Super User senile1 Posted March 14, 2011 Super User Posted March 14, 2011 It's all a semantic argument. We all agree on the skills and the fatigue involved in a four day tournament which doesn't compare to some sports requiring a much higher level of physical conditioning. By book definition, they are athletes. Otherwise, what difference does it make? They fish for bass and they are highly skilled at it. That about covers it. Define them as you wish.
GTrombly Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 I think the argument that they stand for 8 hours for so many days is ridiculous. It is basically describing any job like landscaping or construction where people are standing all day 5+ days a week all year long. My wife teaches kindergarten and she has to stand and teach all day, I don't think that makes her an athlete.
bigbassctchr101 Posted March 14, 2011 Posted March 14, 2011 Standing and balancing on one foot while the other is bouncing on the trolling motor with one hand on the rod and the net in the other at the same time swooping for a fish all while keeping boat position, tight line, and a 7lb fish in the net..... Yep....no athletic tendencies at all ;D
K.Fox Posted March 15, 2011 Author Posted March 15, 2011 Standing and balancing on one foot while the other is bouncing on the trolling motor with one hand on the rod and the net in the other at the same time swooping for a fish all while keeping boat position, tight line, and a 7lb fish in the net..... Yep....no athletic tendencies at all ;D Iron workers balance on 6inch-wide beams thousands of feet about the ground working with their hands at the same time. Athlete? Construction workers working 10hr days in the hot sun then driving home. Athlete? Football linemen? 300lb Warren Sapp ran a 40...4.69 Athlete!
Hot Rod Posted March 19, 2011 Posted March 19, 2011 Standing and balancing on one foot while the other is bouncing on the trolling motor with one hand on the rod and the net in the other at the same time swooping for a fish all while keeping boat position, tight line, and a 7lb fish in the net..... Yep....no athletic tendencies at all ;D Iron workers balance on 6inch-wide beams thousands of feet about the ground working with their hands at the same time. Athlete? Construction workers working 10hr days in the hot sun then driving home. Athlete? Football linemen? 300lb Warren Sapp ran a 40...4.69 Athlete! No, iron workers nor anyother kind of worker are not atheletes unless they are involved in a competition. The definition of athelete involves competition. They aren't competing with a crew the next block over to see who finishes their skyscrapper first. Its comparing apples to oranges. Fish in a tournament 8 hours in 3'+ waves off-shore, running a trolling motor staring down at a graph while trying to keep from being ejected from the boat. That takes incredible stamina, strength and coordination. Athelete!
Dalton Tam Posted March 20, 2011 Posted March 20, 2011 Sport is defined as: sport [ch8194] [ch8194]/sp[ch596]rt, spo[ch650]rt/ Show Spelled[spawrt, spohrt] Show IPA noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc. Define Athlete: ath·lete [ch8194] [ch8194]/[ch712]æ[ch952]lit/ Show Spelled[ath-leet] Show IPA noun a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill. If you go by definitions then a professional fisherman is an Athlete. He is trained (and most are gifted) in an activity requiring skill, therefore he is an athlete. I'd say this pair of definitions speaks for itself. Like many have been saying, there are "athletes" that aren't necessarily "fit," but they are athletes or participants in a "sport" all the same. Being very involved in wrestling for much of my life, the term "athletic" definitely has different standards for different individuals. I most certainly believe the more fit someone is the greater their individual opportunity is to be competitive in a fishing tournament. The relationship between psychological functioning and physiological capacity is positive. If someone can better handle physical stressors such as excessive heat or fatigue while still maintaining a high level of mental focus, I cannot see how it'd be argued that they wouldn't be more successful than otherwise at such a high tournament level. All in all, the argument of "who's an athlete?" and "is this or that called a sport?" is continuous and goes well beyond competitive fishing. However, when one considers the definition of the term "sport" and "athlete," I believe it would be terminologically correct to label those anglers as athletes. JP Agreed.....
Super User ww2farmer Posted March 21, 2011 Super User Posted March 21, 2011 If they are "athletes" then so am I ;D ;D ;D Is it really an athletic sport if you can do it while smoking a ciggerette or eating a hamburger? I never saw Jordon dunk with a Newport dangling from his lips. I might not be able to out fish them, but I am challenging Kenyon Hill, Mark Davis, and John Murry to a race, last guy to not stop and suck wind wins. ;D
Md Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 In Japan, the baseball players go into the clubhouse and smoke between innings. The NY Jets star quarterback Mark Sanchez was eating hotdogs on the sidelines last year during a game. What defines an athlete? I'm not sure. But I will tell you this, sign up for a FLW or BASS three day event and make the cut, fish all three days after practicing for a few days from light til dark and you will gain a TON of respect for what these guys do. Trust me.
JoePhish Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete.
Md Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete. So competitive eaters are athletes?
Dalton Tam Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete. So competitive eaters are athletes? Heck Yea! I'm an athlete!
JoePhish Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete. So competitive eaters are athletes? If they do sit-ups or some other exercise that helps them eat faster then yes. Do any of the Elites have a traning regimen that is designed specifically for fishing? ...and I'm not talking about the age old fishing exercise of 12 ounce curls
Md Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete. So competitive eaters are athletes? If they do sit-ups or some other exercise that helps them eat faster then yes. Do any of the Elites have a traning regimen that is designed specifically for fishing? ...and I'm not talking about the age old fishing exercise of 12 ounce curls As a matter of fact, yes some do. Talk to Dave Wolak, John Crews or Gerald Swindle and ask out thier workout regimen has factored into their fishing.
bigbassctchr101 Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 I think that if you do a specific exercise in order to perform at a higher level during a competition then you are an athlete. So competitive eaters are athletes? If they do sit-ups or some other exercise that helps them eat faster then yes. Do any of the Elites have a traning regimen that is designed specifically for fishing? ...and I'm not talking about the age old fishing exercise of 12 ounce curls As a matter of fact, yes some do. Talk to Dave Wolak, John Crews or Gerald Swindle and ask out thier workout regimen has factored into their fishing. Or SEVERAL others... Or just read some FLW and BASS magazines.... They talked about eating good, working out, physical and mental excercises. Even different casting techniques and strength band excercises to keep their casting and arms in shape.
Captain Obvious Posted March 21, 2011 Posted March 21, 2011 If you think that bass fishing is to easy on the physical side, just ask the G-man or Bryon Velvick about their injury's, they might tell you different. Yep these guys are athletes
K.Fox Posted March 22, 2011 Author Posted March 22, 2011 People compete for positions in the work place all the time.. "But I will tell you this, sign up for a FLW or BASS three day event and make the cut, fish all three days after practicing for a few days from light til dark and you will gain a TON of respect for what these guys do. Trust me." ---- I have! I know all about 3ft waves trying to keep your balance while looking at a screen. Doesn't make you an athlete. Eating Regiments? KVD eats his kids cookies while winning $500,000.00 events. Training regiments? Just because you are healthy and have a gym routine doesn't mean you are an athlete. I know all about back pain while fishing for days, from the physical side. I also know all about back pain from working highway construction.
Md Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 People compete for positions in the work place all the time.. "But I will tell you this, sign up for a FLW or BASS three day event and make the cut, fish all three days after practicing for a few days from light til dark and you will gain a TON of respect for what these guys do. Trust me." ---- I have! I know all about 3ft waves trying to keep your balance while looking at a screen. Doesn't make you an athlete. Eating Regiments? KVD eats his kids cookies while winning $500,000.00 events. Training regiments? Just because you are healthy and have a gym routine doesn't mean you are an athlete. I know all about back pain while fishing for days, from the physical side. I also know all about back pain from working highway construction. You don't think the Yankees $161 million dollar ace pitcher doesn't eat cookies between innings? Can he skip a jig 30 feet up under a dock with a 6 inch opening like Brian Thrift? No way. Can Thrift throw a 95 mph fastball. No way. Are golfers athletes? John Daly won the British Open while he was drunk and smoking between holes. This argument can go on forever. Competitive fishing is what it is...why try to put these guys in a class? You can't compare it to anything else because it is so specialized.
Super User Dan: Posted March 22, 2011 Super User Posted March 22, 2011 Sport is defined as: sport [ch8194] [ch8194]/sp[ch596]rt, spo[ch650]rt/ Show Spelled[spawrt, spohrt] Show IPA noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc. Define Athlete: ath·lete [ch8194] [ch8194]/[ch712]æ[ch952]lit/ Show Spelled[ath-leet] Show IPA noun a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill. If you go by definitions then a professional fisherman is an Athlete. He is trained (and most are gifted) in an activity requiring skill, therefore he is an athlete. I disagree. The definition of athlete requires "physical agility, stamina, or strength" or "physical skill" not just "skill." Fishing doesn't have that. I don't get what you guys are saying about being on a boat, operating a trolling motor, etc as being difficult exercise. If you think that's difficult then you are out of shape. Just because something requires God given talent, competitiveness, dedication, practice, hard work, or experience DOES NOT CONCLUSIVELY MAKE IT A SPORT. There are plenty of what I categorize as "activities" that require a combination or all of those things ie: singing in a choir. I don't respect someone who is successful at what I deem as "activities" any less than I respect athletes--I just put them in different categories.
Ima Bass Ninja Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 Sport is defined as: sport [ch8194] [ch8194]/sp[ch596]rt, spo[ch650]rt/ Show Spelled[spawrt, spohrt] Show IPA noun 1. an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc. Define Athlete: ath·lete [ch8194] [ch8194]/[ch712]æ[ch952]lit/ Show Spelled[ath-leet] Show IPA noun a person trained or gifted in exercises or contests involving physical agility, stamina, or strength; a participant in a sport, exercise, or game requiring physical skill. If you go by definitions then a professional fisherman is an Athlete. He is trained (and most are gifted) in an activity requiring skill, therefore he is an athlete. I disagree. The definition of athlete requires "physical agility, stamina, or strength" or "physical skill" not just "skill." Fishing doesn't have that. I don't get what you guys are saying about being on a boat, operating a trolling motor, etc as being difficult exercise. If you think that's difficult then you are out of shape. Just because something requires God given talent, competitiveness, dedication, practice, hard work, or experience DOES NOT CONCLUSIVELY MAKE IT A SPORT. There are plenty of what I categorize as "activities" that require a combination or all of those things ie: singing in a choir. I don't respect someone who is successful at what I deem as "activities" any less than I respect athletes--I just put them in different categories. The fact that FISHING is mentioned in the definition of sport,CONCLUSIVELY makes it a sport, and ATHLETE by definition is a participant in a sport, then, by definition, a professional fisherman is an ATHLETE.
bigbassctchr101 Posted March 22, 2011 Posted March 22, 2011 For all the guys that don't consider fishing a sport? If a participant in a fishing event (sport) is not an athlete, then what exactly is an athlete to you? My son plays baseball...he's 5, he plays in the dirt more than looking at the ball. But, he can throw a spinning rod and catch fish by himself. But, he's only an athlete because he plays baseball, right? Sounds like only baseball, football, basketball, etc are only considered "sports" in which "athletes" compete. If you disagree that fishing is a sport, fine, thats your right. But I would also expect you to think that bowling, golf, nascar, shooting, ping pong, etc. etc. etc. is also NOT A SPORT. Because there is no more physical god gifted talent in them sports as there is in any other. Doesn't really matter to me though, I'm an athelete! I was on the basketball team! I kept the bench warm
Super User SirSnookalot Posted March 22, 2011 Super User Posted March 22, 2011 As far as I'm concerned fishing is an activity whether it be competitive or recreational. It's no more demanding on the body than being a bank teller or market cashier. Many of those people work injured as well, bad backs, carpal tunnel not to mention the stress they deal with for a whole lot less $$. Who is to say the injuries some have are even due to fishing, I wake up with a different ache and pain everyday and I fish 7 days a week too, I must be an athlete..........HARDLY . I can't be convinced otherwise, I think the aforementioned definition needs revision.
K.Fox Posted March 23, 2011 Author Posted March 23, 2011 "You don't think the Yankees $161 million dollar ace pitcher doesn't eat cookies between innings? Can he skip a jig 30 feet up under a dock with a 6 inch opening like Brian Thrift? No way. Can Thrift throw a 95 mph fastball. No way." Exactly my point. CC has a better chance in his life of skipping a jig 30ft under a dock with a 6in opening then Thrift ever has throwing a ball 95mph.... The power at which CC throws can not be compared to skipping or any form of casting. With enough practice anyone can skip a jig with accuracy. You can practice every day for the rest of your life you are never throwing a baseball 95mph to a 6inch glove. bowling, golf, nascar, shooting, ping pong, etc, are for non athletic people that like to compete. At 5yrs old you can't tell if your son is an athlete. If it turns out he is not, he can always fish. Competitively.
Ima Bass Ninja Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 "You don't think the Yankees $161 million dollar ace pitcher doesn't eat cookies between innings? Can he skip a jig 30 feet up under a dock with a 6 inch opening like Brian Thrift? No way. Can Thrift throw a 95 mph fastball. No way." Exactly my point. CC has a better chance in his life of skipping a jig 30ft under a dock with a 6in opening then Thrift ever has throwing a ball 95mph.... The power at which CC throws can not be compared to skipping or any form of casting. With enough practice anyone can skip a jig with accuracy. You can practice every day for the rest of your life you are never throwing a baseball 95mph to a 6inch glove. bowling, golf, nascar, shooting, ping pong, etc, are for non athletic people that like to compete. At 5yrs old you can't tell if your son is an athlete. If it turns out he is not, he can always fish. Competitively. So anyone in baseball that can't throw a 95 mph fastball isn't an athelete?????...Dang sorry reggie jackson, sorry Bo Jackson, sorry to the other hundreds of baseball players y'all can't consider yourself an athlete : : :...How bout this, I've given a definition of athlete and sport that backs up my stance on the subject, how bout some of the nay sayers back up their opinion with some sort of fact. Otherwise its just an opinion..
Rangerphil Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 With enough practice anyone can skip a jig with accuracy. You can practice every day for the rest of your life you are never throwing a baseball 95mph to a 6inch glove. Why? Do you think babies are born as pitchers or do they practice from a young age to learn how to pitch? I think if you are dedicated and put in enough time, heart, and practice you can do anything! What about Rudy from ND?
bigbassctchr101 Posted March 23, 2011 Posted March 23, 2011 "You don't think the Yankees $161 million dollar ace pitcher doesn't eat cookies between innings? Can he skip a jig 30 feet up under a dock with a 6 inch opening like Brian Thrift? No way. Can Thrift throw a 95 mph fastball. No way." Exactly my point. CC has a better chance in his life of skipping a jig 30ft under a dock with a 6in opening then Thrift ever has throwing a ball 95mph.... The power at which CC throws can not be compared to skipping or any form of casting. With enough practice anyone can skip a jig with accuracy. You can practice every day for the rest of your life you are never throwing a baseball 95mph to a 6inch glove. bowling, golf, nascar, shooting, ping pong, etc, are for non athletic people that like to compete. At 5yrs old you can't tell if your son is an athlete. If it turns out he is not, he can always fish. Competitively. ANYONE can pitch....ANYONE can quarterback....ANYONE can cast or flip.... I never said they were super human. Or that the other sports are not sports. I just said that fishing was. Because just like anything else, it takes practice for them to get good enough to compete at that level. How bout this.... Practice as much as possible... Study your opponent... Stay mentally prepared... Don't give up when your behind... Learn every angle these is to know... Practice sportsmanship... Endurance/ Flexability / Mental Control / Discipline The 4 C's: Concentration - ability to maintain focus Confidence - believe in one's abilities Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals If you can tell me which one of these are qualities of a "real sport" and which of them include all sports, including fishing, then I'll agree with you. "bowling, golf, nascar, shooting, ping pong, etc, are for non athletic people that like to compete. " So, this is just for the people that didn't want to practice and play a real sport? I'm going to agree with Bass Ninja on the definition... But, everyone is intitled to their own opinion, which I will respect. But won't have to agree with.
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