Patrick,
I'm afraid that I have to disagree with your comment about fewer
reports.
This past week alone has seen some of the best reports I can
recall, including several on fishing the Yakima and some follow ups
on nymphing techniques. There have also been some wonderful posts on
using small size patterns for chums.
All fishermen, like you and I, will keep their best spots to
themselves, for the simple reason that they'll quickly become
overrun, even by other well-intentioned C&R fly fishermen.
However, there's also a recession at play which, along with the
fallout from the Day Everything Changed, has made for some rather
stressful times.
I for one have had my head down and been working my ass off,
grateful every minute that I've got a job and am not facing a layoff
notice. I've been out fishing exactly 3 times since the middle of
August.
When I'm able to get away (and it's not to one of my favorite
secret spots ;-) I'll post a report. Until then, I enjoy living
vicariously through the fishing reports of others.
I also have to disagree with your comment on beginner
posts.
I enjoy the enthusiasm of the newbies who have recently joined
our list. I respect their willingness to learn and the candor and
openness of those who have graciously responded to their questions,
however elementary they might seem to others. Although I'm far from a
beginner, I've learned something new from nearly every thread that
their posts have generated.
Flyfishing is often dismissed as an elitist sport. To the extent
that we attempt to exclude others less experienced than ourselves, we
help to reinforce that criticism.
As Ray Kroc said: "None of us is as good as all of
us."
Kent Lufkin
I have noticed over the last year that the reports have become fewer and fewer on the waflyfishers list. Is this due to so many new members asking basic questions on where and what? I personally have contributed a weekly report discussing tactics and locations but have noticed the senior members contributing virtually nothing except for clarification on the regs. I have seen the sport grow in the last ten years to record numbers. That said, perhaps it is possible that many members are tired of seeing the crowds in their favorite fishing holes, myself included. Perhaps waflyfishers could offer a second list to the beginners so not to be bombarded the list with the same old questions and to entice more information from those grungy old fly fishers. I miss seeing the posts of the likes of Leland, Preston, Les J, and others who have fished for years. Fly fishing is so diverse in its methods and fish to fish for and I enjoy reading about most of it including&nbs! ! p; the Yakima even though I never fish there, but lets try not to become just another fishing list, with the same beginner questions over and over. If beginners want to read some information on Washington fly fishing, try the archives. Also, try using your spell check so you do not look like you are illiterate.
--- PATRICK PETERSEN
--- [EMAIL PROTECTED]
