Be Nice!

[GlassEyeangler]

I have been ice fishing for some time now, and have always told others that ice fisherman are some of the best people on the planet. Over the years, I've never met an ice fisherman who wasn't willing help out in any way. It has always been easy to strike up a conversation with another ice fisherman. Just this year...wow, what a change in attitude! I beleive that more people are getting into ice fishing these days due to the economy...which is great; however, I have experienced beginners to be frustrated and downright rude! It's kinda like the novice fisherman at the landing that can't put his boat back on the trailer the right way and gets upset and makes an @ss of himself in front of other people. Clam Down! There is a bigger saftey factor with ice fishing vs. open water. My suggestion to those that are getting frustrated is...ask questions, and use the highest level of common sense you can muster. I am more than willing to teach a beginner (and not ask for $ either) than watch a grown man throw a fit because the line on his tip up spool froze. Ice fishing is supposed to be fun and enjoyable; henceforth, Be Nice and ask questions...you'll enjoy the time on the ice so much more!

[dairyman]

amen to that

[motley man]

We are here to teach each other !!!! Stop and talk to folks and see how many are good people. Have friends that only see on the ice every year. Some for over 20 years. Great way to see what happening there and around the area. So stop by other houses and say hello and exchange names and # to keep each other updated on things out there. With the vandals out the more eyes the better. Also talk to homes on shore if possible to keep eyes open for late night lights on lakes. Don't be afraid to call them in.

[fishersofmen]

Alot of ice fisherman do not even want to have a conversation. They automatically think you are approaching them to get all their "secrets".

[GlassEyeangler]

That's not been my experience at all. Most ice fisherman want to talk! I started the thread because of the beginners out there that are too cocky maybe, or afraid to ask questions. It has nothing to do with "sercrets"...it's been my experience that once you show a beginner exactly what to do, they usually don't listen and screw that up as well. I'm sure you know how to handle the "secrets" conversation all of us have...just don't be honest! Being helpful is something completely different!

[Rick]

I agree most are very good. If we all make a commitment to help when we can it will make it more enjoyable for more folks AND even more enjoyable for the one doing the helping.

Have fun out there.

[Finlander]

It's good to know your fish house neighbors espeacially when you get stuck in a snow drift!

Good neighbors are a benifit all around!

[Big Tom]

The good old timers are very skilled at talking a lot while saying very little.

[MJ1657]

Encourage people on ths board to get to know each other. I spend some time on the spearing board here and was given an awesome tip by a fellow board member. I met the person (Archerysniper) out on the water and know that if I ever cross path with this person I will always have a helping hand if needed.

Like with anything in life it's all about relationships.