Quote Originally Posted by bassmaster View Post
I didn't say Martens wasn't a complainer. The "other guy" does have a right to be there. BUT it has absolutely nothing to do whether or not you have a sponsor? Fact is this guy FISHES FOR A LIVING. It is how he FEEDS, clothes, and provides shelter for his family. I can't believe that most people wouldn't give up a spot if the pro had been fishing there? It is not who has a right to fish there...we all have that right...but morals or ethics plays a factor. If you kept fishing there and the pro that asked you to let him fish it because he had been fishing it....there is a possibility that in this day and time you could cause the pro to lose big money...enough money to make or break him. All of these guys are not independently wealthy, they are fortunate enough to fish for a living and to some one money place could be the difference in being able to pay their mortgage. In other words, just because of PRIDE, some folks would take a chance away for some guy trying to make an honest living by fishing. These guys are not saints as none of us are either but they deserve a chance to make a living by us not being in the way. I mean let's face it, this was one day and one spot?
Tim
bassmaster
I do see your point about feeding family and stuff like that, but if we're all gonna start talking ethics and morals, how about these weekend anglers who lack all repect for other boaters. We don't hve the time or patience to know every angler, and just making an exception for one pro is kinda hard to do. I personally fish some tourneys, and try to be repectful of hoever's on the water, no matter the money at stake. I think first come, first serve applies on public lakes. And after the many rude encounters I've had fun fishing from tourney guys, who wanna cut you off or swamp someones boat because they lack courtesy for others makes the decision to give up a spot kinda hard. Just my opinion.