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Walter & Group...
[GH] Some of you may have sent messages which have been lost during my switch to a different server. If you did send one and I failed to answer either privately or for the Group, please send it again.
Gordy
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From Pat Blackwell :
Hi Gordy,
I've given a lot of thought to this statement, "recognized the he was a second class citizen using the spin." I’ve heard it may time over the years. The words maybe different but the meaning is still the same; it's derogatory, demeaning and unethical.
Having caught my first fish on a fly some 60 years ago, I believe I have enough experience to form an opinion on this subject.
Some of the biggest jerks I've had the misfortune of running into while fishing have had a fly rod in their hands. I've had fly anglers cut me off when working a run (steelhead/salmon), cast across my line, cast near me when I'm playing a fish. On several occasions I've had a fly line cast across my line when playing a fish; these offenses have occurred in lakes, rivers and on saltwater. Have I had some of these unpleasant instances occur when fishing near anglers using other types of equipment? You bet, but not nearly as often. Some of the worst offenders have been guides and/or their clients (not all were fly fishing guides). Some of the most ethical and courteous anglers I know, have no desire to fly fish, they enjoy the method they are using and hope that I am doing the same.
Ever since the "Movie" came out we've seen a huge increase in the number of anglers using fly rods. While I don't believe this is undesirable or bad, I do believe we need to do a better job of teaching manners and ethics. This needs to be done by all involved; retail shop owners/employees', guides, fellow anglers and even fly casting instructors.
I believe we (fly anglers) do ourselves a disservice by referring to anglers that use other types of equipment as "second class". If we are going to judge other anglers, let us judge them for their actions on the water (are they courteous and ethical), not for the type of equipment they use.
Gordy, I've not often been accused of being politically correct and have no intention of falling into that category. However, keep in mind, if we are going to save and improve this resource we dearly love, we need friends, we don't need to create enemies by referring to them as "second class citizens" due to equipment they use as anglers.
While this is being sent as a private message, if you would like to share my opinion with the group please feel free to do so.
Best Regards,
Pat Blackwell
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[GH] Pat,
We should not demean any method an angler chooses for his sport so long as it treats the resource and other anglers fairly and legally.
Our South Florida fishing clubs require competence in many forms of fishing in addition to fly fishing. A club angler cannot advance in rank without entering catches with spin, plug, ultralight, fly, and general (bait fishing) categories.
In the past, we have had too many "snobs". We've even witnessed the dedicated dry fly "purist" who looks down upon the wet fly angler! When an angler takes that attitude, he demeans himself, as I see it.
In this particular case, however, I interpreted that comment as as assessment of the way the child came to view it. His dad and the other adults were using fly tackle while the youngster was using spinning tackle. In his view this placed him a notch "below" the adults.
Best,
Gordy
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[GH] A few minutes ago, I opened my mail and found this verse sent by one of my sons:
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