This is a follow-up post
from my “To Fish With or Without Someone” post. Today I thought I would discuss
the following characteristics that I think make a good fishing partner. I
realize this may not be that important to some of you guys, but for me, as I get
older it is something that I tend to focus on when I am fishing with someone else.
So I will start with the one I consider the most important for me:
I really enjoy fishing
with someone who loves the sport as much as I do.
I prefer to fish with fly
fishermen, this is especially true if I am fishing from my boat or fishing from
the boat of another individual. It really makes it difficult if the individual
in the boat with you is baitcasting and you are trying to fly fish. The speed
difference is tremendous between the baitcasting reel versus the fly reel.
A fishing partner with a good personality can go a long way in determining whether or not you have an
enjoyable trip.
Someone who is very
knowledgeable of the sport and is willing to share information about the sport
as well.
Fishing etiquette, by that
I mean someone who is not selfless in sharing fishing space on a stream or
fishing from a boat; if you are fishing in the front of the boat leave water
for your partner to land fish as well. I always try to share any productive spot
I am fishing with my fishing partner, especially if that individual isn’t
landing fish; an example of what I am referring to is my last fishing trip on Walker County Lake this year:
Ivan one of my fishing
buddies was fishing with me that morning. He decided to fish the west side of
the lake in his little aluminum boat and I decided to fish the east side of the
lake in my Pelican. We both knew that the spawn was coming to a close, so we
needed all the advantage we could muster. I found spawning bluegill first and wanted
to share my find with him, especially after learning he had not landed any big
bull bluegills. I pulled his aluminum boat to the spot and he was able to land
some super size gills from the spot as well.
Over the years I have
fished with lots of individuals who I consider great fishing partners, but there are a
few I would have left behind.
Thanks Bill for the good points made about fishing partners. In addition to a shared passion and a real consideration for others, I would add that it's good to have a partner who lives close enough to occasionally go fishing with you on a whim. I have a problem finding good angling partners because I fly-fish all the time but live in the middle of nowhere. Making plans to fish with others on short notice can be difficult.
ReplyDeleteA quote from Walton..."study to be quiet"
ReplyDeleteI was talking to A.K. Best at a fly tying demo one day and asked him if he still fishes with John Gierach. A.K. replied, No not too much, I think he's afraid he'll have to carry me out. For folks on the downhill side, I think all I want to do is fish with someone who can carry me out.
ReplyDeleteBill, I applaud you for being willing to write this post. This is a tricky topic I think for all of us. Especially, as we get older, because safety plays a factor, too. I have had good experiences with fishing friends and some bad ones, too. I primarily fish by myself or with other family members at this point.
ReplyDeleteWalt
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to have fellow retires who can fish with me quite often. Thanks for the comment
Alan--thanks for the comment
ReplyDeleteHoward
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to have a companion along not only for the fishing pleasure but for security as well. Thanks for the comment
Mel
ReplyDeleteI must admit I may have been a little blunt in stating some of my characteristics, but I know deep down all of us have experienced fishing partners on the edge over the years. I am a very easy going guy and love to fish with anyone who is willing to spend time on the water with me, but as I stated in my post there are a very few who I really didn't enjoy fishing with. Thanks for the comment
From what i have read, if you lived out here in Colorado we would have no problem getting along.My dedication and devotion to the sport is way beyond most people
ReplyDeleteSagetrout out
One word...Alan (aka Brt Trt)
ReplyDeleteSagetrout
ReplyDeleteYou sound like my kind of fishing partner as well---wish we could get together--thanks for the comment
Mark
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment
Bill,if you ever get out this way,put a post up.I cant seem to find anyone that wants to tag along.I can show you places that would make your head spin,not that you don't already fish in a beautiful place.The high country is a whole different world and i am not talking about being high from you know what
ReplyDeleteSagetrout out
I went fishing with a gal this last weekend that made a great fishing buddy. She didn't complain, she knew her bugs and what flies to use, she kept her distance between us when we fished in the same general area, she offered to pay for her share of gas and food, she ran downstream to take a picture of my fish, and she was agreeable to trying new water and finding new places to fish. Most of all, she was FUN to be with! Thoroughly enjoyed our fishing day. Yes, the best advice to all is to be that fishing buddy that you would like to have. She was a great example to me and made the journey pleasant.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lucky man to have a great fishing companion...
ReplyDeleteRD
ReplyDeleteA treasured fishing partner, one that we all strive to fish with. Thanks for the comment
Sagetrout
ReplyDeleteI hope we can make it happen before I hang up the fly rod. Thanks for the invitation
Pen
ReplyDeleteI am lucky I have a couple of guys I fish with often and enjoy fishing with both--thanks for the comment
My fishing partner bought his family kayaks. Now, I never see him. Another is so busy with work and family.m had lunch with someone I met online and gave him a broken rod. We have yet to fish or float as we've ben talking about it for a year or so. Keeping my eye out for a new one.
ReplyDeleteJosh
ReplyDeleteHope it works out for you guys to make a trip together. Thanks for the comment