Fishing/catching: I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you...

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

I define a dink bass as one that is less than 12 inches in length. The fish is not a legal catch so I don't consider it a catch. Any size bass that is a keeper makes a solid contribution to my fishing enjoyment. Personally, the details behind each catch, ilncluding the fight, is more important than just the weight of the fish.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Graywulff wrote:

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

Good morning, Wulffy. Anything that beats the skunk. Have a good day.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Graywulff wrote:

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

Gmorn GW. I value the day the most of all. I've told some I lost my competitive edge. Fishing tournaments catching was the focus. When I have opportunity to get out enjoying the day is my main focus. When I catch one the little boy joy comes out. Not the competitor. I'm better for it brother. Now I take time to soak in all the sights n sounds that nature has to offer. Works for me brother. Side note YES I still hope for my next PB 🤣🤣🎣🎣

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Grizzly 17 wrote:

Gmorn GW. I value the day the most of all. I've told some I lost my competitive edge. Fishing tournaments catching was the focus. When I have opportunity to get out enjoying the day is my main focus. When I catch one the little boy joy comes out. Not the competitor. I'm better for it brother. Now I take time to soak in all the sights n sounds that nature has to offer. Works for me brother. Side note YES I still hope for my next PB 🤣🤣🎣🎣

For me too Grizz. The big uns are just a bonus!!🎣👍

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Graywulff wrote:

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

Heck no Wulffy. For me it's the challenge and the catch is just the accomplishment.

Size doesn't matter to me in if it is just C & R. Of course it matters for keepers but no deterrent if it is a day of dinks.

ShortorderCook62 Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado

Speaking from 14 years of bass fishing in Texas, both fun and tournament, most of my friends have three goals for a day of fishing. The first goal is catch a keeper. Most Texas lakes are 14" minimum legal length. The second goal is to catch a limit. Again, most Texas lakes have a five fish limit. The third goal is catch a bigun. That may vary based on the body of water. On some lakes an 18" bass is a trophy, others it may be 20-22". The time of year may enter in. In March you may hope for a big spawning female. Usually it amounts to not being embarrased at weigh-in. It is a good day if you catch fish, you don't fall, the rig doesnt break down and you have a fun day with a good friend. It's a great day if you catch a quality fish and it's a beautiful day on the water. Heck, I even had a great day when we had so much rain water in my buddy's bay boat we didn't have to put the fish in the live well. It's all relative, friends. Just have fun!

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

Graywulff wrote:

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

some days I'm on the hunt for a white marlin. I won't care about the tuna, Wahoo, Mahi Mahi or sharks. other days it's what's hitting what, run up the numbers. that being said when I get to my favorite spot (360* view of nothing but water) my batteries get recharged and I acknowledge how small we really are on this giant ball of water.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Dinks definitely fill a void Wulffy, and are better than the Skunk for sure. While I enjoy all time on the water, I'm a goal oriented kind of guy, so I head out with a plan for where I'm gonna fish, and what should be living there. Naturally I'm looking for challenge from the smartest ( oldest and wisest, and therefore biggest) members of the population.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

NoCal Steve wrote:

I define a dink bass as one that is less than 12 inches in length. The fish is not a legal catch so I don't consider it a catch. Any size bass that is a keeper makes a solid contribution to my fishing enjoyment. Personally, the details behind each catch, ilncluding the fight, is more important than just the weight of the fish.

One of the best fish I've ever caught was 4 inches long. Why was that a great fish? It was the first native wild brook trout I ever caught, on a prince nymph that I had tied the night before in a little tiny stream half way up the mountain outside Bozeman MT

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Graywulff wrote:

I would share an observation and ask a question. Since joining the Stage my fishing has changed considerably in that I don’t just fish for trout anymore. Many of you are bass fishermen/women. I have noticed in your stories and pictures that there seems to be a feeling of sadness if bigger fish aren’t caught. So my question, Does a day on the water of catching “dinks” detract from the fishing experience??

Only if I expect to catch dinner.

Wolf Bay Loc: Al Gulf Coast

My dad was the best fisherman I have ever known. He was happy catching bluegill in the local creek or king mackerel in the gulf. The best lesson I learned from him was match your tackle to the fish you seek. The best day of fishing I have ever enjoyed has was in northern New Mexico, on a small stream, catching cutthroat trout not much larger than your hand on a four wt. fly rod. Don’t try the four wt. in the Gulf.

Katman Loc: Kentucky

flyguy wrote:

Good morning, Wulffy. Anything that beats the skunk. Have a good day.

I’m with you flyguy If I have to take it off the hook. That’s a catch regardless of the size. 🇺🇸🐠on

dbed Loc: POMME DE TERRE LAKE MISSOURI

A legal bass in southeast nebraska would be a great day legal here 21iins 18. Is my longest but any catch is good

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

So many reasons to fish…the challenge in outwitting a fish, solitude, tranquility, sharing the experience, etc. I don’t always catch the biggest fish, just the fastest or the most aggressive. Avoiding the skunk is always a goal, but not always important.