We need to give back

[M R Dux]

I got mad last night after reading some posts where new crappie fishermen were being dissed for asking questions about tackle and tactics. This was on Facebook which I’m not a fan of and where I’m only a member because some of my sponsors require me to be. I’m no longer a member of those pages. This is what I posted on a site I visit a lot but rarely post on:

I went to 3 different crappie forums I was a member of today and when I logged off, I asked to be removed from each one.

Folks who were new to crappie fishing were trying to ask legitimate questions about tackle and tactics and each time ended up getting shamed by those who didn’t like that so-and-so rod or this or that tactic. It embarrassed me before it chapped my butt.

It seems that many in the crappie community have forgotten that once upon a time, they were a beginner asking many of the same questions but probably had somebody take them under their wing or at least give them honest answers to questions. I seriously doubt any of us had to go thru the BS that is taking over many fishing sites. BTW, one of the sites was one I was a moderator on. I gave up spending my time trying to deal with idiots who never read the terms for membership they agreed to.

I deal with tons of beginners every day on guide trips. People want to know how to do what we do because it looks like fun and they like to eat fish. Many newbies I deal with don’t know which end of the pole points toward the fish but you can bet, at the end of the day, I have taken the time to try to pass along as much info as I could and answer every question they asked. I want them to know why I have my electronics, what they do, and how I use them to be a better fisherman. I’ll show them what equipment I use and how they will use it. If it is a seasoned fisherman, I’ll show them how to go back to their fishing area and catch fish by showing them why I’m fishing a particular area or what about this spot makes it better than another spot.

I’m not in business to give away waypoints and I do keep some cards close to my vest. I have great sponsors who help me a lot but I’m not going to tell anyone those sponsors are the only place they can go for tackle or equipment that might work for them.

We all need to think back about those who helped us learn and where we would be if somebody didn’t take time to answer our questions. We sure didn’t have the forums when Jim Perry or I started. Information now is so much easier to share and quicker to learn if we all work together.

Peace.



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[keeferfish]

You lost me at Facebook.

[Slabprowler]

Teaching the sport is what it’s all about! Most Social media is pure
im so thankful that Ed and the great Moderators here on C.C for keeping it in line
and C.C has been such a treasure for me because I have met some of the greatest folks in the country and some have became best of friends
and have learned so much from so many because they been willing to help!

[BobC]

Well said, MRD, and needed to be said. I'm not a member of Facebook and have no intention of ever joining. At my age it would be pretty useless, and some of those folks would do nothing but cause aggravation.
Fish On!
Bob

[Slab]

Yes we need to give back and those here on Crappie.com abide by that.

Yes, fakebook is nothing but "mob mentality". Not a good thing at all. It was created by a kid and still has no "adult in the room".

Crappie.com is about giving, and we're led by adults not children. Lets thank our wonderful moderators. And especially "G" as he's still in the hospital and continues to need our prayers for a speedy recovery. Things are looking good for him to be released in the next day or so.

[tahoe 50]

A BIG AMEN. I don't think I would be half as good as I am now if it wasn't for this site.

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[pescador]

So good to hear about “G”.

As far as the other goes it’s called RESPECT, please treat me like you want to be treated.

I’m an old timer (78) been fishing all my life and STILL learning.

Thank you ALL


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[M R Dux]

You lost me at Facebook.

The one and only reason I’m on Facebook is I have some corporate sponsors who have private Facebook pages for Pro Staffers and communicate with us there. I refused to join it for years.


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[Damion Kidd]

YES!!!When I found this site I had been treated that way on a couple of Facebook forums. I was scared to ask anything on here. Then I gradually started. I have never had anyone disrespect or make fun of me,to me anyway. Lol. There are a couple in particular that I know I must get on there nerves at times,but they always take the time to answer any questions I have,no matter how simple or stupid they must seem. I’ve had the fortune to fish with both of them and it was game changing experience. I consider them both friends now. And everyone else I’ve reached out to have been the same way. Thanks Slab for such a great site. And thanks everyone else for being great sportsman always ready to help. Just hope I can get good enough one day to pass it forward.


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[S10CHEVY]

There is never a stupid question, so ask away. If we don't know something, and don't ask, then it might make us look stupid, lol.