bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Interesting. Do you have more than one rod, or one lure? Do you use anything but mono? Do you read fishing radicals or watch fishing shows? Why? I am confused. The stuff I see mentioned by you and several others is part of fishing. But so is catching fish. Otherwise, it seems we would be talking about what is the best folding chair and beverage. Absolutely no negative on my part intended. I am just being honest with my life. I love to fish. I love to catch fish and I love the challenge of getting fish into the boat for myself as well as others. I love to fool fish with artificial flies and lures I create. If I don't catch fish, I move, change cadence , presentation or try something different. Catching fish is why I am out there. Otherwise I could achieve the other aspects of fishing much cheaper by sailing, rowing, canoeing, bird watching or packing a folding chair to a remote lake site and drink beer. It would be far cheaper than fishing and the only challenge would be beer type and folding chair with or without cup holder.
Note: I am not knocking any of the stuff that should go with fishing. I do not combat fish, I hate litter. I prefer fishing away from busy areas and rude people. but do enjoy watching others catch fish as well. I usually fish from a boat as it ups my odds and increases my opportunities to explore.
Bottom line: I love fishing. I usually come home relaxed after fishing with a smile. But I have a bigger smile if the fishing was productive. I also find using what is available, legal and fun to improve my catch adds to my pleasure. But that is just me. Side note: when I say productive, I mean achieving a goal which is not necessarily volume or size. For example, I truly enjoyed catching a halibut on a native type wood hook, I consider a fishing trip a total success if I catch a species I have not caught before, even if undersized and has to be released. I found great pleasure in catching carp on a fly I tied just for that purpose. I took great pleasure in learning the difference between gravel and sand on my fish finder. That allowed me to crab successfully even when over 100 crab floats were in site. Most recreational crabbers go home when the commercial pots come out. My favorite fishing is taking a kid fishing and successfully getting them to land a fish or ten. I often don't even take a rod for myself. If a good sounder improves their catch rate, be it three inch sole or 2 inch perch, or keeper sand dabs. Then I am all for it.

JB134 Loc: Montana

Well, perhaps it’s time to end this post. To all those anti FFS folks. Thank You. Just more fish for a novice like myself to try and locate, catch and then release.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Interesting post and string of responses. Thanks for posting. I always appreciate others perspectives if they are civil and informative. Have a great season.

JCamardo Loc: Rochester, NY

I watched it this morning and yes...video game on the water. Would I use it? NO!!! I'm a recreational fisherman and love catching anything that will bite my lure. I enjoy the water and the scenery and my friends, nieces/nephews and grandchildren. Big difference...they're fishing for their livelihood...for a paycheck. And you need all the skills you've learned to find the fish and how to catch them. Just another tool in the tool box. Is it exciting to watch...not to me. But...I did enjoy seeing the lure and the fish following it. I watched where one dude had to try 3 different lures before it bit. It was interesting to see. It showed that you should try different lures and retrieves if you think you're on a fish.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Fishing should be a personal experience. If you are into thousands of dollars, technology, and watching the screen and not your line... good for you. You and I will never fish together. Just like life, not everyone will like you. I had a great trip last week using only a water temp measurement. That kind of fishing is very fulfilling for me. Believe me when I say I came very, very close to upgrading my electronics at Christmas. I'm so glad I didn't! At the end of the day I don't care if you catch more or bigger fish than I. I only care about how my fishing nourishes my soul.

And Marvin Loc: Lawrence, Ks

Guess I will disagree with the majority of you. I use live scope and am not great but above average.
I probably catch less fish or catch and release more fish then most of you My main thing is being outside enjoying nature. But you should not be crying foul just because some don’t use the electronics
What’s next if you don’t use a certain type of pole or you use braid your not fishing to someone’s standards.
If you don’t like the way tournaments are done then don’t watch or participate
Just my thought Dave

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Spot on Dave... to each their own. Don't agree with my opinion, at least respect it.

Uncle_T Loc: Georgia

I think that if the tournament guys use it that’s fine with me, I again say that I would love to have it but I am not going to be spending the money for it anytime in the foreseeable future, I also like that 360 stuff but that’s out of my range also, the only thing I don’t like about the tournaments is that they mess up my lake for a couple days, there is no problem with anyone using that stuff, the best part of fishing is going out there and doing it no matter how you are going about it (so long as you’re legal)

hueey Loc: Lake Fork Tx

My feelings as well. And some say by my understanding that they will not fish with me because of the electronics I have on my boat, I say your still welcome to join me but u gatta buy the beer and not Jeremy’s bud light😁😁😁
I enjoy the conversations on this topic.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Saying using electronics is a foul is right in there with saying fishing with anything but a fly rod and feathers is a foul.
If it is legal go for it. That being said, if anybody within a days drive of Blaine Washington and has all that stuff, I would sure love to see it in action.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Foul? Great job of showing your typical lack of understanding and respect for the opinions of others. Just whip out your damn credit card and experience it firsthand???

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

If you go back through the posts, you will see foul I referred to was used elsewhere. Also if you are looking for a fight, look elsewhere as well. Re-read my posts and you will see I am not for or against electronics nor have I disrespected anyone's opinion nor do I intend to, even when it is in the form of an unjustified attack against me. That being said, I am truly offended by your unwarranted attack. I'm out.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Christ almighty man, your words, not mine. Grow a pair! Say what you mean and mean what you say. In case it went over your head my quip was put your money where your mouth is. Far, far from looking for fight. Unreal.

JB134 Loc: Montana

Looks like we are getting a bit off track in this post. Were all fishermen on this site and share a common bond. In my humble opinion, I think a lot of anti FFS folks don’t really have an idea on its usage. Just because I have added additional electronics up front, doesn’t mean I’ve discarded everything I’ve learned in the last 5 decades of finding and catching bass. Everything is still being factored in every single time, including FFS. If anything, I’ve added to the equation in trying to crack the code that day. It’s not easy. Especially when you find some fish, but are reluctant to bite. It doesn’t tell me how to position up on the fish, nor what lures and presentation to make. It can be frustrating but also very addicting at the same time. It’s just one more tool, among many, on the boat. Not for everyone but fun

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

JB it is a good thread and yes it could get a little off track like some do at times if it continues.

I did a thread this morning ( The humorous side of fish finders.) to try and lighten this one up a bit.