Kat-a-Log

[katfish]

Although I like teasing people about their favorite species,
there are others that are deadly serious about their fish being
best. There are no more elitist anglers than fly fishermen.
They disparage any other tactics and all species that do not
grab a fly.

I enjoy flyfishing from time to time, but I would never give up all
the other fishing opportunities. To be truthful most flyrod fishermen
never catch enough to provide flathead fishermen with bait. In
our defense, catmen almost never worry about flyrod snobs and
rarely make fun of them.

Another class of snobs are the bassmassters. Most seem to be a
copy of those they observe on TV and dress and act like little
robots. They buy fast shiny boats and dress like the TV heroes
in an attempt to be recognized by other imitators at
bass tournaments.
Some of them might understand but most are apalled
to learn that other fish eat the green fish. Most think that the idea of
bass fishing is garner loads of shiny tackle and shiny expensive
rods.
The bassmasters generally have much less understanding of
fish and their life cycles. They guage their success by who can race
down the lake fastest.
I actually enjoy bass fishing after I secure enough baits to
flathead fish. I bass fish with much less urgency than bassmaster
snobs. I hope to slip into spots and hook the largest bass possible
instead of a limit of dinky fish to win a tournament.

Muskie fishermen tend to be obsessive that only one fish deserves
any respect. These big fish are certainly difficult to catch using
techniques they insist on using.

Many fishermen may grin when they see others bluegill fishing. In
fact most fishermen have fished for bluegill and enjoyed it. I get
a chuckle when fishermen spot me bluegill fishing and I suspect
they nudge each other and giggle that a grown man goes after the
tiny fish. I don't get that as much as I used to since a few folks
realize I trade the bluegill in for a larger prize at night.

Most maligned of all fisherman are the carp anglers. But there are
times that I envy carp fishermen. In the heat of summer they can
and do catch huge hard fighting fish that are abundant in most
waters. Fishing for carp can be simple but some anglers have
quite extensive tactics and tackle.
There are even some carp elitist that insist that trophy carp
are the supreme catch. Among carp fishermen there are classes
that insist they only catch mirror carp. This is a subspecies and
perhaps a bit prettier fish but still basically a carp.

I should be the last one writing about elitism since I concentrate so
much effort on trophy flathead. I will however offer this advice.
If you plan on enjoying fishing, you are only hurting
yourself by restricting yourself to one species or even one set of tactics.
After all don't we consider an education complete when someone
proves themselves capable in several fields of studies.

I enjoy poking fun at snobs expense. They refuse to listen to
any arguments that might expand their fishing education. They
are so sure that their fish is a favorite, that they are unwilling to
explore other possibilities.
These are the guys I tell that their fish are too bony for baits.
Sometimes I will say that there should be plenty of the guys
favorite fish because nobody seems to catch any of them or
the big fish normally don't eat their favorite.
_________________
Catchabiggun,
Robby

[De§perado™]

Well said Robby. I totally agree.
_________________
On a real quiet night, You can hear the catfish laughing at me!

[SeanStone]

I guess I fall into a weird category. I do all of the above other than fly fishing....which I plan to learn in the very immediate future. I pride myself on catching large fish of each species rather than being narrow minded and chasing that one fish. I constantly find myself conflicted.... in that it takes a big bait to catch a flathead, but it takes a whole summer to find that 10+ inch bluegill. So many times knowing that I'd like to use that trophy gill as bait, I often throw it back because I know someone will appreciate that fish as much as I did.
_________________
Sean Stone