Fishing Reports
Slamr
Posted 5/24/2007 8:24 AM (#257655)
Subject: Fishing Reports





Posts: 7038


Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs
Basically, the board needs more. Let's talk about WHY this site is what it is in terms of finding alot of different bits of information on gear, boats, electronics etc. but when it comes to fishing reports, we are seriously LACKING.
Magruter
Posted 5/24/2007 8:25 AM (#257656 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1316


Location: Madison, WI
I can only help with computer issues or helping people in online games. Beyond that, I am ballast in a boat, and on the board. :P

Checks keyboard, i don't remember writing that...

To be honest. Most of my fishing reports go to people that i know and spent time in the boat with. I don't like putting reports on the boards. If someone has a specific question and pm me, sure i'll take the time to help out if i can. But as slammer says i'm pretty much a ballast.

Edited by Magruter 5/24/2007 8:29 AM
Slamr
Posted 5/24/2007 8:31 AM (#257658 - in reply to #257656)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 7038


Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs
Why don't you like fishing reports? So, you'll help people catch fish in terms of how to get their computer to work, but on the water, you WON'T? Kind of....to me.
Magruter
Posted 5/24/2007 8:38 AM (#257661 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1316


Location: Madison, WI
Because most of the people I fish with are nice enough to share their boat with me, i don't need to give away their spots too. I can point out some spots from shore around the Wisconsin river where there's a chance of sticking a fish. There's also a couple piers on Monona that I know of where fish cruise by, i can share those.

Edited by Magruter 5/24/2007 8:39 AM
BNelson
Posted 5/24/2007 8:40 AM (#257662 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Location: Contrarian Island
here's my take on reports...musky sites will never be full of fishing reports that give specific info on where/what/when...it's easy to figure out why....muskies are not bluegills, they are not the easiest fish to catch nor are there many of them in any lake...I think it's pretty easy to figure out why there aren't detailed reports...If I say hey I'm crushing them on black depthraiders on the east side of Monona do you think I want to go out there to find 10 boats lined up slinging depthraiders....no.
selfish yes, but why would we want to do the legwork for a bunch of guys we don't know to reap the rewards?
i email reports and info to those who are trusted friends and who give the same info back....
Also, are the majority of the visitors on this site actively fishing quite a bit?
i've been on this board long enough to think that most don't fish all that much...
maybe i'm wrong...but that is my impression...
right or wrong that is the way I see it...


Edited by MSKY HNR 5/24/2007 8:46 AM
mskyhntr
Posted 5/24/2007 8:50 AM (#257663 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports




Posts: 814


I'm with Nelson 100%! SILENCE IS GOLDEN!!!

Edited by mskyhntr 5/24/2007 8:51 AM
Pointerpride102
Posted 5/24/2007 8:51 AM (#257664 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 16632


Location: The desert
Here is a report......Fished Okauchee with Esox2hart and a couple of his friends. Threw shallow mantas over shallow water, topraiders, weagles, kickin minnows, suicks, bucktails and spinnerbaits. Esox2hart and the guy in his boat saw all the fish. The boat I was in caught one small pike. Fished shallow, deep and in between. Water was mainly in the 65-66 degree range. If you know where to look you can find some areas that have 71 degree water. Thanks again to Esox2hart for getting me out for one last shot before heading west! Good luck!
dedicated angler
Posted 5/24/2007 8:53 AM (#257665 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


Reports

My 2 Cents

You can still give a fishing report with helpful info without giving up your spots.

What is the water temp on Monona right now ? I don't know but if I were going there this weekend it would be nice to have someone who fish's it post it.
How are the Weeds developing?
What are the water levels ?
I Found fish in the weeds - All lakes have weeds Your not giving up a Spot.
Fish were Deep of Shallow

Answer to the above questions could really help someone who doesn't get out much have a better day on the water, and would that be such a bad thing?

Life is a game, fishing is serious!
JCJ
Posted 5/24/2007 8:56 AM (#257667 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 15


I have to agree with Brad on this. I think he hit the nail on the head when he was talking about the amount of time people put on the water. why do the leg work for them and then find your spot loaded with guys fishing it? to me that is the problem with the internet. i think jonnysled brought it up once, about there being groups of people within the big group that share info. i am open with several guys but it is all done through private email...nelson, long, sled, sloan, rozanski, draeger being some of them.

i see your point slamr...but i think there is a reason certain guys are not sharing info. i love the board for everything else, but getting specific about lakes, baits and the such is not what i am here for. i will figure that out on my own or through my circle of musky friends.

bn
Posted 5/24/2007 9:02 AM (#257669 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


I also will give general info to people I don't know if they take the time to email me or PM me ...I'm not going to put up a report on the what/where/when to the general public for everyone to see but I don't mind giving info to people if they just take the time to email or PM me...at least that way I feel they will respect the info I give them and not post it or share it with every Tom,Dick and Tomcat they know....if I would give them info and then I see there report and pics posted on the net...that bridge is burned...case closed...

It's much easier to get info from guys that know you are trustworthy and won't go blabbing...I'm not selfish enough to not want to help guys I don't know, but for 100's to view is a different story....
sorenson
Posted 5/24/2007 9:03 AM (#257670 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1764


Location: Ogden, Ut
Here ya go Slamr...
I got 3 tigers yesterday afternoon in 2 hours on a Baby Wabull. Had another 10 or so follows - quit keeping track. It was the most amazing day of fishing on Pineview that I have had for several years with the exception of one small detail - the biggest of the 3 fish was 26". It was still fun to see so many willing fish and to prove to myself that the Baby Wabull is a better bait than dynamite. My boat partner also got one one an X-Rap. 4 fish in 2 hours between us...not too shabby I guess. I've never seen tigers follow this much (it's happening this year on all baits I've thrown).
I didn't post last night since I didn't think there was a lot of interest in itty bitty muskies. I did, however let Baldy know that his baits are awesome. One thing that I should point out is that I have owned a Mojo Baby Wabull now for 6 days. It has been used somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 hours and I have had no less than 22 follows, 3 boated fish and 2 hooked and lost in that amount of time. If you don't have one, you should consider getting one (or more).
S.
CiscoKid
Posted 5/24/2007 9:19 AM (#257673 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1906


Location: Oconto Falls, WI
Ahhhhh, the old debate of posting reports on the internet!

I’ll be honest in saying I don’t post them as much as maybe I should due simply to time. I also post my own reports on my website, and hate to do the old cut’n’paste onto websites like this. The cut’n’paste is the easiest and fastest way of reporting several locations to keep the reports up. I don’t necessarily have the time, and maybe creativity, to tailor make my reports for each different site. Is it acceptable to be quite vague with reports here to catch someone’s interest, and direct them to your website?

I see no problem in posting reports on the net, but in some cases the format that needs to be followed (not giving out spots/lakes) doesn’t help. It’s not specific enough for some. So the debate is if you are going to post a report how in depth do you go? When I post I try giving out enough detail for it to help someone without blowing the cover of my lakes/spots. If someone wants more detail they can contact me directly. Even then I can’t promise I will give the farm away. Key points should be geared towards someone being able to see a pattern I have found, or what to expect when they go on their vacation. If they want to know how I am catching fish on lake so and so send in a deposit and I’ll be glad to show them. Catch me on the right day and I may give that information out freely.

I, as well as many guides I’m sure, field a lot of emails throughout the year asking about techniques, lakes, etc… Depending on the individual guide you will get varying degrees of information in those emails. The reports will be no different.

What I hate to see in reports is the “I caught 4 muskies today on bucktails”, and that’s it. Not much of a report, but more or less bragging to me. I’m sure I was guilty of a post like that at one point or another. Personally I think reports should at least contain some of the following information:

• General location fished – ex. Vilas County, Eagle River area, Rhinelander area, etc…
• Water type fished – ex. Clear 500 acre lake, large dark water lake, dark water flowage, chain of lakes, etc…
• Water temps
• Feeding windows observed - Best time of day
• Productive techniques – In some cases what worked and what didn’t work. Ex. The fish were most reactive to a 10” Jake fished aggressively over 40’ of water, and didn’t move anything on deep diving cranks like Ernies.
• Key structures – ex. Deep breaks in 20’ of water, sand grass in 30’ of water, thickest cabbage in the 8’ range, etc…
• Any other observations worth noting – ex. When the deer were seen everywhere along shoreline the fish were going crazy!

Any other ideas?

I’ll do my best to post reports on the reports page this year as I did last as I feel they will help someone without me ruining a “sacred” lake.
CiscoKid
Posted 5/24/2007 9:27 AM (#257676 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1906


Location: Oconto Falls, WI
Also, I think “Weekend Results” posts on the general board are different than “Reports” under the Reports discussion board. Weekend reports is where you can brag about how many/how big you caught or how little you got. Where as the Reports is where you should find the meat and potatoes.

My opinion at least.

What exactly are you looking for Slamr? I would assume reports on the reports page.
Chibigboy
Posted 5/24/2007 9:32 AM (#257681 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports




Location: Northern Illinois
I think most guys don't because of scenarios like this...........while I love to musky fish I also love to chase big northerns and our group makes two annual trips (spring and fall) to big pike camps/lodges in northern Sask and Manitoba. Some of us have been to these lodges 7-10 times and have them pretty well figured out and know the lakes better than the guides working there. Every year our group consistantly outfishes every other party at these camps, and usually by about day 2 or 3, the other guys in these camps start coming over with the beers and Jack Daniel's looking for tips. I have no problem telling them what lures are working, what we think the pattern is, etc... but EVERY time I have told somebody where we were fishing or what weedbed we hauled a 45 incher out of, or what point a 17 inch walleye got T-boned at the boat off of, I have gone back there the next day and VOILA! There is two boats parked there. Or, we will be fishing a lake 15 miles long and 12 miles wide, while at a camp with only three other parties there that week, somebody will drive by on there way to the other end of the lake, see us fishing in the middle of nowhere ( main lake cabbage) , and BOOM, stop the boat and set up a drift upwind of us........it's enough o make you want to hang someone........Like I said, I have no problem sharing a pattern, or a lure, or a a general concept that is working but I been smoked too many times to give detailed fishing reports of when and where I am catching.
Slamr
Posted 5/24/2007 9:37 AM (#257684 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 7038


Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs
I was just looking for people to talk about why they dont post reports.

Here's MY TAKE ON IT (for whatever thats worth):

I understand the fear over giving up what you feel as though you earned, to the masses who might not have done so. I've seen the hype bring the masses, see Webster Lake for an example. However, I really do see people holding back from helping others as selfish, at least to a degree. People use this message board for a million things, and one of the main things is that they're looking for information that will shorten their learning curve towards getting on fish. There are a zillion posts about eveything muskie, but the thing we have the least of is on the water, day of, kind of info.

Now that info doesnt need to be disseminated in a "go to Lake Titigahnalo, go to the point on the eastern shore, right near the blue boat house with the crazy old man screaming at you, throw a black 9" suzy q with an okuma induron 400a, spooled with bronze back line, all bought at Smokeys, thrown with a pro edge rod after driving there in your Tuffy pulled by a Toyota Tundra Crewmax, to the edge of that weed edge, crank it in slow and there's a monster fish there ready for you to eat. Make sure to net it with your frabill and save the footage from your Nature Vision underwater camera". Maybe thats a bit more than anyone needs, but I'm with Travis on the format of the report. That way you have a little more direction on where to start.

Everyone has their own opinion on the subject. Some people wont post fishing reports, some wont post at all. Some people will tell you down to the spot just like some people (Esoxaddict) just cant stop themselves from posting.

I really just wanted to begin the discussion. MuskieFIRST is here for everyone to use in their own way and we hope everyone enjoys it for what they get out of it.

*tell me you didnt like how I worked nearly all of our sponsors in to my fictitious fishing report....
tomyv
Posted 5/24/2007 9:57 AM (#257688 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports




Posts: 1310


Location: Washington, PA
Here is my report, Mr. Slamr.

I've been catching fish, small fish, on spinnerbaits and twitch baits. Small fish in small rivers, with lot's of big fish following but not eating. Don't ask me where, I won't tell you.
esoxaddict
Posted 5/24/2007 10:21 AM (#257693 - in reply to #257688)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 8781


I can't help posting this, my fingers are completely out of my control! In fact, my entire computer is out of my control -- it logs on and posts on my behalf when I'm not even HERE!!

I don't post reports, because I never have anything to report except "fished out of _____'s boat this weekend on _____ Neither of us saw or caught a thing." And nobody needs to hear that. As for where and what we were throwing? If the person who took me out fishing wants to share that, it's their business. Certainly not my place to divulge that.

And though I hate to admit it? I completely agree with Nelson!
bn
Posted 5/24/2007 10:21 AM (#257694 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


Slamr...you say that not reporting is selfish..well I guess I'm guilty then, but in reality musky fishing is not cheap...gas is over 3 bucks, lures, boats, trucks etc are all expensive...so I go out and do the leg work for say a few trips, dial in a pattern and then want to share so guys can come fish after I have spent all the money to find the fish/pattern?
That is why guys should hire guides ...

Even if we did put up detailed reports..what would or could we get in return?
A pat on the back, good job fella, thanks for the info, type stuff?

Call it selfish all you want but I'm not out there fishing hours on end so some guy can come and be the clean up hitter and catch the fish me and my boat partners found... most of the guys I know including me will share general info as I'm all about helping, which isn't selfish..though that know me know I go out of my way to share/help/teach/put guys on fish including sending some detailed maps of the lakes I have learned all on my own and they have gone there and scored some nice fish on..that is not selfish..but sharing to the general masses is not why I'm out there day in and day out....

Do the muskiefirst pro staffers give detailed reports btw?

Moss back
Posted 5/24/2007 10:25 AM (#257695 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports




Posts: 166


Location: Gurnee, Illinois
Come on Slamr, your just after our secret spots. Hey, on a side note, I think you would look sweet in that deer suit for sale on the classifieds, and I think it would keep you warm in Presque Isle.



Dave
ulbian
Posted 5/24/2007 10:35 AM (#257701 - in reply to #257688)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports




Posts: 1168


The problem with your imaginary scenario is that to some you haven't given them enough detail. On another site I had a guy begging me for GPS coordinates. I explained why I wouldn't do this, and gave more than enough info on the lake he was inquiring about to be pointed in some good directions. Still not enough. I ended up being reported to that site's admin for stalking him. That's just a little ridiculous.

As a kid I used to go with my grandfather to Kentuck and there might have been 2-3 boats out there. Good luck finding a day on that lake like that now. When I read or hear of a body of water being talked up that means I won't go there unless I have to. It's similar to reading and hearing about baits. If you only read message boards for the past 3 years and nothing else the only baits anyone would own would be double 10 cowgirls and weagles. The irony of this is that the double 10's are viewed as something "new" but I came across an outdoors magazine from 1984 with an article in it about bucktails with that size of blades on them. ...but I digress

I've had a conversation with a few people about what gets patterned faster? a muskie or a muskie fisherman? Too much detail in a report and it feeds the "monkey see, monkey do" approach. As a beginner it's hard not to fall into that trap because you are feeding your brain with as much info as you can possibly get. Looking for that hot bait, hot lake, or whatever. Hell, the first time I used a Weagle I was utterly disappointed. Buying into the hype I thought for sure that all I had to do was let a few feet of line out and let it float by itself and there would be 50's circling it from below fighting for who was going to get the first crack at that thing. A little sarcasm there...

I enjoy figuring this stuff out on my own. Let me know if there are muskies in a body of water and I'll challenge myself to do the work from there. The satisfaction of having something pay off that you came up with on your own is much greater than having someone park me on a spot with directions on what to throw, when to throw it, and how to throw it.
lambeau
Posted 5/24/2007 10:39 AM (#257702 - in reply to #257694)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


Do the muskiefirst pro staffers give detailed reports btw?

this is a bit of a non-sequitur.
although there are a number of MuskieFirst "pro-staff" members, we have never really formalized our hopes/expectations from them, nor their expectations from us.
this is something we have discussed doing, and if we do so, one of the things we would ask from them would be regular contributions to include fishing reports at least of the generalized type that Mr. Kopke described above.
bn
Posted 5/24/2007 10:44 AM (#257703 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


Didn't mean to point fingers...just a question....

good discussion regardless
CiscoKid
Posted 5/24/2007 10:55 AM (#257707 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1906


Location: Oconto Falls, WI
It seems a lot of you expect to post a detailed report, and therefore don't post reports. What's wrong with a "generalized" report (if that's what you want to do) that gives out some pertinent info? Here is a link to the reports I did last year, and I feel there is some decent info in there for people that know where I fish. Maybe I am wrong and think my $hit doesn't stink, but I think reports similar to these are good, and not harmful to fisheries/people trying to keep their sacred spots.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=27...

Here is a second link to reports by Captain Koepp I think are good.

http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=26...

Some ask why should you do all the leg work for someone else to capitalize on it? I ask you this. Have you ever requested information from someone else trying to gain their knowledge on patterns/lakes when doing research? No different in my opinion.
bn
Posted 5/24/2007 11:02 AM (#257708 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


I agree with you Travis that generalized reports can help...some...
As for asking someone for info on a lake to gain knowledge..you bet I have...less now than I use to..but again it comes back to things being a 2 way street, that same person I asked should know that if they ask me about a body of water I fish or they want to know about I'm going to give good info back...2 way street...I see giving detailed reports to the masses as being more of a 1 way street...

Your reports I have seen on your board are very good, and don't nec. give up lakes or spots...which can help some...

good points
MuskyHopeful
Posted 5/24/2007 11:05 AM (#257711 - in reply to #257703)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 2865


Location: Brookfield, WI
Professor Koepp does an excellent job posting fishing reports as a M1st pro staffer. He's one of, if not the most diligent fishing reports poster that frequents the board. Obviously he fishes a heavily pressured lake and everybody knows where he's going to be, but when it comes down to catching them, he's not worried he'll be crowded or he's going to lose out on a fish to someone to whom he gave information. He's a people person.

Not to blow my own horn, but I posted some pretty detailed pizza reports all winter, and Bytor, Magruter, Lardonastick, and Big Perc were happy that I did. Deep dish success became commonplace in some M1st circles.

Kevin

Two days with Norm.
nwild
Posted 5/24/2007 11:09 AM (#257713 - in reply to #257703)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1996


Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain
I find it humorous that people will not share info. Many of those same people that won't share are the same ones PMing me for info when they take a trip to my area, but that is neither here nor there.

My goal is for people to catch fish. I will discuss in great detail what patterns are working for me, and if the lakes are big enough to support it, I will also name lakes. I DO NOT give away specific spots. That one you have to hire me for, but armed with a lake map and a general understanding of structures, my reports will put you on fish.

My good friends, and those that share with me get spot on reports. I will put x's on their maps if they want. If you want info, you have to share some yourself.
esoxaddict
Posted 5/24/2007 11:12 AM (#257715 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 8781


Posting it here puts it puts it out there for people outside the "circle of trust"...
jonnysled
Posted 5/24/2007 11:12 AM (#257716 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
i also agree with nelson here ... "selfish" is a bad word for people who develop patterns for success after a huge amount of effort. help me to understand where this is "selfish"? unless folks are willing to pay for the information through guide dates etc or in some other way. there is a lot of tactical knowledge that is shared on the sites in-fact sometimes more than i would expect from some very experienced and successful folks. given that, the difference maker is how to apply the tactical stuff in a situational way. it's a 3-dimensional jigsaw puzzle that constantly changes and those that understand the pieces and how to put the puzzle together are investing a huge amount of time and effort in order to do so. the groups within the groups are alive and well and make this part of the site work without being out there for the "public" knowledge. asking these "groups" to put detailed reports dialing the public directly in is selfish to me unless there is some form of compensation which could come in many forms.

this "attitude" has been misunderstood as arrogance in the world of the musky internet boards and maybe it is depending on where your perspective comes from i suppose.

i've found too that if someone asks me something and i try to help ... it takes about 2 sentences before they cut me off and start to tell me i'm wrong and how it really is ... so, it's just as easy to keep quiet cause they know everything already anyway.



Shep
Posted 5/24/2007 11:43 AM (#257722 - in reply to #257716)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 5874


I don't post much in the way of direct reports for several reasons. One of which is e-mails asking me to edit the post, because I devulged the body of water, or a pattern, or a mentioned another angler I saw. Even when I'm not giving a direct report, I've still gotten requests to edit or remove stuff.

I don't think any website offers a lot in the way of detailed fishing reports. It's my feeling that MF is actually one of the better sites for reports. Certainly not WalleyeFirst, or WC, MH, M101. Lake-link has detailed reports, but I can's stand all the bickering that goes on, and don't even go there anymore. I think it's been over 4 years since I even posted there, and probably 3 since I read anything there.

That said, I don't mind general info being posted. Weather conditions, perhaps depth, type of structure, and maybe bait, color, presentation, etc. Specifics like body of water, exact locations, and specifics like that, I understand will probably not be reported.

I look at all reports here, if for nothing more than to get an idea of what similar situations I've encountered that did or did not work for me, and perhaps gain some insight on how/what to change what I do the next time I encounter these conditions.
dogboy
Posted 5/24/2007 12:43 PM (#257741 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 723


I will give fishing info when you are on the same water as me at the same time, if you are striking out, and we are lighting it up, then I will point you in right direction, but, as many have said, I don't like making it easier for those who are too lazy to do their homework.
I will do everything in my power to put anybody who fishes with me on a fish, or for that matter, friends, familly whoever is nice enough to maybe offer their own input. You say its selfish not to share a report, I see it being selfish slutting for information all the time when you have nothing to offer.
I do agree reports of shallow\deep, weed\rock\wood\sand\ maybe some starters are cool, but, too many guys bust their butts to figure something out, that info is now yours to do what you please, you earned it!
.
Chibigboy
Posted 5/24/2007 2:05 PM (#257760 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports




Location: Northern Illinois
Chain o lakes.... fish in the water, off points, drops, sand bars....etc.. rattling lures.
Petenwell........ Mouth of river to flowage, bucktails, cranks, jerks.
in the river... on drops with stump fields, shoreline tight and slow.
Local lakes......for me.
California_Muskie
Posted 5/24/2007 2:36 PM (#257765 - in reply to #257760)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 299


Location: Ontario, California
Well... I can give you my perspective on what reports did for my fishing in California for trophy Largemouth. I told everyone and their mother where, how, why, when, etc... on any chance that I could on the message boards. After time I realized that the glare that I saw across the lake was binoculars looking at how I set up on structure.... or the other boat that I have seen pull up to a spot after I leave it and spin circles... what about the guy that pulls up 15 feet from my boat while I'm fishing a spot and hits a waypoint GPS? He then has the gaul to asks me if the one I just caught was over 12 pounds. I simply got fed up with doing all the work and letting someone take the easy road. I quit posting.

Today I will give a very general report that can be informative, yet not to the point where I give up the full scoop. I like reports as much as others but as most of us know... if there's 10 guys posting... there's a thousand that are lurking just taking it all in for free.

By the way... you go to any of the Trophy Bass sites today and you will see maybe 1 report a month whereas 4 years ago... you would get 25 in a week. Times have changed.

Edited by California_Muskie 5/24/2007 2:38 PM
Ben Kueng
Posted 5/24/2007 7:56 PM (#257807 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 227


Location: Southeast Wisconsin
In a nut shell..."your damed if you do and your damed if you dont" If your not getting bashed for giving too little info, your getting slammed by the guys who say your revealing too much..Most people dont wanna deal with that crap and I guarantee you that most of the guides wouldnt even post if it werent for the business aspect.

If it were up to me I would abolish the internet all together..
sworrall
Posted 5/24/2007 7:59 PM (#257808 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Like everything, some folks consider ideas, concepts, and techniques more 'valuable' than others. I respect any information source's wishes not to divulge waters fished if that's part of the deal. Other than that, I'm not afraid to share information with most, or to post a report here.

Like everything, some folks are just plain more willing to share information. Some are reclusive, some are defensive, and some are generous. That's people.

bulldawger
Posted 5/24/2007 8:00 PM (#257810 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports


Ben, not to pick on you but I don't get what you are saying. You are a guide so you are saying you have to post to drum up business? There are tons of guides and some that are booked 200+ days a year that don't post a single report.
It is up to you, if you don't want to be on the net, then don't be.
sworrall
Posted 5/24/2007 8:02 PM (#257811 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
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If it were up to me I would abolish the internet all together..
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Ben Kueng
Guaranteed Guide Service
www.benkueng.com
414-232-8459
[email protected]
'Guiding Southeast Wisconsin for musky

http://www.muskyarmor.com
http://www.hawgseekers.com
http://www.randomlurecompany.com
http://www.powerpro.com
http://www.fishinginfo.com
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Interesting dichotomy.
Ben Kueng
Posted 5/24/2007 8:34 PM (#257815 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 227


Location: Southeast Wisconsin
LOL Steve!! Nice vocab..!!

Your right bulldawger, I dont have to be, but it sure helps..Dont take it the wrong way. I dont mind helping people out at all. Anything I post in my reports is honest and accurate. I just think that some people make it so that other people dont even bother posting in the first place..

sworrall
Posted 5/24/2007 9:47 PM (#257825 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
That I would agree with!
Mikes Extreme
Posted 5/25/2007 12:07 AM (#257851 - in reply to #257741)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 2691


Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Fishing reports are a two way street. If you give too much you piss people off and if you give nothing it has a negative effect also. I believe on smaller less presured lakes a detailed report might hurt. On larger Metro lakes it is not that big of a deal. You can take guys out and put them on fish with the exact baits needed to catch fish and if the conditions were wrong they will still come up empty. Thats muskie fishing at times.

There is way more to the muskie puzzle than a spot and a bait, expecially on presured lakes. I believe a guide job goes past that. So a few general areas that are holding fish, some lure tips and thats a good report.

Basicly a report should be about the same info you would get from the local bait shops in that area. They want you to catch fish and most will point out your basic hot spots and baits. My web site reports are more fishing storys and a few tips to get you on a fish.

Now it's your job to make it eat, enjoy it, and then release it for the next guy and the next guy.........
tfootstalker
Posted 5/25/2007 6:24 PM (#258020 - in reply to #257851)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 299


Location: Nowheresville, MN
Pressure is pressure. Small lake or metro. Ice fishing or trolling. Today or three weeks ago. Did anybody on here fish Mille Lacs 5-6-10 years ago? I'd be interested to see if you had to fish at night to catch fish during mid-summer. The belief that just one more boat on a lake won't hurt because there are already 20 is such a farse. Don't worry I'm not pointing fingers. This thought process doesn't only occur in muskie fisherman either. Walleye, panfish, duck hunting etc.

All this hoopla about elitists has me thinking. What if instead of catching a 50", my dream is to be able to fish without seeing any boats on the water. No difference in clubbing a fish and blabbing at the local pub in this case. YOu either take a fish away that can't be caught or ruin a spot that will never be secret again. You can always grow fish, but you can't make new lakes or spots on the spot. When people give info they forget others. I'm sure you have heard it before, it goes like this. You get to talking to someone and they say "well since I don't fish/hunt there anymore I might as well tell someone about it". What about the other guys who enjoy the secret spot? Everyone forgets about that.

As to the folks who get mad when not enough info is divulged. If they are not your friends of clients, tell them to stop wasting time whining and find out for themselves.
sworrall
Posted 5/25/2007 7:21 PM (#258025 - in reply to #257655)
Subject: Re: Fishing Reports





Posts: 32886


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Secret spot? The lake was there before us and was fished by some VERY good fishermen, and will be after. As I have said before, Crocodile Dundee said it well, paraphrasing here:


It's like the fleas arguing over who owns the dog they are on.
jlong
Posted 5/25/2007 8:19 PM (#258030 - in reply to #257741)
Subject: RE: Fishing Reports





Posts: 1937


Location: Black Creek, WI
I like how DogBoy turned the table. Selfish (withholding info) vs. Freeloader (those seeking instant gratification). What side of the fence are YOU on?

What ever happened to the THRILL OF THE HUNT?

Call me crazy... but most of the fun and "sense of accomplishment" that goes into a good musky catch.... isn't so much the catch.... but the events leading up to it.

What would you be most proud of.... having someone give you a list of waypoints, times, and lures to use... and then show up and enjoy the CATCH? OR.... figuring out your own spots, times, and lures to get that success? I'll take the latter....

To further that example.... would you be more proud to tell someone that you are a billionaire from winning the lottery or inventing the greatest musky lure ever? Yah... you are a billionaire either way... but HOW you got there can make a difference.... to some people.

So... I think fishing reports should provide information to help educate... so people can APPLY that info themselves. But to DIRECT someone with a report would be cheating them out of the whole experience... in my opinion.

And besides... how trustworthy are most reports anyway? Credibility is uncertain on the internet.... so those seeking detailed reports might actually hurt their chances at success should they stumble onto some not-so-trustworthy information.

Long story short... I think reports should be generic. Those wanting to learn how to catch fish should read the message boards and ask quetions for how to apply the info obtained in the "Fishing Reports".

So... maybe the name needs to change? Call them CONDITIONS REPORTS? General info for water temps., weed development, water clarity, etc.?

I dunno....