someone on a board for simply trying to learn more. Things like that really make people become lurkers and stop posting.

Just remember....I agree it is wonderful to go out, and figure something out completely on your own. That being said, there's nothing wrong with asking for assistance along the way.

I hope my numerous questions have not irked anyone here and if I can help anybody along the way, please feel free to let me know. I try to give back when I can and am more than willing to do so. Just let me know if there is an issue and I'm sure we can work things out.

I thank everyone for all their insight and assistance to my questions.

Thanks and happy holidays.

[Nailer]

Phil, ask as many questions as you need. There are enough fish in our fresh water sea to go around.

The best way to become a better fisherman is through networking.

[Josey_Wales]

I second Nailer here, and can tell you from personal experience I have asked a TON of questions here, and the information and conduct thus far has been terrific.

[Hotdog71]

What Ken said! I'm sure there isn't a person here that hasn't someone help them along the way. I left another site because of the same crap. Here, guys give a lot of information without having their arms twisted, or belittle you because you didn't already know something.

Ask away Phil, ask away!

And thanks to Mike and all the moderators, for keeping the site friendly.

[killerbe20]

phil,

i am certain you will not find any attitudes like that on this site. What you have just explained is why this site has become my "home." Mike and the moderators do an excellent job of keeping this a friendly and inviting site.

I have never understood why a lot of fisherman with knowledge and experience refuse to help others. I would not be in the position i am in if it were not for what i have gained from others. I personally love sharing knowledge and experience with others and seeing others success.

[GLF]

Phil(and anyone else that may have doubt about asking questions),

Ask as many questions as you desire. There is no "you need to give something back" here. I also frown on the replies that say to "use the search feature". Sometimes I have problems finding information with the search feature on other websites I visit.

I visit some websites that have threads with over 300 pages of replies. Try to follow one of those! I would rather see a new thread with an old question asked than to read through 300 pages! What I have seen in those threads is that most of the replies do not even pertain to the original subject. So.....don't be afraid to ask a question that may have been asked before. Lots of other people probably have the same question, but are to afraid to make the post.

There have been a few posts made here that have been removed because they took a turn for the worse. The only thing that is not allowed here is the flaming and bashing of other people(members or non-members).

[willfishforfood]

I lurk most of the time as I don't fish the big ponds anymore but love reading about them still.

Living in Washington State I fish The Columbia River and some times in the salt.

I have found that the people here just love to share and have the fun doing it.

WFFF

Steve

[Line Dancin]

Thats why i hardly ever use that other site you are talking about. People are friendly here and out to help one another become better fisherman. Thats what this game is all about. I had a arguement on that other site once and have hardly ever been back. The only way to learn is to ask and we are all learning all the time. even those of us who have been at this game for over thirty years. Nobody knows everything, even though a few at that other site seem to think they do, oh and they will tell you that they know it all or that there way is the only way.

[Eyefull]

Ask away, most on here are more than happy to assist. Nothing needed in return, well, maybe a success story once in a while and a photo of the proud fishermen:thumb:.

[jimcr]

This is why am a supporting member, because you are not flamed here, the guy and gals here are here to help because we want to be . Not because we want to show off how good we are and not help any one else out .

I was new to fishing the big lake this year, I asked lots of questions , joined lots of discussions. Enjoyed reading all the posts.

I love fishing and from what I can tell most of the guys here feel the same way. With the help from all the people here I have turned into an addict , and taught my son to fish. Now he can't wait to get on the water with me. I am always glad to share what I have been taught . And share the experences with others, I post pictures with my posts to enhance the story. Not to brag.

The totals in my signature are more for me than anyone else. I surpassed my goal this year and every time I see that I smile because I was able to do that together with my family and friends. and help from the people here. you will like it here, I have been told that the only dumb question is the one not asked. Enjoy your stay here and ask away.

Tight lines,

Jim

[KJ pluggin]

Keep sending the questions Phil, we welcome them!

[sjk984]

I don't think you will have to worry about that here. These guy here are great. After only 1 year of salmon fishing I still don't have a lot to give experiance to give back but thanks to the people here it's comming. Of all the site's this is the best group of fisherman that I have come across.

Steve

[Grant Sadler]

I think ask away Phil, I saved this site in my favorites as GOLDEN GATES to fishen, it's like Heaven here, these guy's are Good PEOPLE.

[ChampionShip]

These boards are specifically designed to help shorten the learning curve of the multitude of different setups we all have and use......they're all different so it's nice to be able to ask questions and get several detailed answers and opinions.....keep asking!

[Ashman]

I'm always hesitant about asking questions on a forum untill I get the feeling of how one is treated when asking questions.

All I can say is that so far I have not expierienced anything other than folks helping folks on this forum.....and so far, I like it here.

[A-Fishy-Anado]

This topic is a true testament to Mikes vision of how he wanted this site to run. It's an easy feeling here at GLF, even for those of us who don't know everything there is to know yet:grin:

[MY2SONS]

Hey guys,

I just got called out on another site for asking my many different questions without "giving anything back".

Being a relatively new fisherman to the Great Lakes, I figured that this winter would be the perfect time to get the straight story from those in the know about various fishing techniques, gear, etc. Obviously, some feel it's their need to protect others from people like me, and to slam someone on a board for simply trying to learn more. Things like that really make people become lurkers and stop posting.

Just remember....I agree it is wonderful to go out, and figure something out completely on your own. That being said, there's nothing wrong with asking for assistance along the way.

I hope my numerous questions have not irked anyone here and if I can help anybody along the way, please feel free to let me know. I try to give back when I can and am more than willing to do so. Just let me know if there is an issue and I'm sure we can work things out.

I thank everyone for all their insight and assistance to my questions.

Thanks and happy holidays.

Why would asking questions about something most of us are pasionate about bother anyone? There's a lot of good resources on this site, and it would be a shame not to tap into those that are more experienced than others. The only thing I would like for you to "give back" would be some good fish porn from your upcoming, and past outings:thumb:.

[Boltman]

Nothing I can say, because it's already been said, Ask away and learn as much as you can...before you go out, it saves so much time...

[Priority1]

When a question is asked, there is more than one person that benefits from the answers.

[jimcr]

Why would asking questions about something most of us are pasionate about bother anyone? There's a lot of good resources on this site, and it would be a shame not to tap into those that are more experienced than others. The only thing I would like for you to "give back" would be some good fish porn from your upcoming, and past outings:thumb:.

Well Said

[Line Dancin]

To be honest there is one give back i would like to see. As you learn from others and become a more experienced fisherman(i'm talking a few years down the road), when new people come into this sport and ask the questions you are now asking jump in and help them out as much as possible. Dont get that well its been asked a hundred times before attitude because there is always someone that needs some help. As long as you pass it along like the old timers did for me that are now gone then i have no problem answering the same question a hundred times over. I am just passing knowledge i got from someone else that was kind enough to teach me. And i wish some of those old guys were still around to see how far i have come.

[JWheeler]

When a question is asked, there is more than one person that benefits from the answers.

+

This is a true statement. Answers to questions regarding fishing only help to shorten the learning curve. Beyond that the best teacher is experience, and it takes time to gain that. Learning is progression, and if you can take away a few new tricks/tips from others because of the advice given then your questions have succeeded, and in turn benefits all who read. Seems to me that networking with a group such as this benefits everyone. From talking on the radio and exchanging information about where/what/when, you can never have enough information and you are constantly looking for more.

[Just Hook'n]

I think you will find a different attitude here Phil. Also, the best way that I have found to become a better fisherman is to get on board some boats. I've MANY willing people here that have helped me become better.

[eastcoasttransplant]

Thanks guys.

Actually, while I'm no where near the status of some of the well rounded fishermen here, I would not say I'm a novice either.

Over my 30 year or so of fishing, I've had everything from kayaks to center consoles and fish for sunfish to tuna and shark. I love to learn about how to become more productive and efficient with any fishing I am doing and often spend countless hours reading or watching videos on the subject.

Back in NJ, while most of my fishing buddies HATED trolling, I loved the way you could keep lures in the strike zone and cover water searching for active fish. Jiggling a plastic worm for largemouth is not really my cup of tea.

I tie my own flies, both trolling and normal, and was so excited once i found out I'd be in range to fish for steelhead and salmon in the tributaries during the spring, winter and fall. Last year I caught (not snagged) an 11 to 13lb brown trout in the Root River on a fly I tied. My biggest brown to date and caught on one of my creations. Heck I've even caught bluefish on an old wooden lamp pull handle that I colored and turned into a lure.

I love to fish and try to approach it as a guide or charter captain would. I love tinkering with presentations to see if there really is a better mousetrap and see how productive I can be. I also love to share my knowledge and have been lucky enough to write a few articles for various outdoor media.

In the end, I appreciate all the insight for those who have been fishng the big lake for years. Those little things that might not be written in the books or shown on the videos can really reduce the learning curve and make the time on the water more productive and enjoyable.

If I can return the favor to any of you, please do not hesitate to ask.

Thanks all for the warm welcome and kind words.

[killerbe20]

phil,

another outlet for you to share knowledge with others and extend your networking is to join a fishing club.

In Racine we have a great Salmon Unlimited chapter. The members ship ranges from charter captains, tournament guys, recreational to newbies. Meetings are every second weds of the month and open to the public. Usually there is some sort of guest speaker (not sure about tomorrow though) and they always have raffles for lures and other fishing equipment. If nothing else, its a good social activity.

Illinois also has a Salmon Unlimited chapter that meets in Elk Grove village the second tuesday of every month. I am not very familiar with their club, but can assume it is similar.