When we are caught up in the throws of Cabin Fever, it is
easy to lose perspective and get taken in by the hype that is the quest to
get at the money that is in your wallet.
In light of these tight economic times, I thought a little
taste of REALITY would provide all of you some
perspective.
Reality Check List
Muskie fishing videos will make me a better Muskie angler. Not
really. Yes, it is true that embedded in the video there are
passing references to a technique but you have to put that in context.
Remember that in most instances fish caught on these videos are scouted to
increase the odds of a strike while the camera is running. That does not
translate into what you will be doing when you are on the water. Viewing a
catch is nice entertainment but it has little substance.
Tips from Muskie notables at show seminars will make me a better
Muskie angler. Not really. What
was the time to catch ratio? In other words, how much time did that Muskie
notable invest in catching that Muskie. In addition to the time actually
spent casting or trolling, you must add the time to review the body of
water and the time to set up your rods properly (assuming you are
trolling). Most show seminar speakers will not dwell on the mundane
routine of Muskie angling, choosing rather to focus on the result and not
on the steps that got the Muskie.
I can believe everything I hear from Muskie notables at a Muskie
show. Not really. That is not to
say that Muskie notables would lie or misrepresent facts. You do have to
keep in mind that what you are hearing from these show speakers centers
around enhancing their ability to make money. Yes, these Muskie speakers
are working when they are at the shows. They are promoting their video or
their guide service or their line of lures so everything in their talk is
designed to encourage you to buy something from them.
The more Muskie shows I go to the more information I will acquire.
Not really. When show speakers are
chosen, they declare a topic so that the show can promo it in their
brochure or on their website. In order to not favor one show over the
other, they will keep that same topic as they speak at other shows. To do
otherwise would run the risk of being perceived as favoring one show over
another. So If you hear a speaker at the Chicago show in early January…you
are going to hear the same spiel from that speaker at a Chicago show in
late January.
As I mentioned earlier, Muskie anglers will typically consume as much
information about our sport as they can. For the Muskie angler who has
logged time on the water and has put fish in the boat, one overwhelming
truth becomes apparent...No book, no video and no
show seminar will ever prepare you for your Muskie fishing experience
on the water.
We learn by doing not by living vicariously through the experiences of
Muskie notables imparted to us in an attempt to sell us something.
The
Muskie shows are entertainment.
You will get a better Muskie education
from the meetings of your local Muskie club than you will at a Muskie show
seminar. From Muskie show speakers, you are more likely to get ads for
their product or service or the furthering of their personal agenda rather than
information that translates into a successful Muskie adventure on the
water.
Tight lines.
