Perhaps not emulate but always open to advice and willing to learn.

Example:

Apon joining this site I was exclusively a power fisherman using mainly casting gear.

Now I'm at least 50% spinning and 50% finesse...... it's put more fish in the boat.

Like @ol'crickety, I learned right off after joining the forum that @WRB was someone I should pay attention to when he speaks. I've gained a lot of info from reading his posts, both directly to me and to others. So, thank you Tom for all you contribute here!

 

I've watched a lot of Bill Dance and Roland Martin videos over my lifetime. Ever since I was a kid, I've watched Bill Dance. I just started watching Roland Martin on youtube. I wouldn't say I emulate either, but I would say I learn from watching them.

 

I watched Bill Dance fishing a jig, and while he didn't say it, he was using a certain motion to work the jig across the bottom as it hit obstacles. I emulate that when working a jig.

 

I learn a lot reading on this site. I retain, and the combine all the info I get. I don't work a lure 1 way, but many ways, and I don't use 1 lure, but many lures. I am always trying new techniques and lures, and most of it is a little comment or tip I read here. So thanks everyone for posting your experience and knowledge here.

I think because the scope of my fishing interest is relatively unique and quite focused (ultralight, minimalist, JDM), there are few, if any, I can truly emulate.

 

That being said, a long time ago I coined a term for myself and have used it as a guiding principle in my life: "I am a man, therefore, always a work in progress". 

 

To that end, I've learned something from all folks here; from either the shortest answers I've received (a simple "Yes!" ) to the longest, most technical and convoluted replies. There's always something that I hope I might be able to glean from the replies and people here.

 

And my hope is that those nuggets of knowledge and data, however small, make me a better fisherman. And if I can pass THAT accrued knowledge onto the next person in need, then that is what ultimately helps make me a better man.

 

"I am a man, therefore, always a work in progress".

 

What I would much rather do than to emulate any single person on here would be to just have a fishing session with any one of you. Just to watch how you perform YOUR craft and admire YOUR mastery...and hopefully take something, anything, away from your performance that might help me become "better".

 

 

 

10 hours ago, OmegaDPW said:

 

 

Of the folks here, I'd like to thank @RRocket and @looking45

Thanks for the kind words.

 

Much appreciated.

Billy Westmorland or Guido Hibdon  Great fisherman with finesse 

I never realized it but I fish a bit like @Team9nineas far as simplicity. I still don’t use elaztech but we both try to fish very often with normal lures 

And you're both consistent in boating/banking bass. 

Thanks, although my success is due to having my line in the water as long as possible. The guy holding the rod is always trying to mess it up 

Me.......just me. idolize my Dad,but I gotta be Me.

The Bait Monkey, because he tricked me in to drinking the cool aid many years ago when I was young and didn't know any better.

 

Because

 

 

That's a heck of a duster

55 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I never realized it but I fish a bit like @Team9nineas far as simplicity. I still don’t use elaztech but we both try to fish very often with normal lures 

Pretty much - if you’re looking for the newest, hottest, most expensive tackle, or anything from Japan, don’t bother stopping by my house, you’ll just be disappointed. Even a majority of my reels are what I consider ‘disposable’ 😆

They make new reels everyday 

6 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

They make new reels everyday 

…and new model rods, too, then discontinue the old models so you can’t buy them anymore 😡 

 

Over half my rods and reels are probably close to 20 yrs old - I just pick them up from time to time when I find someone selling an old original - lol. I need a rod/reel sponsor 😉

19 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

Pretty much - if you’re looking for the newest, hottest, most expensive tackle, or anything from Japan, don’t bother stopping by my house, you’ll just be disappointed. Even a majority of my reels are what I consider ‘disposable’ 😆

That's pretty much how I did it for years and years (minimalist+Elaztech).

 

My JDM bait "phase" is relatively new for me.

 

I'm still a dedicated minimalist though.

32 minutes ago, thediscochef said:

 

 

That's a heck of a duster

 

 

It sure is!!!! 

 

That's the equivalent of a "Power Fishing" moustache. No half measure there. Bordering on a "Pornstachio". Only those with lots of moxie can pull those off! 

 

Mine is a bit more "Finesse". LOL 😆

 

 

That’s like a finesse Alabama rig with 5/0s 😂 

I have a face with hair on it

Gotta get yourself some cheap sunglasses 

✅ Cheap sunglasses.

 

Been looking all over TW for that Velcro Fly but might have to make a trip out to La Grange. 😎

1 hour ago, TnRiver46 said:

Gotta get yourself some cheap sunglasses 

Do I count as a sharp dressed man if I'm covered in treble hooks?

Also I tend to try and be like Pat cause he catches em all year and in all different kinds of ways. Wanna be like Pat

4 minutes ago, thediscochef said:

Do I count as a sharp dressed man if I'm covered in treble hooks?

 

That's a pointed comment. 

Not fishing personalities, but when I hit the water, I try to follow in the footsteps of Iron Eyes Cody and Stalking Wolf. Iron Eyes Cody was the crying Indian in the Keep America Beautiful campaign in the 60's or 70's. Stalking Wolf was one of the last Apache (Lipan) scouts and a shaman. Every time out I police the area leaving it cleaner than when I arrived. I also leave a tobacco offering with a feather near the launch site as an offering of gratitude & thanks. I do the same when I first get on the water with tobacco offerings to the 4 directions. In addition to gratitude, in silent prayer I only ask for safe passage and that any fish I catch can be released unharmed. On the water, I try to listen to the wind and wildlife. They'll tell you things. In every way possible I try to become part of nature and not apart from it. It's as if I'm entering the holiest of holy.

 

I recognize that most folks would consider my way part of the lunatic fringe, but it's my way. I hold these two men in high regard and walking in their footsteps resonates true.

My Dad. 

8 hours ago, Crow Horse said:

Every time out I police the area leaving it cleaner than when I arrived.

 

Me too. I can't always find trash, but when I do, it goes home with me. 

 

8 hours ago, Crow Horse said:

I recognize that most folks would consider my way part of the lunatic fringe

 

Gosh, I hope not. With all the BR anglers who state, "I do me," I hope they'd recognize the importance of individuality and let you do you without judgment.

 

Like you, I try to live in gratitude. 

 

8 hours ago, Crow Horse said:

On the water, I try to listen to the wind and wildlife.

 

Oh, yeah. And the wildlife are watching us as we watch them.