PDA

View Full Version : Question less secure 'experts'



pterodactyl
12-09-2010, 08:48 AM
Hello,

As I was reading Jeff Little's article River to Reservoir: Learning a New Game, http://www.smallmouths.com/2009/05/river-to-reservoir-learning-a-new-game/ he says:

"the type of people who have the most valuable knowledge are so passionate about it that they can't help but speak of it. Their enthusiasm overrides any issues of ego or secrecy that are so common in less secure 'experts' ".

Do you agree with Jeff that those who are reluctant share valuable reservoir knowledge have 'ego issues' or have less valuable information?
I disagree and think that secrecy, especially in closed systems like the reservoirs is a natural outgrowth of fishing success and effort invested. Some anglers have spent decades on the water perfecting their technique and spots and don't feel obligated to spill the beans to every Tom, Dick or Harry that asks. (After all, isn't figuring it out supposed to be part of the fun of it?!)

On the contrary, I think we don't hear or see much from some of the very best reservoir anglers because they ARE secure and don't need other fishermen to say 'nice fish!' to validate their angling skills. They also know that advertising their success will only bring added unwelcome pressure to their home lake or river. (I don't care how magnanimous you are, it ain't fun when another angler camps on your favorite spot.)

Note: I am not discussing giving basic help and tips that all gracious anglers give beginners but rather sharing the hard-earned 'valuable information'.

Regards,
ptero

pterodactyl
12-11-2010, 01:32 PM
alright 57 views and no replies so I'll add one more thought on why the best reservoir fishermen might be tight-lipped. Instead of being a sign of 'ego' or 'insecurity' per the article, it might actually be out of respect for other angler's technical skills and ambition (the "average" angler so to speak). I suspect they know others can cast, set the hook, then play and land a fish basically as well as them. Refined tradecraft - knots, hooks, drag - certainly adds to their catch but their primary frachise is accumulating specific spots with a time of year (or water temp) and a lure/color/depth/speed combination (pattern). If they puke these out for who everyone who says "where did you catch it?! what did you catch it on?!" they lose their fundamental edge. I suppose it was nice for Jeff to have Maryland reservoir legend Jerry S. spoon-feed him knowledge in his quest for a State Record Smallie. I just don't agree with his assesment of those who don't openly share have issues of ego or security or less valuable information. It is simply their perogative.