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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Since the Self promoting thread got pulled due to a few bad responces I thought I would try this from a different angle.
After talking to a few of the moderators and learning of all the traffic on this site I can't believe all of the people looking and not posting. 80 to 90% lookers is a lot of people that could contribute info to others.
I know sometimes posts can get slammed or turn ugly but then they get ZAPPED.
If you feel like contributing, please do. Some don't want to take a chance on getting a bad reply, this will only take away from the good thing we can all learn from some posts. If more poeple would post freely and participate we all would gain. I am no big muskie guy, more like the average Joe working to learn more every day. I post because I might be able to help someone along the way. I would like to see more guys/gals post or start new topics.
It's a great site to pick up info, some times it seems slow on the boards but if you look at the numbers on line all day it's full of people looking for good stuff to read or learn from.
Get a post or two under you belt and it gets easy to share info and see the feedback you are looking for.
Anyone else have any opinions to share............. | |
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Posts: 2024
| I totally agree. If everyone shares their experiences on the water, everyone can learn SOMETHING from them.
Even if you aren't a hot-shot guide or stud weekend warrior and have learned something from an article you read or a seminar you attended, we can all benefit. And if you're afraid of people chastising you for something you've done, or afraid someone's going to think of you as a "stupid rookie," @#$% 'em.
Post away because this board is head-and-shoulders above the rest regarding the sharing of information and generosity of members. | |
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Posts: 507
| MuskieFIRST reaches a very large portion of the US and Canada, pretty much matching the muskie's range, and has a strong userbase from overseas, too. Many of the questions asked are asked by VERY good sticks, some are posed by anglers new to the sport. Answers are generally from personal experience no matter the level of that experience, and from all over the Muskie World. Everyone who reads this is qualified to post experience with any issue or question and we are very happy many do.
Whenever one enters a community as large as MuskieFIRST's, one will encounter all the varied personalities and demographics one might expect should be present by sheer force of numbers. The key here is that every single one of those people share a common interest; Muskies and Muskie fishing. Some are limited to Pike because there ARE no muskies in the area they live, some only get to fish muskies a few times a year because of family, job, or loaction, some live in the heart of muskie country and spend many hours on the water. Sponger, for example, lives over in Rockfish country, but still visits us now and again. Doc Esox lives in Alaska, but might just make the Cave outing this year. Sorno is over in Utah but made the Goon outing in Ontario, Michael in Norway, Slamr in Illinois, and sworral in northern Wisconsin. Baldy is from Minnesota, and the Jonesi Bros are from...well, one is from Wisconsin, and one is from Iowa and now Minnesota, and is now persuing his dream of working in the Muskie world. Richard is from Canada, and has one heck of an accent, lambeau is from southern Wisconsin. Norm Wild is an Antigo resident, and MNesox is over in Fargo, First Six Feet is from somewhere south...you get the picture. Everyone is welcome, any question is valid, and all answers valued.
MuskieFIRST's visitors represent a very friendly 'community'. Much of the atmosphere allowing that sense of community comes from the job our moderators do setting the bar for conversation, discussion, and debate; keeping the arguments to a minimum and the exchange of good information to a maximum as best they can. Mark, Slamr, Steve, and Zach are as hooked on muskie fishing as anyone, so we share a common desire to learn as much about the sport as we can. It's the nature of the sport that some of us will disagree on issues of the day, form and function of equipment and ideas, etc. Again, the key here is we do our level best to make absolutey certain all who wish to can post thier ideas, concepts, questions, answers, and opinions in a friendly and cooperative environment.
That has been the goal since day one!
We hope everyone reading this will eventually ask a question or answer one, post a picture of the fish they have caught, put up a personal album, participate in an online seminar, join the late night chats that start spontaneously sometimes, and above all else, enjoy the time spent here.
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Thanks MuskieFirst................. | |
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Posts: 2865
Location: Brookfield, WI | I'm going to step in here and try to provide a little newbie perspective. This will be my 36th post on this forum, and with each post, I am more comfortable as I hit the submit button. If any of you out there have seen my posts, I've made it clear in most of them that I am truly a newbie when it comes to Musky fishing. In fact, my total fishing experience is not what one could call substantial in any way. Last summer, I did a little casting with two of my budidies. We saw two fish and liked it. A lot. Four of us decided we were going to give this a try by planning a top of the line Musky trip. Two of these guys are located in San Diego, so I became the organizer.
I starting surfing the web. Lo and behold, there's a whole Musky community on the internet. After doing some research, I booked a trip to Andy Myers Lodge for the four of us for next August. Guides, fly-in, the works. I probably did this bass ackward, but after the trip was booked, I realized I did not want to spend that kind of money and not know what the hell I was doing. I began to read the boards and the plan was developed. I did this for several months.
To my amazement, this electronic community was not only packed with generic information, but with specific information shared pretty openly in many cases by knowledgeable people with an unbelievable passion for their sport. It could also point you to helpful books, videos, and websites. Who woulda thunk it? I learned there were minor disagreements within the community regarding genetics, stocking, and official world records. It began to suck me in. I found myself wanting to become a part of this community, but due to my lack of experience, there was strong trepidation associated with the idea of making that first post. Finally, I took the plunge on the 101 board. I agonized over that post before hitting the button. I wanted the tone and content to be just right. I was worried that my lack of knowledge would be a turn off to the many knowledgeable fisherpersons on the boards. I felt like I was about to sit at the wrong table in the high school cafeteria. Pretty sad for a 44 year old man. Well, the post hit the board, and so did the responses. "Welcome to the sickness." "We're glad to have you." I even received two offers of spots in complete strangers' boats. That I DID NOT expect. I have continued to post, mostly here, but also on some of the other boards. I have found the content of a post does not have to be perfect, or a question in depth. I have asked some simple questions, and seen others ask them also. What kind of line? What kind of reel? What kind of rod? Most receive polite and helpful responses. Do I look forward to the point in the near future where I can speak with experience of moon phases, bait presentations, and differences in equipment? Absolutely, and I hope to have some of this knowledge well before the AML trip. But those things come with time on the water. Until that time, I will continue to ask some basic questions, make some lame attempts at humor, and generally be a bit of a pain in the $ss to those that were kind enough to reach out to me.
To those that have, there is a least a beer or two coming from me in your future. As for me, I think my future holds a couple of pictures of me covered with slime, smiling like an idiot, holding one of these magnificant beasts. After those pictures are taken, rest assured they will be posted. I too want to be told "Nice fish, Congratulations", or "No way is that thing 46"" by the residents of the internet Musky community.
So all of you out there that want to become a part of this community, but feel you have nothing to offer, just post and bull your way in like I did. You might be pleasantly surprised at what happens, or by who approaches you. To those of you with a lot to offer, please post, some of us are currently clueless.
When I look at the length of this post before I hit the button, I wonder if maybe I'm becoming a little too comfortable blowing smoke here in cyberspace. Some of you are probably thinking the same thing. GUESS WHAT?
It's all part of the plan.
Thanks for the server space.
Kevin
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Posts: 2024
| Haha. One of the best posts I've read in a while. Very well put, sir! | |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | ATTA BOY KEVIN welcome to the sickness, it only grows stronger with every year that passes. Very well put and very true about the first post or two. We all can learn from each other. That is what makes a good site into a great site. | |
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Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | Hopeful,
Don't worry about how much you know before you go to AML. Every guide I have fished with (To the man) said he was there to teach. No matter what level of experience you have. I fish with some very expierienced Guides and, we are always comparing notes on different aspects of Muskie fishing. A lot of guy's I fish with at home have the idea that the guides are going to tell them what rod to use, how and where to cast, what bait to use, etc, etc. And are turned off by this. Nothing in my experience could be further from the truth. We've always discussed a plan for the day before we go out to as you say "Have a Plan" but, they have never TOLD me what to do or forced me to do something a certain way. They make suggestions or tell you what has been working. But you are the boss. Just remember the old saying "The only stupid question is the one you don't ask". I'm sure I've been a pain in the a$$ with all the questions and jabbering in the boat about my own experiences but that has really helped in trying shorten the learning curve in this addiction. Another great way to learn is through the several Muskie fishing schools offered. Great investment. Good luck in the up coming season. Pat | |
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Posts: 1438
| To this day, when I do a serious post, I still read, reread and reread again when I post. Then I follow it up with a couple edits usually as well. When I'm being a smarta$$ or a sarcastic, I just type and hit the submit button. But I do remember in the beginning when I really hesitated because I was afraid I'd say something stupid. That goes away once you become more comfortable with the "family".
Pat's post is right on in my experiences as well. I have fished with several guides and they all have made "suggestions" about one thing or another. None of the guides I've been with "tell" you what to do, your job as the client is to be aware enough to decipher their "suggestions" and apply them accordingly.
As far as musky schools, the Capital City Chapter in Madison puts on a great show. There is a sticky post at the top of this forum about it. I know that there have been many big names (Worrall, Jenkins, Tauchen, Eversoll, Hellenbrand to name a few) teaching/speaking at that show in the past. All the people I have talked to that have been to it have said it was worth the money to go. That show is only about 1 to 1 1/2 hours from you Kevin.
Scott
Edited by theedz155 2/5/2006 5:28 AM
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Posts: 1310
Location: Washington, PA | Musky Hopeful, I'm so envious, you will love eagle.
As far as the internet muskie community, it has lead me to meet some of the best friends I've ever had, has cost me a lot of money by influencing me to travel all over the country and Canada chasing these fish, and it's made alot of memories, so for those who don't post, they are really missing out!
Edited by tomyv 2/5/2006 9:07 AM
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Posts: 2754
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | It's unfortunate that many in the muskie world don't contribute here. But, I can fully understand their hesitation in this dynamic environment. I myself found out that revealing to much about your hotspot's can seriously affect the fiishery. MF does a much better job then most of policing the personnal attacks.
One trend I find really disconcerting is "hijacking of posts", i.e., the original post turns into somerthing totally unrelated. This is not fair to either the original poster or those whom subsequently "click" to respond or read the original subject. I know we don't see all the deletes here on MF, and I for one don't want too. But it's certainly not fair to the original poster if his thread winds up in "MF jail". Steve/Slamr/Mark please consider deleting the hijacker's post's only.
For the most part I believe Steve/Slamr/Mark, all do an admirable job of keeping the board on an even keel. Thank you!
Have fun.
Al | |
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| I, for one don't like the scrutiny of dealing with some of the "posters." Some like to post just to pat themselves on the back. Others laugh because it was an elementary question and "hot shot" answered it like no one else knew the answer. I, like many I'm sure don't reply much because they know so -n- so will. While others wait and say I agree with so -n- so. Which seems kinda mindless but, can be verifying at times. There are some on here that answer a questions or comment with a tone that is belittling towards the original poster. Some questions I read and feel bad for the guy/girl that posted it because der gonna eat him up. Some staunch "hot shot" posters answer "It happened to me once and that's that!" Which leaves little discussion for the rest because most of us don't want to squabble with "hot shot." Unfortunately, many have a motive for posting other than educating. Some are building reputations some are true educators but there are some that have sponsorship motives and/or whatever else they are attempting to accomplish. Maybe, like agreeing with so -n- so because... he put 190,000 fish in his boat this year. There are many that truly don't wish to play the numbers games. Ok, I will play just for a minute though... I am in a category of anglers that catch 9 to 30 muskies a year. Which I am very proud of and consider myself as an above average muskie fisherman. Some of you are laughing, I'm sure. Some may not even catch one. Does that mean the guy that didn't even catch one is not allowed to properly participate at a "launch ramp" type of discussion? Of course not. But he might not want to dip a toe in that water. If you listen to some of these guys that don't fish for muskies but are aware of them, you can learn just as much from them as you can many co-muskie fisherman. Everyone of us have a story and a voice which may not be heard because of the stereotyping.
I think.... just a thought now.... don't attack me until I turn my spyware back on, is... if some would choose to refrain from answering a question, thought or comment and let others have a chance to play. Just because you and I know the answer doesn't mean that we have to answer it. Participation is what this website is all about, but letting other participants answer will increase the participation level. I believe there are hundreds of us muskie fisherman that can accurately answer many questions that arise on this site. I think that others "want to play" but don't feel comfortable with playing with some "hot shots." Don't get me wrong, "hot shots" at times answers or comments on something that is actually productive and thoroughly impresses me now and then. If your sitting there thinking... Is he talking about me, then, maybe.... There are so many controversial discussions going on this website that most do not want to get involved with word games. People come to this site for shooting the breeze and education. When "hot shot" answers, unless you want to invest your leisure time in a heated debate, which I believe would then not constitute leisure time. That being said, it is easier for people just to read. There are many, many top notch genuine muskie fisherman aboard this site which I know. You can spot them by reading how they answer questions without head expansion and try to stay out of the rhetoric. If one does end up in a heated discussion then the testosterone and numbers start flying. Or they graciously stop commenting, which is the easy thing to do... sometimes. I enjoy this site and frequent it every chance I get.
By the way, after reading what I just wrote I asked myself who is "hot shot?" well it is no one in particular he/she is just a very opinionated muskie angler. Oxymoron? Probable. I guess I'm also guilty as charged, but just don't have the desire to play as often as some.
How about a "newbies site" where people that have more than say 100 posts would refrain from answering in that forum?
MuskieFirst is truly a great website and spread that word as often as I can. Whether you want to admit or not its best because of the educators, moderators etc. Serious muskie fisherman do gravitate to this site, I know, because I'm here. Its kinda like me and Mepps, whether I want to admit there the best bucktails or not, but I do own a bunch of them! No, I am not on the Mepps staff. Whoa! just about started my fingers on fire with all that typing. Just a No Name Angler | |
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Posts: 1060
Location: Palm Coast, FL | Hopeful,
When are you headed to AML? Myself and many others (8 so far) are headed up there Aug. 5-12. If you are going to be there during that time I would like to hook up with you. You will be very impressed with AML...PROMISE!!!!! | |
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| I don't see why anyone would be nervous about posting here. If someone gets out of line, that goes pretty fast because of the moderators. I'm not a hot shot, but I do fish muskies allot. I see it this way. If you had everyone here in a room, and a question was asked some would answer right away because they know the answer and are willing to share it and its their personality to speak up. Some might answer with different information not any more wrong or right than the first few. Some will not answer even though they know the answer really well, mostly because that's just their personality and they are not used to public speaking. Like Mr. Worrall said it's people, and theres a ton of people here. I am like Mike I'd like to hear from the people who know the answer, ALL of them. There are no hot shots in my opinion, there's only questions and answers. | |
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Posts: 4266
| I learned a long time ago, that if you spend a day in the boat with a new guy and don't learn something, you're not paying attention. Same goes with posting. Imagine you're in a boat, or in camp with us and don't be shy. Everybody has something to offer.
Beav | |
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Posts: 284
Location: Fishing the weeds | My feeling if your afraid to post because you may get laughed at or someone may say something you don't agree with. What kind of adult are you? You risk having these things happen everyday in your life. I think your taking this and yourself way to serious. IT"S FISHING!!!!!!!! Nobody knows everything. I'm probably one of the biggest idiots I know but, I still try to learn something everyday. If I don't know something I'm going to ask someone who might. I usually don't respond to posts like "Guest" posted but, it got under my skin a little. That you have so much to say but, hide as a guest instead of standing up for yourself. I hope I'm wrong about you. With all the people on this site not everyone is going to agree "Thats Life" deal with it. If this gets pulled I understand "Just Venting". Pat | |
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Posts: 8865
| Hey guest
Is it your position that certain people should refrain from answering questions so other people have a chance to answer?
Maybe I read your post wrong, but when I ask a question, I don't want one answer from the "hotshot", I want opinions from a variety of people. When I hear the same answer from 8 or 9 people I tend to believe it more than I would if only one reputable person answered. And the disagreements, differing opinions, etc -- THAT is what we learn from. If everyone agreed, nobody would ever learn or try anything new.
Have you ever fished any tournaments? I've fished a few, and the thing that stands out about those experiences is that SOMEONE always catches fish, and all the fish that are caught are caught on a variety of different structures using a variety of different lures and presentations. It only goes to prove that there is never ONLY ONE right answer, and the only way you're going tolearn anything on these forums is if everyone, no matter who they are, is willing to post and stand by their opinions.
EVERYBODY knows something you don't, whether they are a 3 time PMTT winner, accomplished guide, or the guy who fishes one week a year.
The fact that anyone would be afraid to post, or refrain from posting for any reason than they just don't have an opinion on the topic at hand? Well, that's just plain silly. Nobody cares who you are. If you have something to contribute, SHARE IT. | |
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Edited by Sponge 8/23/2006 10:08 AM
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Posts: 389
Location: Corning, Iowa | I'm not afraid of being laughed at, H--- that happens every day. We have a lake about 30 miles away from us , that we hardly ever fish, because of all the tournaments. We don't want to get in the way.We fish for fun. We get to really fish for musky, and pike, once, maybe twice a year. Who am I to tell someone what's right, or wrong? I'm not even a good speller. Just because I don't post much, doesn't mean I don't enjoy this site, or the company. We were treated the best last weekend at the Minn. show. Thanks everyone Doug | |
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Posts: 3511
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I've always tried to view this board as a place where all are welcome to come and post with whatever experiences they have to share and offer viewpoints on any number of ideas. I do feel, though, (and this is probably due more to not getting involved more in MF activities and/or meeting different people from here) that some sticks on here seem to carry more weight with their experiences (my perception) because they are well known among the muskie community. Many are guides who pursue these beautiful fish full or part time, and due to that choice, have more water-time to find different patterns, try different things, etc. on the waters they choose to guide on. My choice of career allows me all summer to be on the water to chase these critters within the area I choose. Because of this, the waters I fish, and the experience I have on those waters can vary quite significantly as compared to another's experience on different waters. I may get a little rubbing for this comment, but I do feel there is at minimum SOME truth to this. When one goes to experience new water, the learning curve in many ways starts over. This levels the field and puts us all on the same level...guide or not, regardless of how many fish we catch or how many hours we spend on any one body of waterl. We always have to keep in mind that some waters just produce more fish....some produce bigger fish, and some bodies of water rarely give up fish. Some waters have distinct patterns that show up quickly, while others take days to weeks to figure out. In the end, we all end up beginning at square one at some point in time or another on the bodies of water we fish. Because of this, we are ALL at the same level when it comes to catching these fish. Regardless, we all SHOULD feel comfortable taking value in the varied opinions of ALL people on here.
In all humbleness and respect to all on here,
Steve
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Posts: 9
Location: Indianapolis, IN | As you can see by my number of posts, i am relatively new here. But, my lack of posts is not due to fear of posting. Rather, I just starting fishing for Musky in October 2005 (caught a 36" my first time out). Like many before me, I am now obscessed with this. I have found this site to be extremely informative ... so I am more of a sponge at this point. In a couple of months, after I get my line wet a couple of more times, I will become more active as I will have more to contribute and more questions for the seasoned veterans on this site.
Thanks for making us newbies feel welcome.
Todd | |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | VMS, that was very well said.
It is so true about different lakes and the amounts of fish it produces.
We all are beginners when we hit a new body of water. Experiance just shortens the learning curve.
Fishing the PMTT over the years tough me this: I have fished all over and found that a open mind and low key approach helped me and my partner learn from others. We listened to the old timers at the local cafe or bait shops, talked to the local guides, motel owners and people just on vacation. Some of the tips we got were a good laugh but some were very helpfull.
My point is:You don't have to be anyone special to know how to catch fish. Just spend enough time on that water to figure it out.
This is where different info is important. Everyone will not use the same bait or style of fishing.
New info learned from someone might be very helpfull to someone else. This is why we are here to share and learn from each other.
Patterns change with the water temps, but they might help someone else on a different lake or state. This is why I like to post. If I can share some info that works for me, maybe it will work for someone else who knows where. Tournaments have taught me that muskies can be caught shallow, deep and suspended. Now think about all the patterns, baits, presentations someone can use to catch a fish from one of these areas. Lots to choose from, plenty to learn.
Anyone who would like to share a story, pattern, hot bait, off the wall idea with MuskieFirst, please do.
The only dumb question is the one that is not asked.
Get your feet wet, make a few posts, start a topic. You might like it. Go to a MuskieFirst outing, you WILL like it. We all can learn someting from MuskieFirst. Be a part of it. | |
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| No one is an expert when it comes to musky fishing, though many people online seem to think they are (I am as guilty as the next person). Just fish better, and be willing to share your opinions. I have learned a tremendous amount from others and I hope to help many like those who have helped me. The internet is about sharing opinions, and there are few research-based facts about muskies. More research will help us better understand why they do the things they do.
Some of us have many years under our belts whether we like it or not. It's just fishing and it's supposed to be fun.
We just all happen to be obsessive compulsive addicts 
Best wishes to everyone hopefully catching their personal bests this season (that's what it's really about)
Steve Crook
Fox River Valley Muskies Inc. Chapter 39
Secretary, Stocking Director and Speaking Director with Todd Minor
MuskieFool ProStaff
Edited by muskyboy 2/9/2006 11:25 PM
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To post or not to post