I spent a recent weekend helping out at the championship tournament for the brand-new North American Bass Circuit.
Attending fishing tournaments is always interesting and entertaining. I enjoy talking with the competitors (always on the lookout for new tricks and techniques I can share with NAFC members). But even more, I love to check out the equipment—not just rods, reels, line and tackle, but also the boats, engines, electronics and other accessories these guys use. As always, I was impressed with the incredible sonar/side-imaging/GPS equipment, electric-motor choices, and the increasingly-popular shallow-water anchors
Talon and
Power-Pole.
After the championship, which by the way anglers
Buckley Smith and John Roundsley won by ONE-TENTH of a pound, I spent the next couple of days on the lake with the folks from Ranger Boats and Northland Tackle, marveling at and getting the scoop on the equipment they’ll soon introduce for 2012.
All this leads me to this thought: “Thank (insert your favorite deity) for smart people who can dream up and build all the amazing tools that make fishing more fun and exciting!”
I’ve had a lot of discussions, even arguments, with anglers who claim technology is the ruin of sportfishing. They say that electronic maps that break down structure in minute detail, computerized trolling motors that follow routes or hold position via GPS signals, and boats that can take you anywhere eliminate the need for actual fishing skill.
My position, first-off, is that none of that equipment can actually make a fishing decision for you, so an angler’s success rides squarely on his or her own shoulders. Second, anything that can help a fisherman execute the decisions he makes, and be more successful, is a good thing.
Success breeds confidence, which breeds participation and growth. And that’s what fishing needs right now—more than anything!
Whether you agree or disagree, I’d love to hear your feedback.