Depends on the fish. Locally the San Francisco Bay Area, we share salmon numbers, and general area in the bay for California Halibut. Rock fish, we report we caught them in a general area. Area may be 3x5 miles, but no one shares there favorite rock pile, wher they do well on rockfish. Crabs are everywhere here in the early season, until the commercials carpet bomb the area with traps. So general depths are stated, but crab areas are huge here. Salmon, is pretty much shared info. Not a big secret when 100 boats are at the secret spot. And we are fishing large open areas here. Not the kelp beds and close inshore reefs. And people share if bait or hoochies or apex lures.
Fishing Reports With Specific Location Details
- Thread starter Peahead
- Start date
Bobby
Active Member
This thread has shown some different peoples points of view and opinions , something we are all entitled
to. I recall 30 plus years ago my dad telling my brother and I not to share our location we were fishing but always be helpful if possible in all other regards to helping people . We had a cabin in Gun Boat bay pender harbour so we fished
all summer long daily. I can always remember my dad telling people one place when I knew we were somewhere else. We would be at Scotch fir and dad would say quarry bay or lasquetti and we were at sangster rock or at Epsom point and dad would say bjerre shoal. One day I slipped with my tongue being young and cocky and told people where we actually fishing the next day all the people I had told were fishing where I had said . They must have all left early to get out there before us. I had to confess to old pops I had opened my mouth and he said now you know why we don't say . Lesson learned. With that being said I believe there is a big ocean out there and if you put in the time read lots take the knowledge you have and experiment and read between the lines on some of the posts on here you will do just fine. With all my years experience I made my first trip to the west coast 4 yrs ago and we caught some fish and had a blast . In most cases the guys on here were very helpful with some information that made our trip that much better. And there is some people on here that are just plain dinkesh and have big egos to go with there big boats . And probably spend a lot of time fishing fishing alone . Would one expect a person who makes a living as a guide to sure his halibut hole #s I would think not. But probably be more than happy to share other info. Any way thanks to you all that have helped me buy your sharing info.
to. I recall 30 plus years ago my dad telling my brother and I not to share our location we were fishing but always be helpful if possible in all other regards to helping people . We had a cabin in Gun Boat bay pender harbour so we fished
all summer long daily. I can always remember my dad telling people one place when I knew we were somewhere else. We would be at Scotch fir and dad would say quarry bay or lasquetti and we were at sangster rock or at Epsom point and dad would say bjerre shoal. One day I slipped with my tongue being young and cocky and told people where we actually fishing the next day all the people I had told were fishing where I had said . They must have all left early to get out there before us. I had to confess to old pops I had opened my mouth and he said now you know why we don't say . Lesson learned. With that being said I believe there is a big ocean out there and if you put in the time read lots take the knowledge you have and experiment and read between the lines on some of the posts on here you will do just fine. With all my years experience I made my first trip to the west coast 4 yrs ago and we caught some fish and had a blast . In most cases the guys on here were very helpful with some information that made our trip that much better. And there is some people on here that are just plain dinkesh and have big egos to go with there big boats . And probably spend a lot of time fishing fishing alone . Would one expect a person who makes a living as a guide to sure his halibut hole #s I would think not. But probably be more than happy to share other info. Any way thanks to you all that have helped me buy your sharing info.
fogged in
Well-Known Member
yep
You're right about the ego's
Then again there are some great guys as well
Englishman and Craven come to mind and others for sure...but they are few and far between
A lot of guides use this site to try and show how good they are in order to get business.
When is the last time you saw a guide say got skunked today and it's dead to slow out there.
For sure, it does happen.
I believe guides are somewhere between commercial and sport...but that opinion always makes for a lot of criticism.
I believe many of us have spent a lifetime gaining fishing knowledge, which I might add, changes every season and with every area.
So..give it a go and enjoy the challenge.
Sculpin
Well-Known Member
.....and a lot of commercial fisherman trying to embed negative messages. Like this one
.
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fogged in
Well-Known Member
Not sure what you are trying to say Sculpin?.....and a lot of commercial fisherman trying to embed negative messages. Like this one
Are you saying I am a Commercial Fisherman??
What in the world would suggest to you that that I am a Commercial Fisherman in any way, shape or form?
Your post could not be further from the truth!!
I have been and always will be a for SPORT ONLY fisherman...not for cash, but for the enjoyment and the challenge of fishing and being on the water.
superstick
New Member
Let's say there is a bank that give's out free money every day.they only have say 200$ to give every first come first served.are you going to tell 4000 people on the internet .really it's a no brainer
Rum Buddies
Well-Known Member
searun
Well-Known Member
An interesting thread for sure. Not sure how folks can form the view that they are somehow owed detailed reports citing precise locations of where guys are getting their fish. I think we have all had that experience where you have found a nicely producing spot. You tell a few of your close buds, hope everyone will keep a lid on it, and within days the place is crawling with boats. Guess there are really no secrets, but why post it in flashing lights?
If someone really wants to know what is up or needs a report I'm usually happy to help if I can. However I operate on the quid pro quo plan. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. In other words, I'm happy to share info if there is honest reciprocation.
Similarly, if one of my buds is hammering fish in a location but wants to keep it quiet I'll happily go find somewhere else. Problem is if you join the action, you usually attract unwanted attention. I intentionally stayed out of a spot last season except on one occasion when I was fishing some of my buddies guests for that exact reason.
Like was posted earlier however, there are some popular locations where frankly it makes no difference.
If someone really wants to know what is up or needs a report I'm usually happy to help if I can. However I operate on the quid pro quo plan. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. In other words, I'm happy to share info if there is honest reciprocation.
Similarly, if one of my buds is hammering fish in a location but wants to keep it quiet I'll happily go find somewhere else. Problem is if you join the action, you usually attract unwanted attention. I intentionally stayed out of a spot last season except on one occasion when I was fishing some of my buddies guests for that exact reason.
Like was posted earlier however, there are some popular locations where frankly it makes no difference.
banger17
Well-Known Member
I like the above and have to agree...
I dont care if there is a report of a 50+ fish locally or no reports for 3 years, I am still going to troll the usual haunts that I like and see what happens. there is no sense posting any report unless it is somewhat factual... and if you are going to take the time to "post" and tell us all about it, ya may as well make it worth while!
Dogbreath
Well-Known Member
LOL!
I must have posted the exact same advice about where fish are off South Bowen in April & May a dozen times over the years.
searun
Well-Known Member
Indeed, like when someone posts they were out off South Bank banging the fish, that is really all the location info you need. I think the main point is simply sharing the experience and letting guys know that its worthwhile to get out and give it a go. No need to pin point and advertise in lights the precise location et al.
SpringFever2359
Well-Known Member
X2..
All my post on internet will offer honest broad info ..but never pin point exact pinacles,bays or waypoints ever....those are only shared with my closest and trusted best friends...
Thats the best part of fishing people is geting out there and finding them for yourselves...
P.s. all reports on any web site should be taken with a grain of salt..what is the poster really saying...read between the lines people....just look at the Nootka prawning reports...
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Silent knots
Member
We already have a salmon guide set for up island. At the time I had no idea we would be living on the south island so soon. I'm currently working on dates/availability with a forum member here, for halibut.
I get it, you pay lawyers for their knowledge, can't say I see any lawyers offering free services. We don't mind paying someone for their expertise. I believe in supporting local business and if we learn a few tips and meet a few people along the travels, I think it's great! We're not looking to rape someone's favorite spot or even fish where everyone else is - we like private and quiet. We want to learn and find our own spots, just trying not to be in left field when I should be in right! Can't blame a person for wanting to go home with a few halibut or salmon per year
I value shared information, won't share exact info and in turn, I'm happy to reciprocate. I would imagine there are many alike here....
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I don't think that's a realistic way of interpreting the data. For starters, each time I return to a given thread, that's another view but still the same set of eyeballs. I may have posted a report on a given thread but I may return to it more often than the number of posts I've made. I'd bet that many of those views are the same eyeballs returning time and time again. I wouldn't interpret that as not giving anything back. Second, I read reports from areas I've never fished and may never fish. I like reading the reports of others. I enjoy hearing about other's successes. I love seeing pictures of fish. I make some reports myself for the areas I fish but I look at other areas regularly. Even if I don't fish a given area, I may learn something from a report. From the reports further north, I learn when fish may show up where I fish. I may also learn a new technique.
For bottomfish, I'll give a general area (this point or that point) but not an exact spot for reasons others have already mentioned. But I'd never lie about where I caught the fish. For salmon, I'll give exact locations. Salmon are migratory and can be caught on either side of that particular "exact spot". Also, it's a big ocean (especially on the west side) and many, many locations produce fish. In the summer I really don't have a difficult time limiting on salmon so why not share the joy?
barkerfam
Well-Known Member
This is truly one of my pet peeves....
It is a big ocean and there are a lot of fish, but sometimes difficult to catch.
I spend most of my time fishing down here in Puget sound. When talking on the radio to my buddies, I am happy to share exact coordinates, depth, speed, lure/bait. what other people do who are listening in is up to them.
Purposely sending fisherman to another place by lying? Is this 4th grade? please....
It is a big ocean and there are a lot of fish, but sometimes difficult to catch.
I spend most of my time fishing down here in Puget sound. When talking on the radio to my buddies, I am happy to share exact coordinates, depth, speed, lure/bait. what other people do who are listening in is up to them.
Purposely sending fisherman to another place by lying? Is this 4th grade? please....
Franko Manini
Well-Known Member
Here's my take on getting specific about location, methods, and gear.
I think every fisherman/woman has gone out one day and slayed them, and then goes out the next day, and does it again... slays the buggers again! What a great feeling. I think that is partly what keeps us coming back. On the flip side, I would imagine that most of us have had the antithesis play out. We clobber fish all day long on the first day, and go our the next day and don't get a sniff. We sit around the boat wondering what the heck happened. Same conditions, same tide, same weather, we're marking fish, and we're using the same setup that filled the boat the day before. That's when I start looking for who brought the bananas on board.
Speaking for myself, I'd have to say that the second day failures happen just as often as the second day successes. Therefore, what I learned on day one, may or may not apply to day two, even for MYSELF. So for me to put all my specifics on the interwebs for others to interpret and duplicate (with varying days of success I might add) may, or may not help them out. Hell, that information may or may not help ME out!
I think it's a great feeling when you can go out on day two and feel like you are succeeding based on your learnings from a previous day... that feeling of really having the fish dialed in. That's great stuff. But, I really get stoked when I can figure out how to catch fish when the day one stuff doesn't work. Then you have to figure out what's different and devise a new strategy. That also adds to my fishing repertoire in many cases, and creates new tactics or learnings that I can use on future days.
In summary, I think that it really doesn't matter that much. There are definitely some things to learn, and finding the fish is half the battle, but do specifics really matter? I doubt it. Fishing and fish are too dynamic to provide any real consistency. A fisherperson's consistence comes from their ability to adapt and their willingness to give up on what worked yesterday and push for a new approach that will work today.
Just my two cents...
Now I'm going off to read the reports for this past weekend.
I think every fisherman/woman has gone out one day and slayed them, and then goes out the next day, and does it again... slays the buggers again! What a great feeling. I think that is partly what keeps us coming back. On the flip side, I would imagine that most of us have had the antithesis play out. We clobber fish all day long on the first day, and go our the next day and don't get a sniff. We sit around the boat wondering what the heck happened. Same conditions, same tide, same weather, we're marking fish, and we're using the same setup that filled the boat the day before. That's when I start looking for who brought the bananas on board.
Speaking for myself, I'd have to say that the second day failures happen just as often as the second day successes. Therefore, what I learned on day one, may or may not apply to day two, even for MYSELF. So for me to put all my specifics on the interwebs for others to interpret and duplicate (with varying days of success I might add) may, or may not help them out. Hell, that information may or may not help ME out!
I think it's a great feeling when you can go out on day two and feel like you are succeeding based on your learnings from a previous day... that feeling of really having the fish dialed in. That's great stuff. But, I really get stoked when I can figure out how to catch fish when the day one stuff doesn't work. Then you have to figure out what's different and devise a new strategy. That also adds to my fishing repertoire in many cases, and creates new tactics or learnings that I can use on future days.
In summary, I think that it really doesn't matter that much. There are definitely some things to learn, and finding the fish is half the battle, but do specifics really matter? I doubt it. Fishing and fish are too dynamic to provide any real consistency. A fisherperson's consistence comes from their ability to adapt and their willingness to give up on what worked yesterday and push for a new approach that will work today.
Just my two cents...
Now I'm going off to read the reports for this past weekend.
fishin_magician
Well-Known Member
Lol at some of the posts on this thread.
I think a few people should just buy the fishing excuse T-Shirt and call it a day.
I think what it boils down to is...what's standing in the way of those complainers becoming a "better" or "more productive" fisher? Their attitude....first...and effort...second. Just my .02
Catching fish is and being in the more productive "percentage" of anglers is not random.
At any rate, it's time some of the naysayers take a look in the mirror and stop looking to take the easy way out.
I think a few people should just buy the fishing excuse T-Shirt and call it a day.
I think what it boils down to is...what's standing in the way of those complainers becoming a "better" or "more productive" fisher? Their attitude....first...and effort...second. Just my .02
Catching fish is and being in the more productive "percentage" of anglers is not random.
At any rate, it's time some of the naysayers take a look in the mirror and stop looking to take the easy way out.
barkerfam
Well-Known Member
Just to be clear, I don't think anyone is trying to take the easy way out. We are all trying to learn. I want to become a fisherman that has a higher "percentage" of catching but need help doing so.
In other sports, you hire a coach or take a lesson. In fishing it's much more difficult. I have hired a guide at least once in each new area that I fish. I see it as a one day upper-level fishing class and always feel that it was worth the effort and expense.
I fish in Nootka for a week a year. We've been doing it as a family for 7 years now and love it. However, I do not have the ability to fish the area more than once a year and it is difficult for me to get enough accurate data to extrapolate to increase my catching rate. BECAUSE, the fish are so mobile, and change daily, I don't see the harm in letting people know what worked. This always for more accurate data collection and a way to narrow down the never-ending options.
Attitude? Effort? Because people are trying to learn more by asking others who are successful, they have the wrong attitude? The people asking are putting forth effort in trying to learn. Help them. As was said earlier, its good fish Karma.
HB
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