However, that phrase has become synonymous with people who go about their daily chores seemingly in a fog, as they stare down at the screens on their cellphones. The same thing can be said about anglers who seemingly can't get out of the trance they appear to be in as they stare at that monitor on the bow of their high-priced bass rigs far more of the time than they spend actually fishing.
The way I see it, these "gadgets," as I like to collectively refer to them, have made "fools," or worse, "idiots" of otherwise intelligent human beings. They take their cellphones everywhere...including behind the wheel of a car in motion. These drivers generally are easy enough to spot. If a car keeps crossing the centerline and/or backing up other traffic, it's a pretty safe bet the driver is concentrating more on holding a phone conversation or texting session than maintaining the speed limit and arriving safely at his/her destination.
"I'm concerned about the younger generation of anglers who are coming into the sport. I've watched them. They don't cast until they see a fish on the screen. Are they learning basic fish-finding skills and using natural instincts that are so critical to becoming a great angler?
"My point isn't to ridicule FFS. It's an incredible tool that can make you better in some situations. But, when over-utilized, it can be a time-waster and detract you from employing your brain or using instincts that are the keys to consistent bass-fishing success."
And finally, bass pro Brad Whatley was recently asked the following question: Do you think FFS should be banned for at least some tournaments, or do you not care? Here's his response.
"I don't think it should be allowed in professional fishing. That's my opinion, from the Opens on up. I don't think it's good for the industry from a financial standpoint. I also believe (that) with generational change in anything, a lot of things get lost. And technology generally is a good thing but is not always the best.
"I think a lot of the traditional ways of bass fishing and actually understanding bass is gonna be lost 10 years down the road. Because this is such a dominant technique, you have to have it...don't care how you feel about it.
"So, if your hand is forced to do it in 75 to 80 percent of events, (young anglers) would be crazy not to use it. Why would they spend any time learning skills, trying to find fish with seasonal patterns, all that...without FFS? If I was (young), I wouldn't spend any time without it, either. I would just strictly Scope.
"I think people will grow tired of it...I think people watch this sport to learn, and obviously it's fun. Who doesn't like fish blowing up on a Spook, a frog, a swim-jig, or whatever? If you're catching 10-lbers Scoping, I don't think it's what the fans want. I just think they'll grow tired of it, and we need the fans.
"Obviously, this is just my opinion. I know a lot of people are gonna disagree with me. I don't have anything against anybody who uses the Scope. I just don't think it's great for this sport.
"In most sports, different technology has come along that could change those activities drastically, and those sports have drawn the line. They have not allowed certain things...at the professional level."
These fellas aren't alone, either. I recently read where retired pro angler Hank Parker shares similar sentiments on this subject.
Admittedly, there always will be folks who believe that anything new is always better, but I, for one, take exception to that philosophy.
By and large, people from my era are looked upon as relics of a bygone society when, in my estimation, life was a whole lot simpler and far more enjoyable than it is today, since all these modern gadgets came on the scene.
No comments:
Post a Comment