HOOK, LINE & SINKER

Anyone can pirate a fishing honey hole. Why not find your own spot?

No one owns our local fishing spots, but are you a leader or a shadow?

Unless you have a private pond, you don’t own your favorite fishing honey hole. Here are some ideas and thoughts to ponder: are you a respectful individual or a steal-other’s-effort guy? Are you smart enough to see someone catching fish and go find a similar place? Or are you just waiting for them to leave and you steal that spot? Yes, it is legal, but it also speaks to your lack of moral compass. The easy way is disrespectful.

Life is full of choices. We can choose the high road or slither on the low road. Is catching a fish more important to you than respecting fellow fishermen or guides? You need to consider something that Capt. Steve Huff, the world-famous backcountry guide, told a fisherman wanting to tell him where the tarpon were today. He thanked the man and explained that he would find it himself. A real fisherman takes pride in discovering things by himself.

Many don’t understand this concept today. Many just never enjoyed doing it themselves. With social media places to show off and brag we might forget our manners, if we were taught any. The need to be a big dog is greater than our self-respect. Just remember the lead dog is the only one who does not look at dog butts. Certainly, the lack of respect is a huge problem in today’s world.

We recently had an idea that we called “Respect the fish.” It helped save our tarpon fishery. It grew to tens of thousands all over the country because of the voice available with social media. I hope it reignites and respect comes back stronger than ever. This does not apply just to fishing, but everywhere in our lives.

Respect starts individually. In fishing, learning to discover your own fish is special and something to take pride in. Anyone can pirate a spot. Just consider how much pride and self-respect you gain if you find your own spots.

Now, understand that you are not likely to find a NEW place that no one else fishes. It’s the discovery on your own that shows that you that you are a leader, not a follower. Observe the boat catching fish from a considerable distance. Figure out why fish are holding there. Consider the habitat, current flow, food available and lack of boating pressure. Then find similar places and learn.

Are fish staging to move or moving? What is predictable? Why are they here, moving, or gone today? Use your brain and become the fisherman and person you want to be.

You might be surprised as to how much this behavior will positively change your perspective and life. Respect is earned and it’s almost a lost thing in today’s world. Grow and gain respect. Share respect and observe how the big dogs start to help you since you stopped stepping on their toes. Or keep looking at backsides?

Capt. Van Hubbard’s column Hook, Line and Sinker began in the Boca Beacon in 1988. He lives in Placida. Email him at captvanhubbard@gmail.com