I've gotten some "random" comments about posting fishy related material on the internet. A few were very, passionate, and accused me of destroying the "wonder" of the "natural world". I won't repeat the comments b/c it won't create a positive environment or intelligent conversation. Plus, internet spats are just sad.
However, I will explain why I disagree and feel like posting is a good thing. I created this blog to share my love of the outdoors, and more importantly, to protect the "wonder" of the "natural world". Not to brag, or self promote.
For years, I practiced the, don't share attitude. But decided that philosophy doesn't work b/c it doesn't create any value or stakeholders. I'm still vague on the locations, but that's b/c I don't want to be fishing beside 100 of my closest friends. Not, b/c I feel like it's hurting the fishery. Rather, in my opinion the fisheries are being hurt by poorly educated anglers and a few bad apples. We need more people with a vested interested in the fisheries and outdoors in general. I hope my posts encourage others to get outside and experience these "wonders". And in return, keep a watchful eye over these treasures and protect them for future generations.
I post to create awareness and hopefully some value. Organizations like, Trout Unlimited (TU), Orvis, The Missouri Smallmouth Alliance (MSA) and many others, have learned that creating and promoting the beauty of the outdoors does more good than harm. Creating value for people will build a community with a common goal...protect the resources we find most valuable. There is strength in numbers. Not convinced, check out this video from TU, Chris Wood speech.
State of Trout Unlimited from Trout Unlimited on Vimeo.
Further, I recommend wearing a PFD, safe fish handling practices, catch and release, or responsible harvesting (nothing wrong with catch and keep), and leave no trace camping. Fishing from a kayak is also better for the environment and has some obvious health benefits.
I feel like we need to get more people kayaking, camping, enjoying the environment, and fishing in general...anything outside! In my opinion, more people loving and protecting the "natural world" is a good thing.
Below are a few links to visit and learn how promoting the outdoors creates value and protects the resources. If you know of others plz post in the comments. More awareness is a good thing.
Trout Unlimited
The Missouri Smallmouth Alliance
Orvis - conservation
Drew, nothing much more to add your well written post. I applaud you for addressing this need. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteThx Mel. The more I fish, travel and learn...the more I feel compelled to share my views...right, probably crazy wrong, but never indifferent. Thx for the encouragement!
DeleteAwareness is indeed good.
ReplyDeleteYou have a blog that is an asset to the cause of just that.
Thanks Alan, happy to hear my blog isn't being confused with hero fishing.
DeleteWell said Drew and I agree 100%. And don't worry about the negative comments, we all get them.
ReplyDeleteMost of the "random" comments I ignore...they're mostly just completely nuts. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to talk about it, and share my view. Can't please everyone all the time, right? Always good to hear from you Howard.
DeleteWell done. Keep 'em coming!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin, I plan on it!
DeleteDrew,
ReplyDeleteAfter fishing with you on the LMFR for 4 hours I understand your energy and passion for the outdoors. Stay Strong
Bill
Thx Bill, It's great to meet people who share in that passion...only those that really love to fish would have been on the LMFR that day (it was tough). Looking forward to fishing with you again.
DeleteDrew, Good to hear from you. On the Guadalupe tonight, plan to get a couple of days fishing in. Water a little low, will look for riffles and faster water in the morning. Rain is on the way, love fishing in it. Will let you know how it goes. Bill
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to fish the Guadalupe but it never works out. Maybe next year...that's what I always tell myself. Good luck, let me know how it goes.
DeleteDrew
ReplyDeleteExcellent post concerning a sport we all love and want to protect. We as fishermen are the mouth piece of the sport of fishing in general and have made the sport what it is today, which includes protecting the waters we fish. True there are a few who don't adhere to the rules and regulations, but the rest of us are the true standard barriers. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Bill, I agree. And fortunately, I think that conservation and habitat management isn't seen as a radical movement anymore. Lots of good work going on right now. We're all a part of it, in some way.
DeleteDrew,
ReplyDeleteFished a few hours today about 4 miles south of Canyon Dam, near Satler. Found about of 100 yards of fast water. 5 very nice rainbows in the 16-17" range, all alone, some pictures/not great. Patti my wife and daughter watched from the shore/relaxing. Some rain, but most cloudy. Czech nymphing 8-10 GD Green Caddis and Pink Squirrel, like the big flys. Bill
Hey Bill, that''s a great afternoon. Glad to hear the rain stayed away. Nothing wrong with big fly's, they get down and get seen. I know who I'll be calling when/if I ever get down there!
Delete