I stopped in at a tackle shop Saturday afternoon. I looked around, but didn't buy much. As I was leaving, I passed by some young guys who were teasing and laughing at another kid. I overheard them, and they were teasing this kid because he bought a new Qauntum casting reel. I turned and walked away. I've developed a no tolerance policy towards folks that bash other fisherman for their tackle choices. I've known some very good fisherman who used older tackle, and not always the latest or best and caught plenty of bass. I seriously doubt that guys who poke fun or bash others have even fished with some of the items they complain about. These days, there are so many nice rods/ reels out there it's hard to go wrong with any brand. An old buddy who is gone now, said it well. We had entered a club tournament together, and Frank showed up with 2 rods/reels. He took second place that day, fishing a spinnerbait, and a plastic worm. One young guy approached him afterward, and questioned how he could do this well , with only two rods. He said: Son, this ain't no tackle show! This is a fishin tournament. Use what works best for you! I hope that guy learned something there. I know I did. Every major tackle company makes some very good quality gear these days, so it makes no sense to bash any one brand. The mid grade tackle that's available now is way better than top end stuff from 10yrs ago. I'll never judge any fisherman for what they fish with. It's simply wrong! Do you like a 6cyl or a V8? Well, I like a V8. But I would never be critical of those that like 6cyl. If you think on it, bass fishing is really an individual sport. You can learn much from other experienced fisherman, books, videos, etc, but after all is said and done, your the one who makes the cast, hooks the fish, and lands the fish. No one does that for you. It's an unproductive waste of time bashing others for what tackle they use. Use what works best for you. I'll have no part of it. Just my own zero tolerance policy.I hope others agree.
