8 replies to this topic

[Professional Overrun]

I hope its okay to post this here. I was watching World Fishing Networks cover of the european fish competition "Fish o Mania" Wow, for all the greatness of bass fishing and the techniques and skill involved, i have to say i love being an American! These "professional anglers" sit on the bank of a stocked pond and toss out bait balls next to their baited hooks in the hopes of hooking some of the carp that were stocked in the pond just before the event. Most boring thing ive ever seen! Im sorry, but this was not my idea of professional angling. Anybody ever seen this before? Its a huuuuge deal in England.

[Mike__D]

I tried to watch it once but changed the channel pretty fast, it seemed pretty slow.

I didn't know the pond was stocked??? i know that carp fishing in England is a really dig deal though.

Mike D

[J Francho]

I'm sure others have summed up professional bass fishing in a sentence or two and think it's just as outrageous.

[Professional Overrun]

Yeah, thats true J, im sure bass fishing seems pretty ridiculous to a lot of people too. Im not trying to to put anybody down, just point out the differences in fishing culture i guess. I find it interesting how they dont think of using boats to competitively fish from. Anyway, ive still never seen such a boring show! Lol

[J Francho]

There's not many navigable public waters. It's not usually free to the public, like here. My buddy is from England, lives in London. Literally every inch of free outdoor space in England is taken. You call the fish to your spot. Whoever does the best job, wins. Not all the carp waters are stocked. At any rate, Tim tries to get over here once a year to spend a week fishing Oneida Lake. No doubt what type of fishing he prefers:

[Professional Overrun]

No kidding! Well, i didnt know they had such a premium on open water. Thanks for informing me, now i dont feel like such an ignoranus. I guess you just have to make do with what you have at your disposal then huh? Its a shame the britts dont have the space we are blessed with over here.

[SirSnookalot]

If fishing was not fun, I wouldn't be doing it. I don't think any televised fishing activity lends itself to be a top notch spectator sport, all of it is quite boring on the tube.
I've never been to England but read ads all the time about great fly fishing there, that would get my interest in a hearbeat. Carp on the other hand is a fish I would not target, they don't captivate me. Kind of like shark fishing, strong slow pull, no acrobatics (except Makos and spinners), I hate catching shark.

[J Francho]

You gotta see the numbers of EUs that come up here in search of the next world record carp. Many EU's believe there is a 100 pounder swimming in Lake Ontario. I've toyed with targeting them, even went so far to get a carp rod and reel. It's too frustrating and boring to me. You'll see two or three approach your spread, and you bat an eye, which spooks them and they're gone.

[0119]

The British Isles has more opportunities than just stocked ponds though. They have an inshore with lots of open to the public surf and jetties and they target sea bass, cod and mullet.