[pigsticker]

On a beautiful post-Thankgiving Friday, after fishing several hours I was heading to one the productive areas I'd found this fall, one which is not particularly popular. I noticed a couple of what looked like bait fishermen sitting in a jon boat out in deep water, and headed for a point adjoining the area I planned to fish. I'd described several weeks ago in a post an exceptional day on this body of water, detailing exactly what primary pattern, depth, type of bottom, bait, etc., I'd been fishing, as well as seconday and tertiary patterns. As I caught a bass off this point, I heard splashing, and noticed the two "bait fishermen" rowing furiously to overtake me before I went to the area I had planned to fish, with bass lures hanging off their boat. We engaged in freindly enough conversation, where the one guy even asked me is I was on NYBass, and what my handle was. I was really too taken aback at having to share an area I expected to have to myself to reply.
He proceeded to tell me how they'd caught a bunch of fish there and were going to fish the area again. I told him there was plenty of room (there was) and rowed half a mile past them, where I promptly caught a couple more. Soon, as they were rowing my direction, fishing, as I was being blown back in theirs, they came in earshot, and I heard a whooping and hollering, guessing they'd caught a good one and figured they wanted to scare the rest of the fish away. As we passed again they confirmed they had, indeed caught a big fish. Fortunately they left me one, since five minutes later I caught my best fish of the day in "used" water, doing exactly what I'd been doing for weeks.
Still, I have to wonder whether I would have, had I not advertised my success several weeks ago, been forced to contend with unwanted company today? Clearly these folks were regulars and used my information to figure out where and what (I thought I had seen this jon boat a week after I first posted - in this same area). The fellow I'm sure, even thought he was doing me a favor telling me what "his" pattern was and I hold nothing against him, and I'm sure we'll see each other again. But a friend of mine warned me this sort of thing might happen if I posted a report.
One of the reasons I eschew the bass boat (which hardly gets used anymore) in favor of the row boat is to get away from the crowd and fish for unpressured fish. This ain't Jersey where you gotta wait in line for a spot (LOL)! The lesson, I guess, is if you don't want to a fishing party, don't send invitations!

 

[Guest]

Welcome to internet fishing boards. There are many positives and many negatives. You just ran into one of the negatives. You have learned your lesson early on and for that, be glad.

The lesson, I guess, is if you don't want to a fishing party, don't send invitations!

I do not talk about specific lakes and places I fish for the same reason. Sure there are many people that fish the same places that I do, but, I will not invite an army to try and fish my waters. Heck, I fish alone 80% of my time. It is human nature to want to replicate the same great efforts of others. I guess I can't really blame others for wanting to get an edge on the best places to fish. My waters and area are limited to some very pristine and small waters, I do not believe that these small waters could handle too many thorough bass fisherman.

 

[acstech]

It always amazes me

It always amazes me when someone thinks they are the first to find a place and fish it on any lake. I doubt, unless you built the lake, that you can find any place that others don't already know about.

Perhaps you stumbled on this location after they did.

Bravo to you for sharing your information the first time around, and shame on you for thinking you be should be the only one to use the area.

Just remember when you don't wish to share: someone shared their knowledge of baits and lakes when you started out. You didn't get to where you are in this fantastic sport on your own.

 

[Guest]

It always amazes me when someone thinks they are the first to find a place and fish it on any lake. I doubt, unless you built the lake, that you can find any place that others don't already know about.

I am not too sure that one can compare the waters in Fla. to the small bodies of waters that I fish, where I live. I am certain that others know where I fish BUT, they don't know that I am routinely pulling out trophy fish... and if they did... they would be there the next chance they got. MY waters are small. The added pressure of good fisherman with no ethics COULD virtually wipe out any chance of legit trophys. I imagine that in FL, you are fishing from glass boats with huge Mercs on the back. Not the case, where I come from. I don't really know the waters Pigsticker fishes so I MAY have spoken out of turn but, I know as for my waters, I am happy to be by myself on my yak or in my waders most of the times:angel: .

 

[acstech]

Just a thought

When you think about sharing and learning principles think about this.

He who teaches is his best student! Through the process of sharing you become the expert!

When you share your knowledge you reinforce that knowledge within yourself and become more knowledgeable in the process.

When I read a report that makes a claim of X-catch, and there is no disclosure of where, how, and with what, I have to wonder if that person is trying to help, or is that person trying to say: "Look at me, aren't I just wonderful?"

pigsticker's report that shared fully was fantastic and because of it he will have many good days of fishing to come. He will gain far more than he gave, and that is the way the world turns.

 

[Hooked Solid]

I am not too sure that one can compare the waters in Fla. to the small bodies of waters that I fish, where I live. I imagine that in FL, you are fishing from glass boats with huge Mercs on the back. :angel: .

I'm pretty sure there is more backwaters in FL from natural springs up north to the Glades down south where you could fish and never see another person let alone a bass rig.Sounds like "Yak City" to me.Just might need a Bang stick for the Gators!

As far as the original post goes,thats the reason very few Tx guys will post on here and most are probably lurking. I wouldn't stop posting about your baits and techs if you'd like to, but if it burns you like that, leave out the location...><>...HS

 

[puddlejumper]

Posting location info......

Guys cruise the board just to find "places to fish". Thats what its called. There is alot of free info on this board. You should be careful not to give location to thousands of fisherman if you would like to keep it quiet. Here's the best way..... Just post about your trip in general, and if you get a reply from a member from the board about it, you can e-mail in private. I've gotten and given info this way here many times. And any of the places I was told about, I would not mention by name if I posted about the trip, if the place was told to me by someone else via e-mail.puddlejumper.

 

[Guest]

I'm pretty sure there is more backwaters in FL from natural springs up north to the Glades down south where you could fish and never see another person let alone a bass rig.Sounds like "Yak City" to me.Just might need a Bang stick for the Gators!

I agree! When I saw astech post, I assumed that he fishes off a bass rig on some serious sized waters. I would definitely be interested in a backwater guided trip! I have fished FL before and though my experience there is limited, I still have found the fishing in my neck of the woods to be some of the very best I have ever fished. That St. Johns River is pretty damn cool though! My mom just moved 1 few miles from Toho...so... when I go visit I am going to get a rig to keep in her garage . I

He who teaches is his best student! Through the process of sharing you become the expert!

AMEN:angel: . I am all for the sharing of techniques and the hows and whys just not the wheres! If I were to share my little puddles I really believe it would hurt the fisheries. I may be overestimating my abilities and the abilities of others though .

I agree with Paul though,

I wouldn't stop posting about your baits and techs if you'd like to, but if it burns you like that, leave out the location...><>...HS

Acstech, I am serious about the back water stuff. If you know of a guide that does backwater bass fishing in the Glades or elsewhere.... please, I am interested. My yak doesn't travel well but, I can always rent:beerchug:

 

[JOHN G]

I love everything that George said in all his replies and he pretty much summed up my philosophy......

I have been writing , in detail, about virtually all of my fishing trips in the last 5 years on this board, and none of my waters are more crowded than they used to be.....

secrecy in bass fishing is greatly overblown, more people know about what you think is a "secret" than you think.......

Andy is fully entitled to his view on this, and to get out of this board what he wants or doesn't , it is his choice....

there are MANY members who never give a lick of information about any water they fish, many of them good friends of mine, again, that is their prerogative.......

in some cases it is tournament guys, but that is not the only reason, there are just as many REC guys out there who don't want people on their "spots"........


you see, my view is one of conceit, and I am not ashamed to admit it: if it was just my "spot" , or just my "lure" or "color" the world would be too simple.....I am confident that the WAY I fish that spot with THAT lure and THAT color and THAT presentation is the reason why the "SPOT" is so good to begin with.......

with that in mind, let other people fish it.....

 

[Andrew]

Pigsticker: I'm the gentlemen you encountered yesterday and thats the way I really thought Iwas acting . For your info I have been fishing that section and this res since 1972 and also lived down the steet in Hunterbrook years ago. Ive been fishing a blue jig and pig for 20 years and on deep shores off weed line. It happens tp be a great old reliable bait and known and used by thousands.If you check I think I was also posting reports to several members about the same stuff through Sept , Oct and Nov. on Croton and Croton Falls. I gave out some of the same info about my lakes and spots,but like someonelse answered you It kind of general and notmaybe the exact spot. Many good fisherman are out there and they all know the general good spots or they wouldn't be good fisherman.We were not bait fishermen (never used the stuff my whole life) and were not racing you. We were going home and thats the way are car was and we really were rowing over just to say hello and dabble in some freindly conversation with you . Im pretty new to board and lately I just ask all I meet if they are from the board so I can put a face to a name.I would never crowd someone and respect you and your spots. I too fish alot by myself ,so not many people know my fishing spots or techniques but since becoming a member of NYBass Ive must of mellowed in my older age because I started to dabble in conversing with some very knowledgeable and very nice fisherman.I too have been giving out some of my fishing no how that I have perfected over the last 30+ years. The idea of this sight of being more open and friendly is what attracted me in the first place and the fact that I think all fishermen are looking and appreciating any info that will make them a better fisherman and catch more fish. So when I saw some posts of Croton naturally I would read them becauase this is Considered my home lake and would welcome comparing what other people are doing out there and conpare with my tactics . I would just like to say We came over to you out of frendship and didn't hesitate to give you my info on catching fish.Remember I can give someone all the info in the world but they still have to go out and throw in the line and work the bait right and that we know is not that easy all the time. So I take no offence from the post you wrote and would really enjoy talking to you again and maybe if you woudn't mind even fishing together since we definitely have things in common especially the love of fishing and the knowlege and love of Croton Res. By the way I have a Bass boat also but 30+ years on the res I love the fact that most times I have the whole lake for myself and great fishing.Ihave boats many years on several res. I really hope this straightens out this situation and hope to hear from you and and understand where I'm coming from. I also wish we were the only ones to fish this place so we will have this great place forever. Also the spot you saw us , we were fishing metal baits over old bride foundation and not live bait. Did we really look that bad to you? Lately we have been catching lm in 40-50ft.Maybe I will see you Sun for I'll be there for the last trip of year on res. Best of luck and hope you understand my situation on this great body of water that I love so dearly. I don't bring but one or two of my dearest and longest fishing buddies to these waters so Our I hope that makes you breath a little easier. Regards FOOTBALLS

 

[Bassin Dude]

I guess I take a slightly different view.... (what else is new )

I have in the past and will continue to ALWAYS post exactly where and how I fished. Search my posts for Sprague Brook Park, Walton Pond, Big Six Mile Creek, Marilla Town Park etc, etc, etc... These waters are tiny and I don't think they are or will ever be ruined by my posts. Actually, I'm quite happy if someone ever tells me that they caught fish from somewhere I talked about.

In my biased opinion, life is too short to be worrying about someone fishing my "honey hole".

Now, of course if somebody else takes me to their favorite spot or if I stumble upon a good spot with a tournament friend, I won't speak of it out of respect for them and our friendship. Also, if I tell a tournament friend about a "good spot" I won't compromise that spot by telling others who may be fishing that tournament too.

My take... don't worry about it, just fish and be happy.

 

[JOHN G]

okay: two comments:

first of all, I could just about close this thread after Football's response.....talk about being 100 percent wrong! after his reply, I sure hope Pigsticker comes back on here and responds in kind....
and I have met Andrew and he is a great guy and willing to take people out and share with them.....

second: TonY: you see, you share the same "conceit" that I tried to explain in my reply right before you...we have a lot of confidence in our ability and as such know that there is much more to it than just throwing a certain lure in a certain place.....

 

[acstech]

How

I am confident that the WAY I fish that spot with THAT lure and THAT color and THAT presentation is the reason why the "SPOT" is so good to begin with.......

Now that's a mouth full. If'n you ain't fishin it right then the fishin ain't gonna be right.

 

[Gregg]

Should I be sorry I ever posted?

No sharing is what we're about! One new boat is not bad, I know Andrew not new but even if he was, one boat and you help him catch a fish! Feel good about it, and it didn't hurt you, you caught from his "used water".

One more thing if someone rows up to you and says "Are you from nybass" say it loud and say it proud "YES"

The big nybass sign on the back of my jeep when parked around the reservoirs has gotten me asked many times. And I've meet nothing but quality people.

 

[Jighead61]

Stay away from MY Reservoir !!!

I've been fishing that section of Croton since 1978.

I will also be there on Sunday to officially end the season.

I'll be Fishing/Duck Hunting the Hunter Brook section from a jon boat with another derelict from this board....Mark (basseracci).

Fair Warning: We'll be on a mission to catch bass and/or kill ducks, depending on our mood. If anyone has funny ideas about fishing "our spots" tomorrow, you better think twice because we're not so friendly (lol) !!! :firing:


Ronnie

 

[TheOleRobbie]

****i forgot to ask His permission.

God gave me his water to play with! i have no rights or permission to deny any of you.

craig--- you still have to ask permission though.

**** in the case one does not belv in God or a God...
Leif Ericsson
Columbus
and the Polynesians
were all here before me.... so i still have no rights to give.

sorry i coulnd not be of assistance..
except to craig.

SUAF!!!!

 

[pigsticker]

This is all great! Needless to say, I'm happy to have caused such a stir. Food for thought, and all that. Actually Andy, from their pics, which I found yesterday, I thought the guys I ran into were Bass Stalker, and I was wondering if we had each assumed we'd found those fish by reading each others' posts. I guess all fishermen in jon boats look alike!
In case you haven't noticed, we're due for another WINDY day tomorrow, so I don't know if I will be out, but if we do chance to meet - good fishing! John G is probably right, that the guys who will commit themselves to a body of water, especially rowing, probably won't change all that much, at least after the Spring poaching season, when fishing gets tougher. And perhaps we can, sometime, put your 30 and my 20 years of fishing the reservoirs together.
I don't know what John maintains Andy is wrong about, exactly as his post covered a lot of topics, but the spirit of discussion is fine here, especially since fishermen are generally a secretive lot. Case in point - I used to be part of a club fishing the Federation - and we were supposed to work together and share information - except one of the most successful guys, would always tell you the opposite of what he was doing.
Lets keep the flow of honest reporting going - but stay off my spots! (LOL)
And here's a parting pic NOT showing my ugly face!

 

[earthworm77]

Nice job by all, Footballs, I didn't think your response was bad at all. It is natural to explain yourself when you didn't mean any harm.

About this site and posting reports and locations. I for one contribute a lot of information to NYbass. Much of it is technical or approach. I do not divulge where I'm catching fish because of two reasons:
1- if you open you're mouth, you must expect people to want to know where you are fishing and you must also expect to see them there at some point. I hold my spots sacred because I worked many years to find them. I do not like to be crowded out so I keep my mouth quiet.
2- I do not like to be questioned about info I am volunteering, some guys just couldn't deal with the fact you are doing well and they are not. I do not like to explain myself to anyone especially somebody questioning me about info I gave them. To hell with that.

I have a bunch of waters that guys have never even heard of here on LI. Some can produce 200 bass a day, some are for big fish. I put in a lot of time finding them, I will not give them up for fear of there productivity decreasing. Call me selfish if you want but like I said, I contribute a lot in other ways. Now, that is not to say that I will not let anyone know about these places.....in fact the best way to get info out of me is to teach me something. I've had a couple of guys show me a spot or two....AKO, Bass 64, BC, those guys have the combo to the vault.

Now don't make me get cranky!

 

[earthworm77]

Pig, by the way, nice slob lmb.

 

[pigsticker]

Just an average "good one" for this fall!