When I was younger, much of my free time was spent chasing waves. Not fish — waves!
I traveled to the islands of the Caribbean, the Outer Banks of North Carolina and to the coasts of California and Mexico, all in pursuit of perfect surf. And in those travels I sometimes encountered “locals” who were less than friendly. In fact, they were downright territorial.
You see, great surf spots are like great fishing holes. They’re sacred and precious.
The locals who watch over them feel the water is theirs. Dare to trespass and you could find your vehicle ransacked and your tires slashed. Or worse, face physical confrontation. It wasn’t a common occurrence, but it happened more than you might think.
Some of the more notorious surf breaks were marked with signs stating “Locals Only!” See one of them and you should consider yourself duly warned.
So what does any of this have to do with fishing? Good question.
Guntersville gauntlet
I’m about to open up a can of worms here. Before I do, know that I have the greatest respect for people who love to fish and boat on public waterways. Before I became a professional tournament angler, I was an avid amateur angler and boater.
During the recent Bassmaster Elite Series event held on Lake Guntersville, fishing pressure was at an all-time high. Every boat ramp was packed, and getting a worthwhile fishing location to yourself was next to impossible — for the Elite pros and everyone else.
Throughout the event, I heard other Elite competitors complaining about encroachment by the “locals.” It was so bad for some they rarely set a hook in practice — fearful that they might draw attention to themselves.
As I moved around the lake, accessing it from different ramps, I began to notice something. A large percentage of the license plates were actually from other states … which made me realize that much of the pressure wasn’t from locals at all. It was from recreational anglers on vacation or there for a weekend excursion.
As the competition wore on, things got worse for some of the competitors. Those fishing “community holes” suffered the most. Bridges, humps and key grassbeds all received tremendous pressure, but not so much from local anglers. It was from the out-of-towners. You could tell by the registration letters on their boats.
Another issue was the number of smaller tournaments held on top of ours.
While everyone has a right to fish public waters, it would seem reasonable that these various clubs and tournament organizations might want to plan around an Elite event that’s scheduled many months in advance. After all, we rarely visit Guntersville, and when we do, it’s for a very brief time.
Don’t get me wrong, most of the non-competitors were very respectful. Some gave up their locations when an Elite Series competitor showed up. I witnessed this on several occasions and even experienced it myself.
Speaking for all of the Elite pros, “Thank you!”
For the anglers who held their ground, I certainly respect your decision. You have as much right to the water and the fish as any tournament pro.
But to the weekend anglers who pushed in on the Elite pros who were already there or who moved in on the spot after seeing the pro catch a few, I ask “Why? Why would you do something like that to a guy trying to earn his living when the same conduct would be considered rude and unsportsmanlike if you did it to anyone else?”
Other troubled waters
Guntersville isn’t the only place this occurs. Other famous fisheries, like Rayburn, Toledo Bend and Okeechobee see it too. Wherever the fishing is good — particularly in the spring — there’s going to be added pressure. And all too often that brings conflict.
I remember Roland Martin addressing a large weigh-in crowd during the 1995 Bassmaster Classic at High Rock Reservoir in North Carolina. He was trying to defend David Fritts, who was essentially smothered by spectator boats — many of whom handicapped his effort.
Martin chastised them, saying that what they were doing bordered on harassment. Seeing it for myself, I had to agree. It was a miracle Fritts caught anything in that event.
Things have improved for pro anglers since those days. By and large, spectators are much more respectful … and they usually keep a good distance. Technology, too, is helping. Advancements like BASSCam and BASSTrakk have made it so those wanting to follow the competition can do it from home or even on a cell phone.
As one who makes his living competing on the Elite Series, I always hope that I’ll be able to fish without interference. I’m not asking for special treatment, just the same courtesy I would extend to any other angler. I think most of my fellow pros have the same attitude and standard.