Lamentably, we currently live in a time where people often make decisions based on convenience, conformity and repetition - as a case in point, there are instances when I receive a barrage of questions from friends and acquaintances requesting information about waterways that are hundreds of miles from where I live. Unfortunately, I do not possess any supernatural abilities that allow me to provide up to date reports on fishing conditions in Huron and Bruce counties, and if I had such insight, I'm not certain that I would freely share it with just anyone. Furthermore, it seems as though people have lost the ability to take chances and explore unfamiliar waterways, or even areas of a given river that extend beyond their usual well-trodden spots; with the aid of topographic maps and a copy of the latest 'Recreational Fishing Regulations' for Ontario - I have found some fantastic places to fish on rivers that receive less pressure than ones discussed ad infinitem on public messageboards. That being said, I strongly maintain that the trademark of a resourceful individual is to be selective about offering information - to clarify, be helpful, and offer advice - but do so remembering the significance of the proverbial "secret spots"; to borrow (and twist) from the words of West, angling can be a solitary undertaking, where family, friends and society can be the natural enemies of the fisherman. He must be alone, uninterrupted and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking. I think that it goes without saying that it is important to find isolated areas, free from heavily trampled paths, noise, litter and angling pressure."I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite." - G.K. Chesterton
Take solice in the fact it's just conditions your being asked for. I get flooded with everything from Blanks/Rods, to Reels to Wading Gear daily..
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of Rods/Blanks. Hows that Scott Spey Conversion coming along ??
The Scott is still not ready, though I did see some photos and it looks very, very good. I will probably most likely do a conversion using a St. Croix Imperial Spey as well, as something such as that can have more practical 'everyday' applications over the Scott SAS, which is very heavy.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of having a place that a person can call his own spot is coming sadly to a close! As you noted, any sharing of locations on your part comes close to the "when you fish with a person, you risk soon fishing with everyone the other person fishes with!"
ReplyDeleteYou are "spot on", anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI made the mistake a season or two ago of showing a piece of water to a few fellows, and the 'traffic' in that spot increased to the extent that I now avoid it. The upside of that caused me to seek some water that I had not previously fished, far upstream, and the results were very good. Best of all, there were no others around...
J,
ReplyDeleteI read this post about 2 days ago and I agree with you completely. It is a lost art the finding and keeping of secrets. However, there was something that didn't sit right and thinking of it just now I felt compelled to pop over and post a note. I will only say it is a great honor of the world and men to be one is sought of advice - a delicate position of great influence. Especially one who publishes such eloquent writings and beautiful pictures on the most public of earthly forums.
Dejon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughtful submission, I think that the quality of the readers surpasses this author, but perhaps that is my intent.
In any event, I guess that it is probably right to be charitable, but my rant was more focused on the fact that we experience such a high harvest rate of fish here in Ontario, many of which have been wild for decades. Secluded spots give me some solace in knowing the fish will be released....