What has happened to the birth place of SOT fishing?

[BrokeLoser]

Originally Posted by rhyak

Whats happened... I am talking So-Cal in general

Multiple Forums down here in So-Cal all have few to no post on a weekly basis... Whats up with that.

LJ fished daily, no reports to really speak of.
Takes 8-10 post to actually find pictures of our awesome fishery.
The bay's is fished daily if not weekly for sure, rarely a report.
There are a couple 1000 members on here with not even half of you being active at all. Whats your deal?


When a good report does get posted fail not someone will come over and bash it... So why post right that is how I look at it.

Should I, "NO"
Should you "NO"
Post away.

What I am saying is there are forums up and down the rest of this county that are just flourishing right now and the So-Cal ones not so much...

Is it the MLPA causing it, I don't think so.
The MLPA is young in SoCal. Been around on the Central Coast for a decade.


Do not want this to turn into a locked thread so lets keep it light.
But what is going on down here but no where else in the country?

I don't intend to offend you with this but lets be honest; in 18 months you've only posted an average of 4.67 times per month. You're not exactly super "active" around here.
What is it you expect to gain personally with regard to whether or not this forum is blowing up?
It's been said here over and over that "honey hole" locations and or hot spot numbers will not be given while they're hot. All you'll really ever get out of a "fish report" is another photo of another yellowtail, halibut, WSB...etc etc. If that's what excites you I'd suggest the following: www.google.com then type in yellowtail / halibut / WSB and click images.

If it's information related to your kayak and how to make it better you're after then their is a shit-ton of that info already here and if it's not already here then their are a shit-ton of people here that love to be helpful. (just don't ask them where to catch fish...haha)

[wiredantz]

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

I don't intend to offend you with this but lets be honest; in 18 months you've only posted an average of 4.67 times per month. You're not exactly super "active" around here.
What is it you expect to gain personally with regard to whether or not this forum is blowing up?
It's been said here over and over that "honey hole" locations and or hot spot numbers will not be given while they're hot. All you'll really ever get out of a "fish report" is another photo of another yellowtail, halibut, WSB...etc etc. If that's what excites you I'd suggest the following: www.google.com then type in yellowtail / halibut / WSB and click images.

If it's information related to your kayak and how to make it better you're after then their is a shit-ton of that info already here and if it's not already here then their are a shit-ton of people here that love to be helpful. (just don't ask them where to catch fish...haha)

just fyi: ryan is a legend



he is one of those guys that drinks DOS Xs beer


one time his kayak sank and he split the waters so he can walk on dry land to little harbor

or something like that


and I think he runs central kayak fishing forum

just fyi

[BrokeLoser]

Originally Posted by wiredantz

just fyi: ryan is a legend



he is one of those guys that drinks DOS Xs beer


one time his kayak sank and he split the waters so he can walk on dry land to little harbor

or something like that


and I think he runs central kayak fishing forum

just fyi

A legend?
Like Babe Ruth and Michael Jordan?

[kareem korn]

Is this a fish report?

[Aaron&Julie]

X3 What wiredantz and PAL said.

Sometimes it feels like we're the only ones posting a timely report (within 1-3 days) anymore even when we don't score.
The degree to which we post has gone down due to personal factors that have seen us go only 4 times in the last year and a half and that was within these last 3 months. 3 out of 4 trips were reported we believe.

We agree with wiredantz and PAL on the main issues they pointed out, especially the code groups. Think about it, there are some top notch guides who do get people on fish. If reports were posted right away by the guides or customers, when they scored all of those yellows and whites it could only hurt their business for the next few days, as every PBer and kayaker would hit the water and take over the area. The customers still post, but from what we've seen typically it's well after a bite, weeks and months at times. Sure, they'll give kudos to their guide, but it sure doesn't help another kayaker out.

We go when we can go, and we almost always post a detailed report ASAP, without leaving anything out. Sure, it would be great to know that a bite's going on, just don't count on finding one a SoCal kayak fishing website.

We could give a flying Wallenda why others have their reasons for not posting timely reports. But if you see one from us, you might give the lengthy report a glance that it might help you soon after

[jorluivil]

Originally Posted by Aaron&Julie

X3 What wiredantz and PAL said.

Sometimes it feels like we're the only ones posting a timely report (within 1-3 days) anymore even when we don't score.
The degree to which we post has gone down due to personal factors that have seen us go only 4 times in the last year and a half and that was within these last 3 months. 3 out of 4 trips were reported we believe.

We agree with wiredantz and PAL on the main issues they pointed out, especially the code groups. Think about it, there are some top notch guides who do get people on fish. If reports were posted right away by the guides or customers, when they scored all of those yellows and whites it could only hurt their business for the next few days, as every PBer and kayaker would hit the water and take over the area. The customers still post, but from what we've seen typically it's well after a bite, weeks and months at times. Sure, they'll give kudos to their guide, but it sure doesn't help another kayaker out.

We go when we can go, and we almost always post a detailed report ASAP, without leaving anything out. Sure, it would be great to know that a bite's going on, just don't count on finding one a SoCal kayak fishing website.

We could give a flying Wallenda why others have their reasons for not posting timely reports. But if you see one from us, you might give the lengthy report a glance that it might help you soon after

Well said

[Fiskadoro]

Originally Posted by Aaron&Julie

Think about it, there are some top notch guides who do get people on fish. If reports were posted right away by the guides or customers, when they scored all of those yellows and whites it could only hurt their business for the next few days, as every PBer and kayaker would hit the water and take over the area.... We could give a flying Wallenda why others have their reasons for not posting timely reports. But if you see one from us, you might give the lengthy report a glance that it might help you soon after

If it was just about guides it would be one thing, that makes sense, but that is not only what it's about.

What get's me about the whole report thing is the double standards and how some have used this issue to attack others they simply do not like for one reason or another, and in the process kind of ruined it for everyone.

Some can post anything they want and another says something like "Seabass are in the kelp in the spring before they spawn... go get them!" and same people act like it's the end of the world.

Bashing people for sharing info become a way to put down newbies or enforce the somewhat highschoolish clique mentality. Newbies come in get excited about the new sport and want to post and share and then they get shot down.

The people behind this stuff are pretty obvious, and their posts clearly show their motivations.

5, 10, 15 posts 20 posts in five or six years all either attacking those who do share info or telling others that they should never post any info online. The question is if they are so against helping others why are they even here in the first place.

Some of these guys are long time members of the kayak community. I'd say it's about them flexing their muscles as the self proclaimed "Pioneers of Kayaking" while at the same time trying to block or deny access to anyone who brings new talent or even worse God forbid new ideas to the game.

For instance I remember the first time someone suggested that a thru hull transducer or one in the water might give better results then gluing one in your hull and a long time poster instantly came back and said: "All you need to kayak fish is a rod a rope and a gaff and the rest of this tech stuff is just total B.S. "

Years later in the age of Gopros and high tech Hummingbird finders that seems ridiculously comical but it was obviously about protecting what that poster saw as his status quot.


I think in the kayak community there are several factors that have come up that have kind of killed the report posting. Some are legitimate others are simply petty, but they have had significant impact,

The truth is there are reports that if posted will lead to overcrowding and overfishing and there are reports that don't lead to overcrowding and over fishing, and the good long time posters (blackcloud9 comes to mind) know the difference, and still post some great reports.

Unfortunately at the same time you have a segment of the community that wants to pretend that sharing any info or posting any report is bad. They don't share info. They do not want anyone else sharing info either.

The shame is rather then educating posters about what they can and should post these long time members of the community just want to shut everyone down for their own selfish reasons. That mentality has spread and as a result they've tainted the well for everyone.

[Aaron&Julie]

Originally Posted by Fiskadoro

If it was just about guides it would be one thing, that makes sense, but that is not only what it's about.

What get's me about the whole report thing is the double standards and how some have used this issue to attack others they simply do not like for one reason or another, and in the process kind of ruined it for everyone.

Bashing people for sharing info become a way to put down newbies or enforce the somewhat highschoolish clique mentality.....

You know that, we know that, and others too. Put once the food is spoiled there's not a whole lot you can do about it, it won't taste the same.

Not succumbing to peer pressure is difficult, no doubt most difficult to newbies. When an experienced 'yaker will show them the ropes so their learning curve shoots up, but is told to keep their success quiet to prevent an onslaught of others to ruin the fishing, what are they likely to do? They do have a choice: #1 join with the clique/experienced 'yaker or #2 say "screw it", I'll do as I please. Odds are 98% of them will go with #1. We're happy to be the 2%ers and do #2 (please no potty jokes) that still enjoy openly trying to help out everyone. We are happy to give feedback, when sharing information on the beach, on the internet and OTW, too. That is if you don't become a barnacle and cling to us where ever we go. Not many want that, that's one of the things guides are for, and one of the niceties of 'yaking on the ocean, some solitude. We've had some barnacles in years past, it was a bad as trying to shake a big "dog" from stealing all of your mackerel. Sure it's nice if you see rods bent in the distance or an experienced 'yaker out there and head in those directions. No one wants to miss a hot bite. Just be considerate enough not to follow them everywhere they go.

When we started this great sport 10 years ago, we received excellent beginners information through open communication on the websites we visited, mostly from the DPKFM website and guys like Quietman, Piranha and Yani. We received good info on this website as well, about fishing high and low with macks, and timely reports of fish being caught.

We never received a PM about a hot bite. We haven't modernized to fish finders or peddlers, yet. (Probably be bashed for mentioning that one). We put in our time, more time, more time, and still do. Our 4 trips in the last 3 months (only ones in 1.5 years) returned some good eating bottomfish, and a 23lb yellowtail. Not great, but it's time well spent, because we both love everything about kayak fishing, which includes helping out those just learning the game, openly and without discrimination. Some people just aren't with the program anymore on that last part. Eh, what are going to do #1 or #2?

This thread went from a very constructive discussion, to zeroing in on JUST Fish Reports. The topic of posting ish reports has been debated way too many times since I've become active on this forum. Why do we continue to talk about the same topic? It always ends in a closure. Have we learned nothing?

[rhyak]

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

What is it you expect to gain personally with regard to whether or not this forum is blowing up?

Will not gain a thing personally, and do not expect to gain a thing.

Originally Posted by BrokeLoser

I don't intend to offend you with this but lets be honest; in 18 months you've only posted an average of 4.67 times per month. You're not exactly super "active" around here.

Your right, but as other said, I drink Dos X...

Guys so everyone is clear, I am not bashing anyone and not trying to gain a thing what could I possibly gain by this, why does everyone worry about what others will gain from something else. I feel like I am pretty selfless when it comes to this sport, and why I asked the question to start with. Trying to get positive feedback but not finding much.

Hope I get a chance to meet all of you some day on the water. We can share stories and a good time.

Ryan

[lamb]

When I see even Chuck D chippin’ in on the subject, I can’t ignore it any more…

With the exception of some of you guys going at each other, lots of good stuff has been said.

Be rest assured, all lot of us have been having this conversation. It has been puzzling me for a long time… And I am still trying to figure it out.

There is something to be said about the fact it all pretty much started here in SoCal. I hope it’s not the sign of things to come for other parts of the country.

There is something to be said about general SoCal attitude – my spot, my paddy, my bite, my wave… Especially the general hostile attitude towards each other of SoCal fisherman… Ugh... “F’k you” screamed out from the top of your lungs is the most common communication exchange you can hear on the water between the two fishing boats… ...after ignoring each other, that’s probably the most common one.

In March this year, we went down to Florida, KFS was sponsoring Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic. It was pouring for days, we’re talking some serious rain… Windows were 25 knots… 400+ people showed up for the tournament. I could not believe my eyes. Buncha’ awesome folks, great kayak fishing community they’ve got down in Jax.

In August, we went up to NorCal for Albion Open. It was the coolest event with the nicest people I’ve ever been to. Everyone having a blast, the whole camp site pretty much exclusively occupied by kayak fishermen attending the event and their families, good times 24 x 7 for 3 days…

Needless to say – I can wait to go back to both events next year.

It is very true that the internet is evolving, and so is everything that’s riding on it. No one has control over that. Look at the forums 10+ years ago, waaay before FB. The Web provided new platform for folks that share any common interest, People jumped on board to socialize and exchange info, help each other out, and help become better in whatever they were into. What a great concept...

Bragging has always been a big part of fishing. Lots of folks just couldn't resist to utilize this wonderful platform to let the world know about their awesome catch, get some recognition and establish the name for themselves. Oh, the web 1.0 generation…

But you can only brag so much… and very few people get into the sport exclusively for bragging. It’s the personal joy and satisfaction that turns each one of us into anything we do… Personal and internet are kind of ambiguous terms these days, aren't they?

Generational turnover is another phenomena. Folks come and go. Especially with kayak fishing – the turnover is pretty high. Say what you will but it is pretty demanding sport, and only a small percentage of even fisherman will dig and be cool with all the extra effort and obstacles that are required if you were going to do it on a piece of plastics. Do not overlook that part. Many kayakers that either started fishing on the power boat, or got one after experiencing kayak fishing, will tell you that. I am talking about that chill in your bones you get when NW wind is 10+ in December and your arms are wet from a friggen water that keeps dripping down your paddle… or that water that made it down inside of your splash jacket when you picked up that wave in your face during the launch 4 AM, and made the shirt on your belly all wet.

Then there are personal situations, life events that all of us get hit up with without warning, that simply put any “extra-curriculum” activities such as fishing or visiting fishing forum on hold. Health problems, family problems, job troubles.... I’ve personally had a number of those over the years that would make me skip out of even checking BWE for weeks!!!… and I even “work” here!

And sure, there’s lame arse attitude that some people bring to public forums. All of us admins and mods have been continually struggling with that for years. While we’re trying NOT to moderate too heavily (as most of you know there are times where you feel every 2nd response on a given thread should be nuked )… Luckilly, at least in BWE case that is still alive after all these years, there is enough cool folks that the general vibe that prevails is still a positive one. And all of us that struggle to find the time to run this thing find enough justification to help keep it going.

I agree 100% with what Paul said. The saddest thing we have right now is the collapse of the SoCal kayak fishing tournament scene. I’ve had enough conversations with people that are into the sport and in the industry, that are equally bummed about this fact, that I’m really hopeful that we will all come together and change that around in 2014.

Stay tuned!

[rhyak]

Well Put...

[Raskal311]

I can't agree with Lamb more! the only thing i'd like to add is there are very few of those My My My people here but the problem is they are the loudest. Quick to jump on newbs with those put your time on the water and figure it out remarks... Huge turn off in terms of wanting to participate more.