Talking Trash--A Lost Art?

Bryan Brasher, the editor of B.A.S.S. Times and a senior writer for B.A.S.S. publications seems to think so, or at least he indicated as much back in January of this year in an item he wrote for Bassmaster.

The point I want to make here, though, is that when I got to reading his article, I couldn't suppress the chuckle that erupted from my throat, as I quickly drew a comparison to someone who has been a good friend of mine for a long spell now...and hopefully still will be after I post this item on my blog. For a clue as to whom I'm talking about, he's been known to fish bass tournaments under a bright blue and white umbrella...color-coordinated with his Nitro bass boat, no less.

According to Brasher, "The most important part of being a good trash-talker is the ability to open your mouth without someone asking, 'Where do you get the nerve?' or 'Who exactly are you again?'"

He then goes on to explain that, "in this digital age, the world is full of trash-talkers whose only qualification is a good Wi-Fi connection. They haven't earned the right to puff out their chests. They have no data to back up their yammering, and as a result, they get crushed for it when they step over the line."

As evidence of what he was talking about, Brasher offered the example of a fisherman he knows who once fished 78 tournaments on a major professional bass trail. "His average finish in those tournaments was 66th place," he said. "Further, there were 25 times during his career when he finished 80th or lower, nine times when he finished lower than 100th, and one time when he finished an unbelievable 161st. Not exactly the kind of numbers you go on social media and taunt all your competition with," he concluded.

Granted, my good friend doesn't go on social media, but he nevertheless hangs some unbelievable stuff out there during conversations. Take, for example, a discussion that was happening under the porch of West Neck Marina Store yesterday during weigh-in. With a straight face, my friend suddenly quipped, "Reckon I'll have to fish the last couple of tournaments, so I can bag 80 pounds and walk away with Angler of the Year honors."

'Twasn't the first time he had uttered this comment, either. He said the same thing during a tournament or two back...the only one to date he has fished this season. Gotta admit it drew laughs both times, which really is what Skip is all about in the first place. He simply enjoys bringing out the light-hearted side of people.

Can't find fault with that kind of trash-talking. If anything, there should be a lot more of it, especially in times like this.