ball_coach_1 Posted March 30, 2005 Share Posted March 30, 2005 I am uncertain of how to take all of the recent publicity for bass fishing - especially all the TV time now given to the sport on ESPN (Bass Saturday). On one hand, I am pleased a great sport is getting the pub - maybe it gets kids interested in something that will keep them out of trouble elsewhere. Also, maybe it opens eyes to the preservation of the species and their habitats. BUT...on the other hand, I feel maybe it is NOT such a good thing. What if all the publicity gets more boats/lines/lures on the water. I see more boats on the water now than I want to see. Isn't more publicity going to create more pressure on waters that already have more than enough pressure? Doesn't that make for more poor days of fishing than good in comparison. I read all the time about the 'good ole days' when bass fishing was just getting started and the stringers were HUGE. Curious to read some opinions - certainly my mind will be opened to some others' thouhgts. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GamblerFL Posted March 30, 2005 Share Posted March 30, 2005 I'm not sure if it is good or bad. Unlike golf or bowling it isnt a sport that most people will jump into with both feet. I would think there is a chance that maybe some smaller waters might have a few more people fishing from land or off of a dock. I dont know how many people new to fishing would rush out and buy a boat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_Barr Posted March 30, 2005 Share Posted March 30, 2005 we will have to wait and see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User Marty Posted March 30, 2005 Super User Share Posted March 30, 2005 A lot of people talk about the need to "grow the sport." Maybe they're referring to the professional aspects because they'd like to make their living that way. As a recreational fisherman, that has no meaning for me. But as far as getting a lot more people involved, I share your concerns. It's not like there are too few anglers chasing a fixed bass population and it's not like our lakes and ponds need more boats out there on Saturday and Sunday mornings. For selfish reasons, I don't want this sport to grow wildly in popularity. They can build more bowling alleys and golf courses if those sports grow, but new lakes won't be that easy to come by. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tritonman Posted March 30, 2005 Share Posted March 30, 2005 The more people in tournaments... the more people to fill my pockets with my winnings ;D ;D No really, I think its great to get all that exposure on tv, it's a honest sport, which anybody can do, large, small young, old, female or male. You don't need steroids to do it. You can have the most expensive bass boat out there and still lose to the guy with the $400.00 jon boat. Hopefully it will encourage the young to join the sport and get away from the video games and enjoy the outdoors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ball_coach_1 Posted March 30, 2005 Author Share Posted March 30, 2005 Interesting so far. Appreciate the initial replies. Think I am leaning towards the 'not so excited' about growing the sport. In my view, the most discouraging thing I ever face on the water - pressure. I have a hunch that all the current publicity is going to make fishing tougher for the weekend / 5 or 6 days a month fisherman. More boats - more traffic - more crowds at the ramps. I do see the business end of it, and for the professional fisherman, suddenly the purses and sponsors can go through the ceiling. But for 98% of us, that means absolutely nothing positive. Still keeping an open mind to views and opinions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter6598 Posted March 30, 2005 Share Posted March 30, 2005 I feel that it's great to get this much publicity. Granted if it puts more people on the water it's going to lead to more conforntation between boaters. As far as it hurting a fixed population, in my opinion that's a complete false. I think it does nothing but help. Granted you may stop catching the numbers but you'll be catching better fish. Lets take Mexico lakes for example. They say that the reason they grow big bass is because those lakes are catch and release. I say that's false. I believe that it's several things. The growing season is longer, and the talpia are a high protein baitfish, but what keeps those populations in check, from my beliefs, is the commerical fish allowed on those lakes by use of netting. Maybe Raul can comment on this considering he's in Mexico. I may have it all wrong! Some can relate to this. You have a pond and as a kid you caught some monster bass out of that pond, but now all you catch is hundreds of little fish. That's because the pond has reproduced so well that it's now over populated and the food supply won't support the numbers. Some of those fish need to be taken out to keep everything in check! Granted I believe in catch and release but more people out on the waters isn't going to hurt the populations of Most lakes! Just my 2 cents! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hookem19 Posted March 31, 2005 Share Posted March 31, 2005 couple months ago i was lying around the house one saturday and sunday morning and they have the FLW shows on ESPn and i started watching those for a couple of weeks and i began thinking that i have the access to water and i have a pole just need to buy some tackle. since i was 5 i had been saltwater fishing but my dad hates fishing and only took us because he didn't want to keep us from experiencing it for ourselves. so i was a little skeptical but once i saw those shows i was like i want to do that... so here i am months later with a full tackle box, thinking about buying a new rod and reel combo, caught a 5.5 lb bass that i didn't know existed out at my ranch, and my friends and i plan on fishing all summer long and maybe even taking a road trip to some of the major lakes in texas... because i saw those shows i found this website, i got a couple of friends into bassin', i have something to do on the weekends instead of partying, something worthwhile to spend my money on, and hopefully i'll keep this hobby and obsession up and pass it on... because someone sees the shows doesn't mean they are going to fish the same body of water and stringers still can be huge you might just be fishing the wrong body of water and you might need to expand your territory that you fish...and don't be selfish ;D the new fisherman are just trying to experience the greatness of bass fishing that everyone keeps talking about! HP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John in NW PA Posted March 31, 2005 Share Posted March 31, 2005 From what I have read, the numbers of people fishing are declining. And we all know there are plenty of folks out there that would like to see even less of us. If the publicity gets more people buying licenses and getting out fishing, it's a good thing. We gain political power - more attention to clean water, developing new fisheries and maintaining the facilities we currently have. While it may mean more people on the water, we can all benefit in the long run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ball_coach_1 Posted March 31, 2005 Author Share Posted March 31, 2005 John / Hookem / Skeeter, Really enjoyed all your posts. I told you I will have an open mind, and you have given some good opinions to think about in posts. After reading those past three, I can see all points being good ones. Not sure I have ever heard the stat about less people fishing, but I am not saying I doubt it either. My son is 2 1/2, and I took him on the boat in the late summer, and he actually carries around a stuffed bass I bought at BassPro Shop for Christmas. "Sish" - I love that. I want him to be in love with it as much as I am. The point of being "selfish" hit home a bit - I guess if I am against more being on the water in a certain way I am being a bit selfish. Thanks for the new insight fellas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skeeter6598 Posted March 31, 2005 Share Posted March 31, 2005 Hey no problem. Didn't want to make you feel like I was coming down on you at all. I completely understand you're point. I just think the benefits out weigh the negatives of it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fatbass Posted March 31, 2005 Share Posted March 31, 2005 Fishing is an activity/sport that nearly anyone can take part in. Not everyone can don pads and jerseys and be successful or at least find a pick-up game. The tournament purses get larger through advertising and demand. DNR revenues increase through licensing and fees. Better maintained fisheries. Greater demand stimulates competitiveness and innovation. We get better equipment every year with which to find, target, and catch fish. Higher boat and shore trafffic is a drag. Unscrupulous sportsmen leaving refuse behind is a real drag. just a couple thoughts, Fatz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yankee_lake Posted April 1, 2005 Share Posted April 1, 2005 Well look at texas hold em poker for example, it was always there but just became big... then u go well i always played poker now its just big.. I hate when ppl dont realize your the original person doing it, does anyone know what I mean lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattlinrogue Posted April 5, 2005 Share Posted April 5, 2005 I'm totally pleased with the coverage of our great sport Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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