Fly Fishing: Fish Porn Debate (Who Do You Think You Are?)

Your defense of tattoos is admirable, but it is way more than about ink. You know my position on that. I wrote this post from three perspectives, which has lead to confusion I imagine, but generated some thoughts too. I wanted to high light the intolerance by traditionalists toward the new genre; mention the purposeful fuck you attitude by the beat down, piss on you culture, who just happen to be often heavily tatted; and reference the common, admirable goal of focusing upon the fish. Mike N. mentioned scrapping it all and starting over toward a common purpose. This is the core kernel of divide. Traditions scrapped and something new proposed. The old feel traditions are not respected and the new feel so much creativity lays before them to promote the sport, that traditions will have to catch up as the market place adapts.

Obviously, if one studies fly fishing, one sees the traditions are a varied mix of techniques. The traditions, I believe, are not about techniques, but about attitude. Not arrogance; but, rather civility, character, respect, tone, bearing. It is not about how we look, but how we treat each other. Mike is correct. Many of us on the waters or in front of or behind the counter are less than kind. I feel it all comes down to ego or pride. I have watched this play out as resistance is displayed to new techniques or equipment. A civil discussion re the new vs. present is not maintained. Rather the discussion devolves into smearing or ignoring the messenger. The messenger, out of frustration disparages the resistant one….it is all sensed and the pride and egos rise to the surface. Conversations change from specifics about a trend to generalities about how people look or live.

Lost in all this is all the participants at one time seemed to love the sport and carry themselves with a happiness and civility. Weary shop owners trying to make a living don’t make a pretense of goodwill. Employees need to flex their creds to prove their worth. Customers unnecessarily try to prove theirselves to overcome the perceived ego behind the counter. What a waste of time and goodwill. Of course, not all shop owners or customers are this way…thank goodness.

This sport has a culture, a tradition that is a mix of forces, like our society. It is a reflection of our society…for good and bad. My propensity is to turn away from the arrogance, egos, promotions, posturing and to retreat to the solitude of the sport. We can do that in this endeavor. Those that promote the sports growth, try to make money, have political agendas, have a cultural agenda will continue to fuel the divide. Civility is suffering. I don’t mean to add to it. This is a respite from much of the political/social forces, which provoke strong feeling within me. Here, I want to separate myself from those forces, yet they intrude. I read a posting at The Urban Angler where club members and wardens were subjected to threats and insults by thugs and non-traditionalists/non-stewards. Episodes like referenced to in the piece, only fuel the divide.

Read these two pieces by a female with an enormous ego…note the tone surrounding what is probably worthy views/advice (I like her gear to fly advice)…but note the tone and arrogance…http://www.thefishingoddess.com/FlyfishingEvolving.htm and here http://www.thefishingoddess.com/FlyReality_page.htm Having an opinion these days can appear uncivil or arrogant…having a view while swinging a machete is the problem. Someone needs to let some of the hot air out.

As Chris (P of T’s) said…whatever…just do your own thing. Follow the Golden Rule.

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