Do forums create fishing pressure ?

[Guest]

Do you think some lakes have enough pressure with out spredding the word?

[Guest]

The "Word" only tells your where, maybe.

The how and why puts fish in the net.

Good forums concentrate on the why and how and let the where come to the angler on his or her own.

You can have all the GPS way points and X's on lake maps you want, but the why is the key every time.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Backwater Eddy (edited 04-06-2003).]

[upnorth]

I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I make plans on the lake I am going to, then check the site for upto date info on what's working and where. If things are really dismal sounding I may decide not to go.

In other words, just because they reported good fishing last weekend at LOW doesn't mean that I will run up there this weekend.

The one thing that this site does do, is help me to be a better more productive fisherman.

[traveler]

I think the majority of anglers who make use of this forum are interested in more then just finding out where the "hot bite" is. The friendships we see formed here, the get-togethers planned, the exchange of information are all aimed at helping each other get the most from our outdoor pursuits. Does the fishery suffer? I guess I feel the guys here are less likely to exploit the resource then the average joe; talk of proper C&R techniques, regulations, etc... often accompany fishing advice given. Most of the places I fish are not a secret, if I'm going to have company on the water I guess I'd just as soon it be FM'ers.

[Surface Tension]

The information gathered here will only help the environment. The forum is an excellent place for people to see things from differing view points. I'm sure theres more guys releasing a few more fish or being more conscience of their impacts on the waters because of forums like this.
Becoming a more educated angler isnt a "Bad Thing".

[Kevin Turner]

I can't count the times I've heard about the hot bait, hot spot, on the hot lake or river, only to show up and be skunked! The one thing we all can count on is things change. I don't believe any web forum would have much to do with it.

[Walleye_GFA]

No.

[Aquaman01]

Nah, I don't think so. These same people, and lurkers as well are gonna be out there trying whether they read a "hot tip" or not.

------------------
Aquaman
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Peace and Fishes

[Dennis Steele]

Well at least now the anglers in Minnesota are not all at Minnesota Sportsmans top ten lakes.

[Guest]

I think maybe that could get to be the case during ice fishing season, but not open water. In open water things usually change to rapidly and you have so many more options on ways to fish. I think the forums generally have very little effect once open water season begins. Plus it seems that most times people really do not give specifics for obvious reasons.

[Sarge]

"Do forums create fishing pressure?" Yes, they can.

"Do you think some lakes have enough pressure with out spreading the word?" Yes, they may.

Are our fisheries harmed? Probably not.

As stated above, even with the Whens, Wheres, and Hows, you still have to go out there, in ever changing conditions and catch those fish. And we as a community are doing an excellent job of helping educate others about our fisheries, their possibitlies and there limitations.
These forums are a very positive tool, to teach, learn, to introduce new anglers, and meet new fishing buddies.

That's what I love about this site, even if I only spend 20mins of reading here a day I go away feeling like a better angler. And who doesn't like to share thier successes when they come.

[pikehunter]

I'm with Sarge on this one. Yeah, the forums might intrigue a few people enough to bring them to a certain lake, but so do bait shop rumors.
My feeling is that most of these folks would be fishing somewhere anyway, so what's the difference if they get a tip from a forum or a phone call.
The genius is in the tips that transverse just when and where and go into methods that apply to all bodies of water. The best info I've gotten here often comes from those who've never been near some of the lakes I fish, and vice-versa, but the tactics apply and that helps me catch more fish than someone saying "The fish are biting here and this time!."
Like Sarge said, I think many of us are becoming better fishermen by reading the posts of seasoned anglers and guides. As for me, I think fishing pressure is lessened because of some of these forums. I now seldom go out in search of a bite that everyone else is talking about. With what I've learned through these forums I don't need to. I've gained enough know-how through many of these people to have the confidence to think I can find fish under many more conditions.
Besides, I think most of us have plenty more stories about the "hot bite" that wasn't than the "hot bite" that was.
Keep tradin' tips fellas. The pleasure is in the true knowledge gained.

Happy Fishin!
(ain't it always?)

[Jim W]

I agree you still have to catch and "most" visitors to this site either preach or practice selective harvest and Catch and release.

Granted, You won't hear me telling you the name of the stream(s) that continue to put out above average size trout or smallmouth. Stream fishing is unique to the question. Much easier to access and to anyone with decent enough fishing background/knowledge who didn't practice Catch and Release, who littered, don't get permission to access land/property etc etc. This has a HUGE effect on fishing pressure.

I might take you, blind fold you and possibly cut out your tongue when we are done fishing(LOL), but I probably won't post to the world the name of the stream/ wadeable river.
I've seen too much go wrong with out me giving everyone directions to years of walking nettles/ivy, itch weed, skitos, deer flies, falling on my back, hooking my appendages hard work..........wah wah ???

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W