The Enigma.

[walleye express]

E-nig-ma. 1. A riddle. 2. A perplexing or baffling matter or person, ect.

I'd like to have any and all of you answer me a question. But first let me tell you something.

I went fishing today on the Bay. We caught 10 walleyes that weighed between 8 and 12 pounds. I mean some real monsters. Got back to the ramp and a big crowd gathered around our catch. I was very happy to show off our catch to everybody that wanted to see these real giants. You know the feeling; like you alone are the master of the fishing perplexion we call Saginaw Bay.

"Where did you catch them I was aksed?" "Well, I'd rather not say" "Well can you tell us what you used to catch them?" "Nope, sorry, Can't do it" "How about the technique you used?" "Sorry guys, can't share any info whatsoever about this catch with you" "You might go out there and actually catch some yourself" "Then where would that leave me on the almighty fishing prowess scale?" I'd like you all to share in my glory about catching these great fish, and look apon me as a true fishing God, but I don't want to share any info that might make you look as good as me, even by accident.

As you might all have guessed by now, this story/post is ficticious and a fabrication. And I can't and won't explain the cicumstance that prompted me to post this thread. But I'm going to guess that a whole lot of peoples eye's got real big as they were reading this post. And a lot of these same people thinking they were getting some good/usable info, would themselves never share one iota of fishing info with anybody else if their lives depended on it. I understand the crowding theory. And giving GPS numbers on message boards or on the radio would not be the best idea. But where does this "Secret Spot" mentality come from? And why is it so prolific among fishermen everywhere?

Nobody likes seeing a woods full of Orange around them when it gets to be daylight on opening day of deer season. Or 100 guys lined up elbow to elbow on their favorite river or stream. But we have over 1/2 a million acreas of water surface area on the Bay that these fish can roam in. Nobody can cover all of it alone, let alone counting on the fish to stay in that one particular area/spot for any length of time. And in my 45 years of chasing walleyes, I've absolutley concluded that just knowing where the fish are, is a very small part of the actual catching game. But I've never realized as much as I have this year, that I'm truly in the minority when it comes to openly shareing real fishing info. And I find it a perplexing enigma, that I'm actually starting to feel both used and guilty about it. :confused: :sad:

Used by the people who continue to take and never give back. And Guilty about shareing with everyone the fishing info given to me by personal friends and others. :sad:

What am I missing here? What's this truly about? I guess I'm going to have to make it clear (even to friends) not to give me any fishing info they don't want shared to some degree or another with others. Because I seem to see the fishing sport itself in a different light than most. Oh ya, all you takers can still feel free to use any fishing info shared here by me and others. Just don't hold those fish you catch because of it to high at the dock. Especially if your catch is bigger than ours. :fish2:

[Rev Doyle Israel]

There is more to the definition of enigma, It also says "The hidden meaning of that which is to be discovered or guessed".

I for one can truly say that I appreciate very much all your comments and tips of walleye fishing on the forum. Even though I am a rookie (58 year old rookie), at walleye fishing. I am positive that I am a much better fisherman this year than last year, because of all your posts and private messages to me. It's because of people like your that make this world a better place to live in........Once again I say."THANK YOU" for all your help, and helping me find the "Hidden meaning of that which was to be discovered" in this game we call Walleye fishing.......

Walleye REv.................

[MSUICEMAN]

dan, i also thank you for your help/tips/posts regarding your fishing. all too often these days people seem so competitive and the "i did better than you so ha!" attitude that a lot of people exhibit. unless it is a small hole or whatnot, i don't see why people are so tight lipped about things. I guess some people want to feel like they are superior or something.

Thanks for your informative and entertaining posts. Your posts are some of the few that I really look forward to reading.

steve

[The Whale]

I hope you don't feel "used" too much Dan. You need to look at it in a "different light", so-to-speak. I know myself, when I have had the "rare" (:D ) opportunity to share some info about a hot method or specific location concerning getting into the fish that I feel great about it. We all know there is more water and fish to cover than any one man/woman could possibly do and when I'm able to assist in a small way someone having some good fortune, I know in my heart that I have helped out another sportperson reach the "goal". That's all I need. Good times for all of us. ;)

[chamookman]

Dan - Sad to say, it falls alot on this " Me - Me - Me syndrome" that We see daily. You see it on the highway; in the store; the resturant - everywhere :sad: . Years ago We used to call it "Hollier than You" attitude. Don't have a clue as to where it comes from, but it REALLY bugs Me. Unless I'm fishing in a tournament the next day or two, I'll give people the best info I can. I like to see other folks have as much fun as I did, or not to waste thier time and head elsewhere. Bob.

[cresty]

Dan I hope you don't quit posting you are informative and do it with color. I have been lurking in the shadows on this site for two+ years only gathering information and absorbing it all. Only recently have I felt confident enough to post a report because I have learned it and can back it up with results. Maybe these people who don't share don't feel confident enough or don't have the results to show from it. This puzzle of walleye fishing is never complete. I am always looking for a new techniqueor new something. There is a ton of info out there in articles, internet and share as we do. There is a feeling of gratification by sharing that alot of people still haven't found in their lives. Sometime it only takes time. For others they will never change and will always be users.

[Jimmer]

Saginaw Bay is different than say...the Chippewa where I was fishing. A "secret spot" may only be 5' x 5' on the river, only room for one line in there!

In truth though, all it takes is looking for deep spots, structure, or a bend or change in current. If you catch a fish go back a few times. I was a bit miffed to find folks in "our spots" yesterday, but only because I knew there were fish there! :lol:
Good post though, we should share our knowledge!

[walleye express]

I do not plan to stop shareing my posts and fishing results about both spots and techniques used anytime soon. Rather it be the Bay or the Rivers. I just get mentally/emotionally confused by requests from both friends and others to not post/share anything they tell me. Especially when the spot is 1 square mile in size or larger. I'm not mad at these friends, won't hold a grudge about it, but truly don't understand their way of thinking. :confused:

[kingfisher 11]

You know I fish the bay alot also. I have no problem giving out info as long as it is sent PM. I will normally give all info needed if requested right down to specifics.

One thing I have found with fishing. You can have a guy right next to you fishing the exact same way and never get a bump while you are hammering fish. That is fishing and I am not concerned about everyone over fishing my spots. The bay is not near as crowded as fishing salmon ports. So yes, public info does increase pressure but not enough where a person can't fish.

I am a little pickier when it comes to specific spots on the ice. But that is a different story. Mainly I am tight lipped during the shiver on the river contest. I have found that the same spots I ice fish will give up fish during the summer. GPS is sure the ticket now a days.

Dan, I like reading your reports and thank you for the info you do share. Although I have never used anything you have reported I feel you have helped many and this is appreciated.

[newk8]

I am new to the post since this summer. I have read several other posts to help me become a better sportsperson. I can honestly say that I look forward to your posts everyday. I may not post as I feel far less superior in intellegence and humor,:lol: but feel as if I know you personally. I have learned more from you in one summer on how to fish the bay (have only fished it for three years). You are experiencing some of the same frustrations I have experienced this summer. I share infor with friends and then get nothing back.:bash: No report no thanks. In short just keep doing what you are doing, many, many people respect you and think highly of you!!

[Hunt4Ever]

I post what I know in hopes that someone else will do the same. There's lots of fish out there, plenty for everyone.

[JJ Mac]

I know you've been struggling with this "enigma" for sometime. I think this recent incident with friends and sharing info. just brought it to a head. The Whale hit it on the head, and in many ways you have been used. A big factor is the fact you are a charter. Many times when you offer information, there are people that will question your motives. "Is he just putting in a plug for his own business?" I see many charters who do so much for our sport take a bad rap. They get ridiculed on their own websites. They get challenged on other's websites...WC need I say more.

The bottom line is, you just are not going to make everybody happy. And at times, as you know, you have to be selective about what you report, and be prepared for "backlashes" from some people. You just have to decide if you're going to clam up or be thick-skinned. Being a charter you'll take some on the chin, you gotta be tough, and you are. The more well known you become both as charter and writer, the more critics your gonna have. But you'll have more supporters 100 fold.

There will always be those people who are secretive about their fishing. Let them be that way. They can figure things out all by themselves.

Isn't it great to live in country and time when somedays the biggest stresser or arguement you have is over fishing and boating? We are indeed blessed.

[baydog2]

Dan they say it takes all types of people to make the world go around. Heck fishing is a team sport, us fisherman against the fish. Heck I would share any kind of info as long as it help somebody else catch fish. It only gets competitive :bash: when you have a partner in your boat, right Chamook? :evil: Even then I would hand over $$$$$$ a special color lure they are hitting on. Keep up the reports and tips Dan. Baydog

[walleye express]

Being a charter you'll take some on the chin, you gotta be tough, and you are. The more well known you become both as charter and writer, the more critics your gonna have. But you'll have more supporters 100 fold.

JJ.

Thank you for the kind words. I know that you know my history pretty well on all the boards. And I certainly agree that with me being a charter Captain, my motives can and will always be questioned. And I'll be the first to tell you, that I've gotten some trips from my posts and information shareing on a lot of different message boards I post on. :rolleyes:

In essence it introduces me to these people even before our trip. I do and will continue however to go out of my way to help anybody, and not just perspective customers. It may surprise a few to know that I personally canceled 3 trips and turned down another 3 or 4 during that walleye dry spell after the MWC tourney. I will always be up-front with clients (as I am with posts) when I know the fishing is crap. If the charter business was my only monitary means of support, I might act different about it. But I'd like to think that I would not. :16suspect