Quote Originally Posted by dabassking View Post
I realized that I didn't really state my final point about Guntersville in my previous post. What I was getting at is that that lake gets absolutely pounded on day after day and year after year and it still produces huge bags. I don't think the tournament pressure that Cumberland is getting is impacting the fish as much as it is impacting the fishermen.
This is so correct. Tournament fishing has been like this for several years at Cumberland and other lakes in most states. I agree the attitude of SOME tournament fisherman unfairly sheds a bad light on ALL tournament fisherman. I tournament fish and "Just" fish. BOTH are recreational hobbies for me. I win and lose my fair share. I take it serious as I do "Just" fishing. Fishing is fun for me either way and I deal with the public and take it in stride as there are rude folks everywhere not just on the lake. Now as far as the 300 boats or so on Cumberland Saturday, almost 200 of them were Kentucky High School Fishing Teams with teenagers from all over the state (There were two of these regionals with only one being originally scheduled for Cumberland, the other was scheduled for Herrington but it was unfishable at flood stage so it was moved). I know some of these kids and some that go as a sponsor and provide boats and gas in some cases. This "Sport" is good for our young people, some even go on to get into the fishing industry as a result. I hope that most if not all are taught respect (for others and the fish), teamwork, and a love for fishing as other kids that are taught in other sports such as football, basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, etc......In these cases, I know of some fine fishermen and fisherwomen who will be the future of our sport (hobby).......Oh, and on a side note, BEFORE the lake came up this last time, most everyone including myself were catching some nice fish, GREAT fishing on Cumberland despite the pressure.........from ALL fisherman. Oh FishinisLife, how much pressure does Green get and how has the fishing been over the last 5-7 years as far as quality?! Good discussion guys!
Thanks,
Tim