Need to get a few things off my chest....

[Tacklebuster]

I don't want this post pulled or for it to be the root of a bunch of pile on's or an avenue that breeds hate and discontent so I will try to say this with as much tact as I can muster.

I have found myself disgusted with the way things are going. I am not threating to stop posting or to single people out in this so please don't take this the wrong way.

I guess I have said a few things that were either A. taken wrong or B. not said with enough definition so let me clear a few things up. I do have areas that I fish that I keep close to my heart. I never really beleived in the whole zipperlip thing but found myself leaning that way starting last year because of certain situations. Sometimes I feel the need or want to share information about certain things because I have recieved a bunch of mail asking questions and it's easier for me to start a topic and answer them all at once. After giving out specific information on smaller areas I do realize that there is a good chance I will be competing more for an area I like than before.

When I show a person a specific spot or area and ask him/her before time to keep it to themselves and they agree, I take it as a verbal contract on our friendship that it will be just as agreed. It's not because I'm a zipperlip guy that likes to brag about great fishing days and not give out information or share the wealth. If I fish an area that I really don't want to be shared with the general public, I usually will not post a report.

I will always help someone and give them information to get them in the right direction and will even show them some great areas to try. I'm not going to give you my best spots but if you happen to anchor beside me or find me out on the river I am sure not going to give you the cold shoulder or try to convince you to keep your lip shut. It's all of our river and those who travel it will be rewarded. If you happen to fish with me and I take you to a place off the beaten path and show you something and we agree to keep it on the down low I do not think there is anything wrong with that.

If I'm a guest on someone else's boat and they take me to a favorite spot to help me out you can bet your bottom dollar I won't show anyone else. I'm not going to veer people away from the area and make enemies over but I will however hold up my end of the trust bargain I made.

I guess the long and short of it is no one owns a deed to the river and no matter how "secret" a spot is someone is going to find you sitting in it and pretty soon it will be visited more often. If I see someone putting a hurt on the fish you can bet your best sturgeon scent I am taking mental notes and will be back bright and early to be in the zone the next day before he does. First come first serve, the early bird gets the worm.

I think we all need to step back and look at the big picture. I don't think following someone around taking pics and ruining their afternoon solves anything. I don't think taking pot shots at other peoples hard ships or diseases is taking a step in the right direction. I don't think taking someones moniker and changing it around or posting sexual inuendos (SP?) about the way someone is opening their mouth or shooting e-mails that contain threats and profanity is solving anything either. My wife and daughter use my computer and if you send me a profane e-mail full of threats you bet that's going to get my wheels spinning.

We got too many clicks and bandwagons. Too many people choosing sides and back stabbing people. This stuff needs to stop or I will completely stop it from my life style even if that means not ever reading or posting on this site again. We need to remember that we fish the same areas and wouldn't you hate to always be watching over your shoulder at the ramp at 0 dark thirty?

I learned a lesson I will not soon forget last year during the URB run. I was fishing in an area when another boat pulled up and anchored between myself and Dipnet. I already made up my mind about the situation and was grumpy and mad to say the least. I went as far to grumble at the boat I was going to start sturgeon fishing and when his gear got tangled up with mine that he better get used to it. Not ten minutes later I started talking to this guy and then I realized how much of an <patoot> I was for acting the way I did. He turned out to be one heck of a guy that I would love to fish with. I'm glad he was a better man that day than I was. Spooled, I know I have already apologized but I am doing it again. Troy is one heck of a nice guy and I hope I get the chance to fish with him someday. He has decided not to post on Ifish anymore and I can see why.

I guess the long and short of this is we all need to grow up and get over ourselves.

See ya on the water.......

[ 02-03-2004, 07:08 PM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

[Lwagg2]

WELL PUT!!! and all though I have never met you I applaud you and will shake your hand if I ever do happen meet you.
Fishing to me is suppose to be FUN.
I love reading reports and I will post reports. I also believe the river is everyones and that we should all share and get along.

TackleBuster you have my respect and I for one appreciate all that you do share on this board.
[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Fish-n-Fever]

Let me be the first to say....
Well said!
It has been talked about before but you have said it just right.
There isn't a single thing you said that I do not agree with.
Ron

[GOT2FISH]

I've only been on this site for 6-9 months and I couldnt wait to get home and read all the threads now I find myself some what blasay about it. Ifish for fun and I love talking the sport with others that love to fish. Seems like its changed a lot just in the short time I've been here. :depressed:

[Ty]

Well put tacklebuster!

I for one have been hesitant about posting....

However, so many people helped me in this sport, I feel obligated too do what I can.

I too have had mail and mail of people knowing where I was liek it was some kinda secret spot.

Some of my favortie places to fish have become more notorized from local shops and word of mouth but not by my posts (I hope).

Really my post are more about the how to and the technical and metaphysical side of fishing.

Too bad so many think it is where u are and forget that luck and shear talent can make a break a good fisherman.

[Dipnet]

Very well said Chris!!! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Dipnet :grin:

[Kentucky Hog Hunter]

Chris,

You have said it perfectly [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Ty, don't ever stop your posts dude...I love your pictures, titles & stories...Keep them coming...

[Finn-icky]

This site sure is not what it was. My frequency has declined dramatically. Kind of sad. Maybe it will turn around if more honest and well thought out posts such as tacklebusters are made. We can only hope and then move on. Heres to ya tacklebuster...

[Jennie@ifish]

There is a cycle that I have witnessed on bulletin boards that is interesting.

People get mad and quit, and then we go back to a nice group that gets along.

Then, people see what a nice group we are. It's contagious, so those people join, and join and join!

Then, the fights flare up...

Then, people get mad and quit, and they we go back to a nice (And little bit larger...) group that gets a long... :smile:

Thing is, on the whole, it's a growing group of people that gets along. :smile:

Ifish has grown 33 percent in the last three months. There WILL be some fighting! I can assure you of that. It's too bad, but I've been doing it too long to have the "happy, positive Jennie outlook" that I was born with. :smile: Just been around, too long, I guess!

However, on the whole, I still tend to see it as positive. It takes time and practice for new people to the group to see how to react to the printed word. Either they figure it out, or leave.

It's those of us that figure it out, take time to step back when we read something and not react negatively, immediately.

When I am tired or ill, or otherwise sensitive, I still have moments when I can read something wrong and react. Those times are getting fewer and fewer, so I know that I am improving!!! I know that at those times, I need to shut things down, and go be with my family. Things always look better, in the morning. :smile:

It took me a long time to learn that, even about life. When I am tired, and things start to look negative, I need rest, sleep, and a fresh outlook.

Anyhow, I appreciate your honesty, and your post. I pray that ifish stays a nice group. We are really, the first group for Sports fishermen and women, who have been successful in drawing so many, many people together, all interested in the same thing. Let's not lose sight of that. If we do, we lose the possibility for making positive change for the things we love. Our rivers, our streams, the mighty Columbia and the Willamette, and the fish that reside there.

Each one of you is important to me, because despite our differences, because we all have one thing in common.

For the love of fishing, you guys, GET ALONG!

Jen

[ 02-03-2004, 06:18 AM: Message edited by: Jennie@ifish ]

[5-Cents]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Chris [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Fshklr]

Tacklebuster,
Great post and I agree with your letter in full.
I think anyone that posts in a BB will get hate mail etc at 1 time or another(or several times unfortunately). Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Like Jennie said it's a learning curve while growing. I first look at a member # and # of posts. If the # is high they may not be intune with this BB and what it's about. Same as low posters. They come in once in awhile speak quickly and bail, and sometimes it's ego's and emotions. Some good some bad. Your post is exactly how most feel and want this board to be about. Thanks for the post, and would fish with ya anyday!!
Tight lines Dan

[tag-a-long]

Very well put! Cheers to you!

[Grant Scheele]

Very Well Said Jennie!!

[husker]

good job tacklebuster......

[glowball]

[Water Ready]

:smile: Awesome posts. Great advice from a few of the good ones of ifish. Happy fishn'...

[King Fisher]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Now let's get some springers!!

[SKP]

Cabin fever season is almost over. Pretty soon we'll fire up the BBQ with fresh springer for dinner with friends we invite over!

I can't wait!

Great post!

SKP

[CATCH AND EAT]

Well said Chris. I appreciate your honesty and candar.

My appologies to those I may have offended yesterday.

[ 02-03-2004, 10:24 AM: Message edited by: CATCH AND EAT ]

[Hanapa'a Time]

Well said Jennie and TB [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Willow Drifter]

Very well said. Thank you!

[Full Freezer]

TB, I look foward to your informative & entertainings posts & enjoy them very much.
Don't let the bad apples get you down. There is always going to be some who are a little bit wacked that attempt to drag you down to their level. The majority on ifish are good folk & really enjoy comradrie. I also wish ALL people could be civil, friendly & appreciative but that doesn't happen in real life.

I'm glad your here!

[hookumhi]

Very well said Tacklebuster,It's people like you that keep people like me staying in the club.I was very hessitant in joining ifish because of the arrogance of some,I can't stand people talking down to others just because they have fished around here for a long time and had success.I believe we all are looking for comradery and enjoy others having fun enhancing our passion and skills for fishing.I look forward to meeting you on the water,if you ever want I have an open seat anytime. Tight lines

[Jignfloat]

Tacklebuster,
YOu did a great job of putting the majorities feelings on paper. In life, on the hiway, and unfortunately on the river, there will always be "those" type of people. Sometimes its hard to ignore what they do, and stay focused on the great times on the river. It may well be why alot of guys seem standoffish, when actually they are being apprehensive from past experiences.

Your contributions here are appreciated by many and certainly would be missed if they ended. Many people on here share alot of information, however they certainly dont deserve to be hunted down on the river and encroached on.
If I ever end up anchored next to you or any of the others on here it will be sheer luck of the draw......THanks again, Russ

[Dakotan]

Forming, storming, norming, conforming. That seems to be the pattern on posting over time. New people join IFISH, bicker a little and maybe make a few slams when they don't see things eye to eye, tone down their posts a little and maybe quit posting for awhile. Then decide that they miss IFISH too much and start posting again and learn to post in positive ways that are constructive rather than destructive. Applause goes out to those who help the situation rather than fan the flames.

[Okie]

Nothing is either good or bad that thinking makes it so.

[FishinMission]

Hmmmm...Sounds familiar. Chris....believe me... I know where you're coming from.

Sometimes "vacations" from Ifish are a good thing.

Hang in there.

Mark

[zipper]

Tacklebuster - I have followed this board from the beginning. There have been quite a few good folks drop out from the very same frustrations that you vocalize. That would be a travesty if you felt like leaving the board because of a few negative people. Just like you can't make a quiter quit quitin' - it's really tough to get negetive people to be positive. You have offered a great deal of good advise over the years (at a good price I might add), I have personally learned alot from your posts. I genuinely appreciate your wisdom and experience and your willingness to share. I only post when I feel I have something constructive to add, more people should do the same. I would be honored to fish with you sometime. Peace dude. zip

[Blue Tip Spinner]

[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Abalone]

I am reading this post wondering ?

I don't know if this is the right place to say this but something has been on my mind about this years Springer run. I had a minor run in with another boat last year and have been trying to adjust my attitude about encounters on the river.

Yes ! We are all out there to enjoy ouselves on the river. If any of you folks have been fishing the Willamette for very long you know that there are places that are traditionally fished certain ways.
Meldrum bar pretty much belongs to the Bank Fisherman. There are certain areas that are designated for Hawg lines and there are certain areas that have been pretty much a place to troll
and they have been that way as long as I can remember. So what to do when someone comes and
anchors in the middle of a place that is traditionally a favorite trolling spot ? I know what the old timers would do. They would run em out. First be polite but if they don't move out then what ?
With all the boat houses and docks being put in many of these prime trolling lanes are disappearing
such as the Grannies hole at Hog Island. There is a new Dock at Roethe. How do we keep these areas from becoming overun by Anchore fisherman without having a conflict ? I know some people would just move to another spot. Last year a large boat started to Anchore behind the rocks at lake Oswego. That really messed things up for awhile until someone that knew the guy asked him not to do it. How do you approach a stranger ? Personally I wouldn't knowingly infringe on anyones
traditional fishing hole like that and if you told me I was in the wrong place I would gladly move.

If everyone out there were as considerate as you guys sound there wouldn't be a problem.
Last year I had one encounter over a guy doing as I described above. I don't know if there was any reasoning with this fellow. I think he felt he owned that stretch of the river.

At what point do we remain passive and at what point to we get Pro-Active ?

How many of you remember the good old days on the Clack when boats took their turn working a hole. . Now people just sit there and won't move no matter what. Kind of ruined things for a lot of people if you know what I mean.

It just seems like some people play on peoples fears. They know that no one will challenge them and they just bluff em out. Intimidation !

Thanks.

Good thread.

[ 02-03-2004, 01:33 PM: Message edited by: Abalone ]

[Predator Dawg]

Seems like around this time every year people get a little more sensitive than other times of the year.

Crappy weather and Spinger fever, not a good combo apparently. Soon, there will be fun stuff to talk about as we enjoy everyone's successes.

[Diehard]

Well said TB!
Afterall, isn't ifish a place we can all share our passion for fishing. I for one, fish for the serenity of the sport. I don't have to catch anything to enjoy an outing. I have learned much from some of the ifishers on this board and would not be the fisherman I am without some of that knowledge. However, at times, some seem to think it's some kind of competition. Sharing knowledge and location is a pleasure for me. Just respect where it came from and know when and when not to take advantage of said info.

I am always looking for reports on someones outing, not because I want to "steal" their spot,
but because I enjoy other's success. Let's all respect each others space, it will be less stessful for everyone.

Thanks for all your posts TackleBuster, I look forward to more. By the way, where is that certain gator location? (ha, ha)

good luck everyone!

[blacktail519]

Well said Chris, Now, When we goin fishin?

[Perfect Drift]

FishinMission, it didn't come outa my lips. After that boat ride, never told a soul. Don't know where all of the boats came from, wasn't me.

[Raven1]

As a new guy to iFish, I add what's been said before. Well said TB, keep 'em honest! [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Wood N' Fish]

I used to have a Zipperlip way home from work, whilst existing in Portland. It was called S.E. 92nd. ave. What happened? Now they call it
I 205? I knew I shouldn't have taken on riders! [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

[FM2]

Having been on this board for several years I have seen people come and go. I used to post on a frequent basis sharing techniques, pictures and locations but after experiencing many negatives I have resigned to being more of a lurker than a poster. This site is evolving and with that comes many diverse attitudes and thoughts and there is nothing wrong with that. The character of this board has changed over the years and this is evident by the frequency of posters with high member numbers. Where have all the low number members gone? I have deep respect for this board and the people that run it and wish them the best [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Hang in there TB, been in your shoes but I took the easy way out. Good luck :smile:

[5-Cents]

This bickering crud happened last year at this time too and if you guys remember last fall before the fall fish hit... everyone is antsy and pretty soon it will all be smiles and chrome, you watch

[Bobby Ray]

[img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/icon_argue.gif[/img]
:blush: :blush:
[img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[fishnpray]

TB-

It makes me sad that people need to bicker. Thank you for saying what you did. What's important is being part of the solution.

Luis

[Mrdorkfish]

Uh...years ago...when i first was told about Ifish...i started posting, with pics...i was the hero of the "Hogline" I told everyone what i used where i was....what depth...I got questions from this guy that writes for STS,(SINCE WE'RE NOT USING NAMES) He needed info on how REEL fisherman catch fish :grin: And thankfully nobody paid any attention to me Even now...on occasion people will come by and depth check me... and move right along Even when they get up earlier than me ....i just seem to be letting go of that anchor rope before them...Some got it..some don't...You can lead a Lurker to the hotspot but you can't make them catch fish. Don't sweat it... I can catch fish within 6 boat lengths any side where i-fish....cuz i am who i am...they don't stick around too long. Just fish how you know how.

I'm MrDorkfish [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img] :tongue:

Some guy named Louis

[ 02-05-2004, 08:31 AM: Message edited by: Mrdorkfish ]

[Time Off]

Tacklebuster; you are one of a handfull of posters that I have learned a ton from because of your easy to understand, great detail posts. Keep em comin!
[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]
The zipperlip thing isn't something I've had to deal with because I don't know of any "honey holes". In fact I'm starting to mark spots with my GPS as places NOT TO FISH!

[fishing is life]

AMEN BROTHER!

It is amazing how good of a time you will have if you are friendly to others on the water. They will be nice back and everybody has a good time. If giving other people a stare or cold shoulder makes you feel good then you are missing out. Peace.

[Private-Aye-Fish]

Well put. :smile:

[Fishalot]

Louis that guy does not care how deep you are fishing ,he just wants to know if you are catching fish .
Just say the word Louis and I'm there man .


Fishalot

[ 02-04-2004, 09:04 PM: Message edited by: STGRule ]

[MonkeyBoy]

Good post TB! It was a very well thought out response to a situation. Please don't let yourself get away from ifish. I really enjoy your posts and pictures, and the information you give is always just enough to get us headed in the right direction.

[Wreckless]

As much as it pains me to say so :tongue: :grin: ...I think the Nickle has a point. A good hard pound down on a k-15 will solve a lot of our cabin fever!!

Dennis

a "closet" team carrot milk fan [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

[Pilar]

Jennie, yes there is a pattern. Slow fishing = high drama on this board.

Thanks Tacklebuster for saying it so well. To the rest of you if something ticks you off and you just have to lob an answer ... back away from the keyboard after typing your flame on and count to 10. Then if it still makes sense click on 'Add Reply', otherwise hit escape and erase it.

Don't ask me how I know this.

[Sensei]

Thanks [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

[Mrdorkfish]

Dylan, I really want to bonk some springers this year...I only got to consume about 75lbs of them last year :grin: They taste SOoooo Good Remember i have Thursdays and Fridays off. I'll let ya know

MrDorkfish [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

Some guy named Louis

[nitroduk]

i too, look forward to meeting you on the water someplace, you seem to have the right outlook on the situation. it seems that more and more people are getting away from what the entire sport is really about, fun and relaxing with close friends. i would honestly like to meet you someday, and maybe do a little fishing with you. ( oh yeah i won't tell where we were! ),

[feisty's wife]

Like to meet you sometime, TB, I will be in a 14ft Western with an Ifish sticker on