bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I started to post this under Fishinmainiac's post "Bobber Down", but then though it might deserve a spot of its own. Thank you Fishinmainiac.

Thanks so much for your detailed report. You did not give away any secrets, yet you helped a lot of fishermen. Like most fishing, you can use all the right tackle and fish the right place, yet still not catch fish. I have seen it so many times in the same boat. You can not teach experience. Nor can you teach people to think like a fish. That is why a few fishermen catch most of the fish.
It is people like you who keep me as a regular on this site. There seems to be two camp on here. The first is like you, who freely share what they know and appreciate what they learn from others. And the second whom are all about themselves. They want info for free, or a place to put down others, but are not about to give back. Now that I think about it, that pretty much covers the world in general. It is interesting that the ones who share, seem to catch as many or more fish than those that don't.
What camp are you in? It's never to late to change

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

Thank you Papabear. It seems that we both value this forum for very similar reasons. 👍

woodguru Loc: El Dorado Ca

I have a good knack for ferreting out good info in new places...my wife has a high tolerance for me stopping at a few convenience stores talking to people who know some local fishing scoops.

We go to Topaz Lake a time or two every year, and fish both the outflow and the Walker River. I had stopped at two little stores with people who knew nothing about fishing, bought nightcrawlers at one, a map at another, when the third hit info gold. A guy standing in line started telling me about local hot spots, how to turn into a road on the outside edge of town and about a bridge a mile down where the owners of the land let people park so they could walk a quarter mile up to a deep pool...we smacked the heck out of some really nice fat trout.

Some people share, some don't, but you will never find anything out if you don't ask.

Jeremy Loc: America

I have always enjoyed helping others. Every job I had I ended up being the trainer of whatever I did for the Company or Agency. Many wanted me to be a Manager but I never really like being a liar and many of the jobs I ended up in if you were going to be Management you were not allowed to be honest. I had a hard enough time sleeping as it was.

Fishing to me is a why not help others kind of thing. If one doesn’t get joy in helping others something is wrong with them. I have repaired a ladies tire on a hot Freeway instead of reading about her in the news being found dead. I have taken an exit on a freeway and had no reason whatsoever to get off there. At the top of the off ramp there is two guys with hood up and I had a jumper box. I started their car and back on the freeway I went. That one always makes me wonder.

Jarheadfishnfool Loc: Woodlake/Tulare ,Ca.

Good post Bapa,, I've told you many times how much I appreciate you sharing your knowledge of fishing strategies !!👍 I'll never be a great Fisherman but I do greatly enjoy trying and being out in the elements, Thanks to Fishinmaniac for that excellent post also , You have a warm wonderful Day Bapa,, 👍🤙

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

Wonder no more, Jeremy! I believe God/Jesus/Holy Spirit will, and does use anyone who is willing to help others, or fulfill His plan. I believe that’s what that
“still, small voice” is that we hear/feel in our head or heart. My dad always called it his “heebie jeebie”, even before he accepted Christ as his Saviour. As a Christian, I know and recognize that voice as the Holy Spirit, and have learned to listen to Him and do what He says. Just so you know, it’s NOT WIERD or spooky!
I’ve told on FS, about a few of the times I’ve experienced this happening - one very similar to what you told above, and other times when the HS told me to give money to someone. This has been to people I know, and those I’ve never met till that moment. At first, my reaction was “WHAT?!”. Now, I just do it without hesitation.
God can use ANYONE; even a tightwad like me…😂

Jeremy Loc: America

Yeah I think your right. I just feel guilty if I know someone needs something that they don't understand like plugging a tire on an elderly ladies car that would of left her stranded in the heat. Some don't know how to check oil. They think they are the dipstick.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I fully agree. Being on this site is asking. sometimes we don't know we needed info until we get it. For specifics, it is best to post a question. Thanks for responding

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Thanks for the response

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Then there is those occasions that they are the dipstick.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Anyone who's read my reports knows that I don't keep many secrets. The only time I might not tell all is right BEFORE I go out. I wouldn't want to find a crowd in my spot LOL.
The only bad part about giving hard learned information to newcomers here is that at least half never get back to you. We want to know if it helped them be successful or not. Sometimes you don't even get a simple thank you from them. It took me 60 yrs to gather my 60yrs worth of experience. Sharing it with someone who doesn't even have the common courtesy to say thank you, feels like you got ripped off. Hopefully we'll see less of that in the future.

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

I was fortunate to be taught my trade by some of the best. I’ve done well and made most of what I have w my own 2 hands. I’ve employed many men over the years and have enjoyed passing on my knowledge to those who were willing to learn. Most have moved on, and that’s the nature of things, but it’s a good feeling to teach someone a skill that can earn them a living. Now those who have become advanced, and possibly became competitors, I’ve never taught estimating, or how I get work. Same as fishing, I’m willing to share secrets and skills, but not my favorite locations. It takes years to build a clientele as well as find various productive spots to fish in your area. Some of my best times fishing were discovering a new lake and testing to see what it holds. Sometimes success others not. Always an adventure, and for me, that’s what it’s all about. Maybe I speak only for myself, but there is a satisfaction when I figure out the mystery, solve the puzzle or win the game by my own Witt.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Interesting baba " Secrets The key to success "

Secrets are one thing and I feel experience with applying the go to tip is where the success comes in. Not only in fishing but in our everyday as well. We learn as we go in both scenario's, share when asked because we once asked ourselves. And by far don't pat our own back, for we once were in need too.

Sure there are a few here that don't say Thanks like Fred mentions, but the old saying of " fool me once " comes to mind.

To put a spin on the Topic I just read this the other day. " “The secret to life is meaningless unless you discover it yourself.”

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Similar to what I was trying to say Plumb. Great feeling when we figure some things out ourselves.

Fishinmaniac Loc: SW Washington

That has also been my personal experience in the past. I just try to stay positive and move forward. Sometimes it ain’t easy! I feel your pain! Some people just feel they are entitled to everything without having to earn it……ok, stop it, now you got ME started.🤨