Whatever happened to the Good Old Days? I constantly get reminded that the fishing industry has changed drastically over the years, and I am not sure it has all been good. We have entered a period in the fishing world where there is an appalling lack of ethics! Those of us who fish hard and are on the water a lot and observe people’s actions might be forgiven for thinking that “integrity” has become an old folk’s notion; that the word means nothing in our small world of fishing. As a professional bass guide I get a chance to survey the lake and people’s actions almost daily. More and more I’m witnessing self-centered people act with a blatant lack of respect for others. For example, my client and I will be on the water and catching fish, and other boaters pull up and cast right over our back at the spots we’ve located, or they run in and cut us off as we’re working our way down a productive stretch of bank or grass line. In the modern “no respect” world, they must figure they’re entitled to reap the benefits of another angler’s experience, preparation, and hours of diligent searching. This all makes me ask, “What happened to the good old days?” I have observed and been a victim of unsportsmanlike conduct that is just unconscionable. Every day I observe “fishermen” (“claim jumpers” is a better term for them) sitting in their boat with binoculars, watching others. When they see someone catch fish, they motor over to that same spot—sometimes immediately—because they cannot seem capable of finding their own fish. Sometimes they idle by close enough to mark a waypoint as they ease by you, or they may just drop their trolling motor and start fishing within 20 feet of where you are catching fish. The latest scandal on Lake Guntersville involved two tournament cheaters blatantly holding big bass in a homemade aquarium hidden in a boathouse. During night tournaments, under the cover of darkness, they snuck in, transferred bass to their livewell, and then took them to the weigh-in. That is just the icing on the cake for me. Sadly, one of the younger guides on the lake who was on a friendly basis with the criminals was accused of being involved, and his reputation was besmirched by actions he claimed he had no part of. Unfortunately in these day and times everything you say and do, every time you associate with the wrong person, give bad advice or take part in hurting others, it comes back to haunt you. We should all work toward the common good of fishing and be a positive force for the good; then just maybe scoundrels like these two fellas would have seen the better side of those around them and these problems may never have existed. Tournament cheating and lack of respect and courtesy are prime examples of greed, jealousy, and immaturity among people with whom we share the water. These types of issues and problems are just part of the greater change in society in general over the years! It is a sad reminder of how much things have changed. What can we do besides shaking our heads and asking, “Whatever happened to the good old days?” First, be an ethical angler yourself. Practice what was once known as “common courtesy,” (which has become uncommon in recent years). Respect other boaters and give them enough space and time to reap the benefits of their own work. If an area you plan to fish is already occupied when you arrive, move on and come back later. At least observe what direction other fishermen are working an area and don’t jump in front of them. Play by the rules. Obey creel limits, fishing regulations, and open seasons. Teach your children, other youth, and fishing partners by word and example what courtesy, respect, and ethical behavior looks like. Treat fish carefully, stow trash for disposal later, and protect the lakes and rivers we enjoy. Be a steward of our fishing resources. Learn what you can do to help and take the Stewardship Pledge at recycledfish.org/. These aren’t the good old days; but that doesn’t mean we can’t have better days ahead if we all do our parts. Captain Mike Gerry Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice Email: [email protected] Phone: 256 759 2270
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 02:17:50 +0000
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