Freeby Reports...

ChinookSlayer · 10-27-2005, 04:09 PM

What is with all the requests for "free report information"?

The best way to find out, is to be there. Most rivers are small enough, that one specific location report would destroy the area. I hate seeing a river I fish posted with specific information. The ocean is different, due to the vast size. Give a general location for ocean, leave the rivers alone. I personally have seen a big jump in people along the rivers this year, and I have a good guess as to why...

Go find out for yourself how the river is, and then show the pretty pictures of the fish you catch, we all like to see them.

Geez, rant over I guess.

BCF · 10-27-2005, 04:34 PM

Quote:

What is with all the requests for "free report information"?

The best way to find out, is to be there. Most rivers are small enough, that one specific location report would destroy the area. I hate seeing a river I fish posted with specific information. The ocean is different, due to the vast size. Give a general location for ocean, leave the rivers alone. I personally have seen a big jump in people along the rivers this year, and I have a good guess as to why...

Go find out for yourself how the river is, and then show the pretty pictures of the fish you catch, we all like to see them.

Geez, rant over I guess.

Wow man that heart felt post made me a little misty. I guess it would be pointless to ask if I could have your beer huh?

BCF all teary eyed.

Dip · 10-27-2005, 04:45 PM

i will always ask river levels and color. some people dont have the priviledge of being able to go certain places on a regular basis. With that aside I agree to a point saying fishing is hot on a certain river especially a certain place can increase the fishing pressure over 10 times I have seen that myself. drift saturday 4 boats sunday comes one post on Ifish over 20 boats.

Boatdog · 10-27-2005, 04:46 PM

Ifish.net? Sharing? helping?

Oh, nevermind. Let's all be ZIPPER.

If you don't tell me your ZIPPER spot, I promise not to fish it. OK everyone that is fishing rivers, don't post specifics, OK? There, done.

Quote:

leave the rivers alone. I personally have seen a big jump in people along the rivers this year, and I have a good guess as to why...

www.ZIPPERLIP.net may be your answer? Phooey. Pffft.

Pic's are good.

This topic gets MILES every time. You can ask, but it's still a FREE SPEECH country, last time I checked.

salmonstalker 11 · 10-27-2005, 05:44 PM

well said boatdog...

Chromaflage · 10-27-2005, 05:44 PM

Here we go again...

So, ChinookSlayer, would you make the drive to the lower Deschutes for steelhead without maybe asking an eency weency question about water conditions and fishing success? That's a long way from Corvallis just to "go find out for yourself how the river is." How much have you benefitted from the "free report information" on this site?

CrF

SCR Steelheader · 10-27-2005, 05:55 PM

i cant beleive you would even post something like this.....kind of makes me laugh, common sence should be the answer to " why cant they just drive down and see for them selves " well i guess i'll just let you know since it doesnt seem you have any.....mm nvm, gas costs money to just drive all the way down to a river, plus bait, and theres many other things, theres two other things that i didnt understand about, you said if you get a fish post it and we will be happy to see isnt that basically the same thing as giving or getting free reports? and one other thing, i have some odd feeling youve looked at a report and gone to fish after you've heard a good report. so dont go accusing others of doing the same thing.

SteelheadBum2 · 10-27-2005, 06:00 PM

ChinookSlayer, its called life!

Our world population is growing very rapidly everyday, and there will be always people crowding every aspect of our lives, but we must just deal with it

What chromaflage said was right on

; how much have you gotten out of this site's free reports? Or better yet, what have you put in to this site? You like to read all the reports, but wine about how everybody is asking for reports. In this day and age with gas prices the way they are, I'm forced to ask before I go fishing because simply gas is to expensive right now to make those fishing trips for nothning.

Fshklr · 10-27-2005, 06:03 PM

To all....before the power of the internet

...didn't we all just go

????

It's a fact though, small tribs hurt the most from hot bite post pressure

.
sure it's free, but a little discretion goes along ways

.

That being said...flame away..it's usually the trend when the rivers are not kicking out fish anyway.

:lurk:

River Ranger · 10-27-2005, 06:10 PM

I have to agree with FSHKLR on this.While I do post some reports from time to time I usually don't get to specific.I have on the other hand sent many PM's to folks asking questions.

As for water color and such no biggie,I just won't shoot myself in the foot with a detailed report about where exactly we got them.

RR.

ampersat · 10-27-2005, 06:13 PM

Back by popular demand:

If I post a report about the Sandy and the next day your particular rock has a line waiting to fish it, it's probably not my fault. Your most recent copy of Fishing in Oregon probably has it listed anyway. Few spots around are all that secret.

Boatdog · 10-27-2005, 06:14 PM

Amp,

Very nice!

CAPT KUJO · 10-27-2005, 06:19 PM

Maybe you could make an encrypted post and then sell secert decoder rings

:whazzup:

CAPT KUJO

Boatdog · 10-27-2005, 06:25 PM

Amp,
Put that 'thing' BACK! It was perfect! :grin: EDIT - Thank You. :grin:

Kujo,
Secret decoder ring, NICE! Luckily we don't need one out "you know where".

N-ice feesh · 10-27-2005, 06:36 PM

As it is true that we all have the right for free speech I totally agree with this post. The one bad thing about ifish is that in actuallity anyone who posts something like this gets attacked by a bigger majority and the moderators. Give them their right to say what they have to say. One thing that sport fishers don't completely always realize is that fisheries is a precious resource that can be depleted by them with over pressure. Ifish is a great site to talk fishing and make a few friends which is why I joined since I am new to this state, however, I would hate to see ignorance of the survival of a species some day decline due to over fishing which can come as the result of too much pressure at all times. If everyone keeps switching rivers to the present hot bite and everyone suceeds at all times, these fish aren't being protected to the point that I would tend to believe that most of you would like to believe what you stand for. I mostly read others posts on here not for fishing reports but to relive fishing trips when I cannot get out. One of the things that I have realized is that many of you like to put the blame elsewhere on poor returns. (commercials and sealions, etc.) but aren't factoring in the thousands of boats or people without boats that consistantly catch fish and when everyone is catching fish on every trip just watch what happens for the future of these runs...they will eventually get smaller as look at Oregon's chum runs. With my freedom of speech posted, don't get angry at the original poster or myself but realize that we have the right to say these things and we can all get along with having these issues but when people are on a mission to help everyone else become guides overnight they are actually helping everyone else wipe out as many fish possible. Fishing is most fun when the crowds are moderate and you learn things and experience things new all on your own or with friends

-L.W.

FlyingAce · 10-27-2005, 06:37 PM

ChinookSlayer, why dont you just go buy a piece of property, put a pond on it, stock it full of whatever species you want, put up a big fence and fish everyday all by yourself.

Better yet maybe you could just travel around and find your own private spot and put up a no trespassing sign to keep out those pesky Ifishers

. I agree that gas prices are too hi and there are too many rivers, lakes and bays to just travel around and soak some bait. "Lighten up Francis".

wootersen · 10-27-2005, 06:40 PM

A little advice for the Noobs:

Learn how to utilize PM's. If you see a "non-specific" report, don't be afraid to send the poster a PM and ask for more details. Most people want to share there success but learn the hard way that you have to be discreet.

In turn, if your given valuable information (location, gear) be just as discreet as the person you got it from, and treat it like a gift.

Chromaflage · 10-27-2005, 06:43 PM

Wooterson - yup!!!

I have posted several inquiries and have had some awseome private responses. People shouldnn't be discouraged to ask. Most people will not post exact details, but some might PM you a few.

CrF

River Ranger · 10-27-2005, 06:53 PM

Well said Wooterson.

RR.

PapaHog · 10-27-2005, 06:56 PM

Hour and a half drive to the coast and a hour and a half back and 35 dollars for gas and when you get there the river is not fishable or not producing fish.

And you say boy was that ever fun now maybe I can drive to the John Day tomorrow and take a look for myself.

OH WAIT...

Maybe some friends could tell me what the conditions are and if there are fish present.

WHAT A CONCEPT

ifish is the answer.

papa

Penobscot · 10-27-2005, 07:03 PM

Here's my top secret spots!
Don't tell anyone!
These zipperlips were passed down from my grandfather.

Ok in January fish the Clack for steelhead
Feb. fish the Wilson for big nate winters
March fish Columbia near the mouth of the Lewis for Chinook
April fish the garbage hole of Willamette for Chinook
May fish the North Umpqua for steelhead
June fish the Deshutes for redsides
July fish North Fork Lewis for summer steelhead
August fish Buoy 10 for salmon
September fish the Cowlitz for Coho,Nooks, summer steal
October fish the Sandy for Coho
November fish the Alsea for salmon/steelhead
December fish Hood River, Big Creek or Gnat Creek for winter steelhead.

There, now everyone Knows what everyone already knows.

Don't tell anyone!
I like to fish in solitude so I fish all of these, usually near the hatcheries. I am always the only one there since I have all of these secret spots.

N-ice feesh · 10-27-2005, 07:03 PM

Let's everybody send each other private messages. It will be like on of those dating websites and we can be all secretive about it. I know I'll be willing to give out a lot more information about fishing if it's private.

Actually, I have a better idea. Let's all post pictures of ourselves along with detailed profiles and then we can be selective about who we share information with. That way I know I'm not sharing info with some random schmucky person from ifish who will show up on the river the next day with all his/her hooligan buddies who screw it up for the rest of us.

Beefcake · 10-27-2005, 07:07 PM

LW- I see that you are new here, and welcome aboard. So you understand, some of the harsh feelings in this thread are due to hundreds of past arguments over the exact same issue. It has gone to extremes (for instance, physical threats for posting info on hot bites on the Sandy or the Wilson - which aren't exactly secret fish runs to start with). If you want to read the old arguments, type "zipperlip" into the search function.

Here's my take on the whole deal: People have the right to post as much or as little information as they want to share. For instance, I am heading to Nehalem on Saturday. We all know that Nehalem gets some fish, but it hasn't been red hot this year. The smart money would be fighting the crowds in Garibaldi, but I don't feel like dealing with the stress. Anyway, I am thankful for the information shared on recent Nehalem threads to know what to expect. It hasn't changed my mind about going even though the reports aren't great; it just tells me what to expect.

The flip side of the argument is the smaller streams that can't handle the pressure. For instance, I like to fish Big Creek, Gnat Creek, the Klatskanine, Necanicum, etc. These are all smaller drainages with limited public access, and they can't handle the same pressure as rivers like the Cowlitz or Sandy. I have personally seen one day with little to no pressure on Big Creek, and then the day after a post indicating a hot bite all the snaggers seem to show up from Washougal. Therefore, even though the magazines run bogus articles every year on how easy it is to catch fish in these streams (it's still fishing, and it's just as easy to catch them on the Clack or anywhere else), I still cringe when I see hot-bite posts on these spots, and you will rarely if ever see me post one (although I gladly share info by PM with anyone that inquires).

Here's another way to look at it; I like to read about other areas even if I don't fish them. Every year I drool at the reports of hot fishing at Herman Creek, and I've even cut maps out of the local fishing magazines in case I ever get around to going there, but after four years of good intentions I still haven't gone to see it in person. Although I've lost the maps and detailed "how-to" articles of how to fish the area, I will still probably check it out one of these days. However, no matter how hot the fishing is, I don't see myself going there more than once or twice a year since there is plenty of fishing to do in my own backyard. I just like the discovery of a new place (driving around, asking the locals where access is, watching what the successful anglers are doing, and then catching a fish there). Once the honeymoon is over, I explore somewhere else.

BCF · 10-27-2005, 07:23 PM

:lurk:Sniff sniff :grin: sniffle

sigh

wipe eyes

This was the best thread ever. sniff sniff gasp chest heave.

BCF

ampersat · 10-27-2005, 07:32 PM

For those who might not already know, this is the "zipperlip" topic and it has been hashed, rehashed and pureed to a very fine consistency.

It goes something like this: post your pics all you want as long as there isn't any location specific info in the background. Don't tell where you fished, don't even mention the river itself. By golly, don't even indicate what vicinity you were in (coastal, metro, whatever). You can share techniques if you want. But above all, do not indicate where the fish was taken. In return, we all get to see pics of dead fish and not much more.

What fun is that? Is that why you joined Ifish? To see pics of dead fish? You can google up all the dead salmon pics you want. Ifish is a community of individuals bonded by a common goal: fishing. We share. It's what we do. It's what makes us a community, sharing common goals.

I can say this: when Ifish was smaller, folks would post exactly where they fished and with what. Now that Ifish is a lot bigger, reports are a bit more vague (they'll still tell you what river and what area of that river they were fishing - upper, middle, lower). It's still an excellent resource for fishers here in the northwest primarily because of the volume of information available thanks to our members.

On the other hand, I've found PMs to be a lot more prolific around here with the larger user base. If you are looking for info on a particular body of water (being new to the powerboat show, this one has been a big benefit to me), it isn't that hard to PM someone and most of the time they will be more than happy to get really specific with you. I was asked several times this year for info on the silver show on the Sandy and I was more than happy to oblige. Hopefully my info helped someone get into fish.

In the end, folks will post whatever they want. They can be as specific or vague as they want to be. If that's a problem for you, well too bad. People are free to post whatever they like as long as it is within the bounds of the AUP. The mods won't censor or otherwise bash anyone for posting reports, that's not our job.

N-ice feesh · 10-27-2005, 07:42 PM

Ok, here is exactly what I'm talking about. PapaHog (as well as everyone else) is driving all over the state of Oregon just to fish for a day. Before you wouldn't do that because it is too costly and not worth the risk of having a bad day. But now John Doe tells you Saturday was the best day of fishing in his life on the Santiam. Now, instead of local fishermen and a few vacationers fishing the Santiam on Sunday, you have half of Oregon's sport fishing population and the river can't support that. It's not "secret holes" or "fish the Alsea in November" Penobscot, it's the day-to-day or even week-to-week BS that pulls fishermen from all over the state to one river that can't support all those people. Fish local, move, or risk having a bad and find out for yourself! PapaHog, if you don't like the fishing scene at Rock Creek move to St. Helens. Don't drive there every weekend and don't tell all your Portland buddies who are willing to do the same that you had a sweet day on the backside of sand island.

need one · 10-27-2005, 07:45 PM

Thanks for the insight, Beefcake. Knowing that there is a history on this subject helps me understand why I got bashed when I chimed in with someone who had asked for a report the other day. I had no idea I had committed such a serious breach of etiquette. I felt really bad (but then, I don't have a very thick skin). Right now, other obligations are keeping me from fishing at all, but I sure do like to read about others who are fishing, and how and where and whatever else they are willing to share.

BCF · 10-27-2005, 07:45 PM

:lurk:Good one Amp. think we could get some more icons so I could express myself a little better in pictures? I've got a Mac and I can't find any.

Ok back to the action. :lurk:

BCF

Water Ready · 10-27-2005, 07:47 PM

Time warp/back to the future!

Discuss

Debate

hash

prolong

agony :whazzup:
boring

clueless :whazzup:
information

ifish knowledge

great people

Go Fish! Or stay Home and play nintendo

Happy Fishn

--------------~<{{{{><

lilnorthfork · 10-27-2005, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Go Fish! Or stay Home and play nintendo

That reminds me... are you bringing the Nintendo tomorrow or am I? I haven't had a chance to post here today and ask if there are going to be any fish caught tomorrow in the upperzipperlip... so I'm afraid I'll have to cancel.

Oh well, maybe next time I'll remember to post.

Time to go not sleep now... up early for fishing... everything else can wait.

lnf

Water Ready · 10-27-2005, 08:04 PM

No Nintedo, but an X-box/Zip-nookie/spot game that is a team effort to play.
asta manyahna, mi amigo
Happy Fishn'

------------------<{{{{><

fishboys · 10-27-2005, 08:24 PM

Good times, I am going to fish sunday I dont care if its in a toilet, anyone want to point me in the right direction? you dont have to give me your secret spot just tell me east or west of the mountain.

fishtat · 10-27-2005, 08:36 PM

Dang. What's up with the grumpy thread. Reading this thread was like watching a car wreck. It's like watching players on a basketball team that's loosing a lot of games start pointing fingers at each other and assigning blame. You're giving Ifish way too much credit if you think that's why the rivers are crowded. What can I say? People get grumpy when they're not catching fish.

ChinookSlayer · 10-27-2005, 08:40 PM

Ok, so this is another zipperlip thread. I guess I didn't think of it that way when it was started. It just seemed as of late there were a lot more posts from people just wanting to find information, rather than finding out for themselves.

The point to all of you is this, there are several sites that post river levels and or weather reports. From that you will know if it is worth the gas or not. Timing of the year tells you if there are fish in the ocean, tidewater, or river. Time on the water gives you experience to use the data already available.

Techniques? Lets share all we can. Yes, I have posted as such as I know, whether it is fishing, canning, or cooking. One bait cure versus another? Great comparison across lots of people gives a statistically sound response.

Here is a question for everybody on the whole zipperlip issue, how many of the guides on this page are posting everyday their special spot and where they are finding fish? How many of those same guides are reading posts on this site, to perhaps determine if something is goin on or not? Simple question, complex answer.

I fish because I want to, not because of a hot bite report.

FishiinShawn · 10-27-2005, 08:45 PM

I have noticed the same thing happen on the coos. I posted about a good day and the next day there were 3x the people there, and a few even recognized me from my picture. I dont really care though, I figure I would appreciate someone telling me the santiam was hot in the time I was driving through there. The fish local or not at all thing someone said is just dumb. I travel all over oregon to fish.

That said I do have one secret place that I just won't tell anyone about. Lack of public access, my relationship with private land owners, and the fact (like said above) it can't handle very much fishing pressure. But other then that I am an open book.

FishiinShawn · 10-27-2005, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Ok, so this is another zipperlip thread. I guess I didn't think of it that way when it was started. It just seemed as of late there were a lot more posts from people just wanting to find information, rather than finding out for themselves.

The point to all of you is this, there are several sites that post river levels and or weather reports. From that you will know if it is worth the gas or not. Timing of the year tells you if there are fish in the ocean, tidewater, or river. Time on the water gives you experience to use the data already available.

I fish because I want to, not because of a hot bite report.

I can understand what your saying about river levels etc, but what if you've never fished a river before? I get very limited fishing days, and it sure is nice to be able to ask someone how the bite was in one area to save myself from getting skunked.

BCF · 10-27-2005, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Good times, I am going to fish sunday I dont care if its in a toilet, anyone want to point me in the right direction? you dont have to give me your secret spot just tell me east or west of the mountain.

It seems like they never clean the johns at Memaloose. You might be able to catch some Brown Trouts there.

:lurk:BCF

fishboys · 10-27-2005, 11:13 PM

I am there,I know for a fact that it is a deep hole so I will bring plenty of lead. thank you all for your help , it will bring me much joy to be fishing for brown trout on my only day of this month

Jennie@ifish · 10-28-2005, 04:42 AM

I woke up this morning and so far have read three threads that totally depress me.

This is one of them.

Jen

BCF · 10-28-2005, 06:08 AM

I'm with Jennie on this one. I tried to lighten this post as soon as I saw it. But it was for not.

Most everything I have learned has been shared.

Most "secret spots" aren't.

Most people are good and kind and courteous.

Most importantly I want to remember that I love to be in nature and on/or next to a river.

I am blessed to be able to do this on any day. And I'm glad that I can share this blessing with others.

Enough Said.

BCF out

PapaHog · 10-28-2005, 08:53 AM

I use to ask how the fishing was at the Wilson or the Trask when I had no intention of fishing because I was at work. I just wanted to know... like visiting with friends.

Years ago I would get replies to such a topic. Today nada.

So I quit asking and it kinda took some of the fun out of ifishing.

Being stuck to this computer most days in my retirement I would love to read that kind of post and not only have no intentions of going fishing at that spot I could not.

I understand the Zipper thing.

This is indeed a dead horse subject.

papa

reelbigfish72 · 10-28-2005, 10:35 AM

I've got an idea: how bout if you wanna post a detailed report, post it. If you don't, don't, if you don't like it either live with it or leave.

ChinookSlayer · 10-28-2005, 02:18 PM

Quote:

I woke up this morning and so far have read three threads that totally depress me.

This is one of them.

Jen

Jen, I truly appologize for the thread.

I would say from the common theme that I am wrong in my thoughts. Thank you everybody for the feedback. I don't know if I will honestly be able to post specific information, but if others feel like sharing, then enjoy yourself.

Take care.
ChinookSlayer

Jennie@ifish · 10-28-2005, 02:22 PM

..and with that, I thee bury this beautiful horse.

Jen