Opinions needed

[FishingDog]

I also live in Ohio, and very close to you, because I know the lake you are referring to. They just want instant gratification just like Bob#1 mentioned. I'd like to fish that lake with you some time. PM me.:D

[yellow hat]

the slot limit is not a bad idea. TN uses this on several state lakes and it works well for the simple fact you are releasing the brewed fish to continue reproduction. Most lakes you can only keep one over the slot and the rest under the slot

[DRPEPPER]

We have a "Dead Sea" near Little Rock. It is a drinking water supply so I understand some of the rules about making habitat for fish. But, it is so handy to so many fisherman that could make it into something; it is a shame we are not turned loose on it.
There are many other choices near by though. My biggest fear is taking someone that don't fish much and having a slow day. Most people that don't go much miss the point of what fishing is all about. If they don't catch fish with me, I hate to know that they might become discouraged and miss all of the other benefits fishing has besides catching fish.
By the way; I feel very fortunate to live in Arkansas and the many oportunities to fish.
DP

[joejv4]

Hays47,
Firstly, Welcome from Upstate NY.

Secondly, I can't agree more that a whole lot of the whining and complaining about not catching fish isn't because there aren't any fish, but because there's a new generation that is all about instant gratification. They probably didn't have a dad or grandpa that took them fishing when they were little, then they watch the fishing shows on TV and see guys pulling in a fish on what "looks" like every cast. They just don't understand that to be successful fishing requires a good bit of learning and lots of practice and patience. It's not just you that's noticed, and it's not just fishing where this sort of thing goes on. It's the way a lot (but not all) of the youngsters look at life, and it's sad.

As for deer hunting that one of the fellers mentioned... I have to laugh a bit when I think deer hunting. I spend a fair amount of time in the woods this year looking for a buck (I got my lic. too late to apply for a doe permit), and all I saw were a few doe, not even a spike-horn. Well a right at the end of the season, I got a deer... with my truck!!!! Tell you what, I called 911, got the sheriff out to finish her off and tag her for me, took her to a guy I know who butchers deer, and now I've got venison in the freezer (which is why I hunt to begin with - don't give a hoot for hanging them on the wall).

[gabowman]

Dont ya just love it when people say "There aint no fish in this lake." or "They aint biting." and you pull up to the ramp with a limit?! I love it when all the homework pays off!! :D

[Muddy Water]

It's the same as learning to turkey hunt to me. I went with someone who knew a little about it a few time, just to learn the basics, then took off on my own and am learning the rest by trial and error. Haven't killed one yet, but I'm getting better all the time. When I do kill one, I'll know I put in the time and effort to make it happen. I've got a buddy who has shot 2 nice turkeys, but couln't make a box call squalk right if his life depended on it. He always get a local "expert" to call the bird in to his shotgun. To me, that's not hunting, its shooting. Fishing is the same way. You gotta put in the time and effort to make it happen.

[kincade]

Some people expect to catch fish as soon as they drop a line in the water, no mater where they are at. Liberals will complain mostly, they dont want anyone to do anything.......

[rdant]

Fishing is a learning experiance. Each time you go you should learn something. What was right and what was wrong. I'm one of those guys who loves to catch them when no one else does. The last time I was out last year, went into the fish cleaning shack the 3 guys in there were bragging on their 3 limit catch, and I only had 8 fish. The thing of it was, my first 1 took care of half theirs in size and 2 more took care of the rest of the bucket. Needless to say it made me fell good and they shut their mouths.

[Turtlebait]

If they could prove fish has feelings in their lips hooks would be banned....

I'm glad some think they aren't any fish in the lakes b/c they cann't catch any fish.Whats funny some of them use 20# test with a bobber as big as dinner plate and wonder why they cann't catch crappie.It wouldn't be no fun fishing if you loaded the boat in 10 mins. with fish everytime you went.I like working for my fish and come home tired,give out and starving to death.When i get to a lake and they tell me they aren't biteing thats good news to me b/c that makes it easier work.That info takes alot work off you knowing what tackle to start out with if the bite is slow.Wittle bitty bait and 2# test tightlined will feel a cooler if the bite is slow.
Some people think fish eat all time and never get full which makes themthink no fish in this lake.If they are full I try to give them just a small snack to niddle on and rub it in their face.Fishing is hard work b/c they usually are not biting when I go,it makes a long hard day enjoyable to me.I'm not a hour or two fishman on the water I like spending all day whether they are biting or not,I just like fishing.

[GRIZZ]

Fishing is work,

now days,
Instant TV
Instant drive thru meals
Instant Coffee
Instant Tea
Instant Dinners

You got the idea,
as I said fishing is work

How insightful Bob. In all my years fishing I have never heard it put quite that way, and it is so true, but what great work it is. Here is how I put it. 10% of the people catch 90% of the fish, and monkey see monkey do. There are those that have IT. The IT that makes them a 10%'r. The natural ability and fishing intelligence/wisdom to put together all the many factors in concert to consistently be a superior and successful angler. Just look at the pro's. These are driven, intelligent, students of fishing. In a few of them its harder to see, but its there. The monkey part is that a 10%'r does all his or her work to get on the fish and pretty soon is surrounded by a crowd of lazy 90%'rs mooching off experience and hard work of others. Sound familiar? Like welfare?

Interesting topic.