Respect on the water

 

If you’ve been around the sport of fishing for any length time, you have probably heard someone say we need to grow our sport more. Or at least something to that effect. Well, if I had to guess, I’d say the sport of fishing is full grown. With both high school and college teams competing, regular paychecks of 100,000 dollars being handed out on the pro side, I’m not sure how much more the sport can grow. And when it does stop the growth at some point, are we even going to recognize the sport we grew up with.

 

The fishing family has always been just that…family. We looked out for each other. We had each other’s back both on and off the water. Much of that family attitude is quickly evaporating as our sport continues to evolve. The lure of the money may be the cause of the problem, but I personally think it goes way deeper than that. I think it comes down to a lack of respect for our fellowman.

 

The worst lake I can think of if you want to see this type of disrespect would be Guntersville. Most fishermen that fish Guntersville regularly have a story to tell about an incident on the water. Unfortunately, none of our area lakes are immune to bad behavior. So many fishermen these days seem on edge and just waiting for something to happen. Is this what we really want our sport to be like? I certainly don’t. Question is how do we fix it?

 

Another term we have heard is that the children are the future of the sport. Never has a saying been more true. It would seem a good Idea that maybe we make a fresh start in this area. With young high school kids competing in their first tournaments, right out of the gate they should be taught how to respect other anglers and other boaters out on the water. They should be taught that bank fishermen have the same right to fish as they do and should not be interfered with. It is the responsibility of the boat captains to see that these lessons are taught. Just because a person has a boat and a kid in school by no means does that make him qualified to be a high school boat captain. There are many incidents that prove this on a regular basis. This is a very sad fact, but a true one.

 

Giving respect out on the water is not only the right thing to do, it’s the safest thing to do. As you hit the water the next time, how will you act? Will you be part of the problem or part of the solution? Like to know your thoughts on this one.

My Future in Fishing

I know this title will immediately gain the attention to those close to me. No, I am not about to stop fishing. My love for the sport was ingrained in me many years ago by my parents. This past year I have changed careers which for the next few months will limit my time out on the water. This limited time to fish makes it very hard to put together a weekly fishing show. The show has a fanbase that seems to be growing and is well liked by many.

As many of you know I also have a YouTube channel where I put old fishing shows and my personal fishing videos.  https://youtu.be/z8VKcEgdhLIAs  I enter 2018, I often wonder which direction should I concentrate on…videos or TV. I enjoy the teaching aspect of both videos and TV. I realize what a tremendous opportunity I have been given. At the same time, I realize to continue in TV, I will need some help to truly be successful. Up until now I have run the show basically as a hobby.

I have considered taking on a partner to share airtime with me. This will give more than one perspective of the techniques being used and add character and spontaneity to the show. I have also considered hiring a general manager/sales person for the show. Why would I put all this out there for the world to read? Well because I have many friends out there and your feedback is both welcome and trusted. Any advice on this subject is welcome and appreciated…even criticism. 

So…what are you waiting for, let me know what you think.

Lowell Henderson

My Business Feels Cluttered

 

As I begin this blog I sit and look around my cluttered office/bedroom. This is kind of how my business feels right now…cluttered. No, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. By cluttered I simply mean I have a lot going on and I need to organize a little more. Starting and running a show alone is a daunting task to say the least. You are pulled in a hundred different directions at the same time and a wrong move could cost you a potential new customer much quicker than you can even imagine. The saying, “You only get one time to make a first impression,” has never rang so true as it does right now.

 Every show I turn in to the TV station leaves me wondering, what could I have done better? How could I have explained that better, or what the &%$## happened to my audio. Audio problems are a pet peeve of mine.

Goals are something I am constantly updating and striving to reach. My goal over the next few months is to upgrade equipment so that I can offer a few different types of shows. One of my goals is to be able to take off with a friend on his or her boat and shoot a show anywhere we want to. Or, sit with my dad, grandkids, or anyone else, down on the river and film and relax at the same time.

Another goal of mine is to one day move my office onto a small houseboat. I can think of no better way to keep the spirit of the show fresh than to run it from the water. I have heard that marina people are some of the best people in the world to have as neighbors…I aim to find out one day. Soon I hope.

Are you a potential show sponsor? If you are I hope I have never given you a bad impression to deter you from that. Do you have ideas for my show? I want to hear them. My email is lowellhenderson65@yahoo.com. The feedback I get from guys out on the water, family, friends, co-workers, and all my social media contacts, leaves me with a very warm feeling inside. I’m glad I didn’t try and start a show that looks like every other show on TV. I like the relaxed atmosphere of “Simply Fishing.” Sooo…I think I’ll leave it this way for a long time. You guys n gals have a great day.

Lowell Henderson

Buying Fishing Tackle

Too often fishermen run out and buy the latest fishing tackle for all the wrong reasons. Could be, they saw it on T.V., or maybe it’s what everyone is raving about at the time. I must tell you bluntly, this is not good decision making. Fishing tackle should be looked at like a carpenter looks at his tools. Each tool has a specific use and a time to use it. To a fisherman, the tackle box is his tool box, full of the tools needed for a successful day on the water.

Tackle such as rod and reels should be purchased because they serve certain needs. Contrary to what many believe they are not all the same. For instance, the best ice fishing outfit available today, probably wouldn’t be a good choice for throwing a Carolina rigged lizard. It simply wouldn’t be the right tool for the job.

My advice for new fishermen about to purchase fishing tackle would be to do a little research. What type of fishing do you plan on doing? What kind of bait will you be using? What type of skill level are you at? All these things need to be considered before spending your hard earned money on something you might not be happy with, or won’t work for you.

Unfortunately the old saying about getting what you pay for does hold true for fishing tackle. This doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive stuff in the store, but you don’t want the cheapest either. You guys stay safe and I’ll see you out on the water. Lowell Henderson

Hey Guys, welcome to "Simply Fishing"

Hey guys, welcome to “Simply Fishing.” My name is Lowell Henderson and I have been fishing for nearly 50 years. Sometime along the way to now, I discovered I enjoyed teaching others about fishing. So… here we are.

Parents if you have children you are teaching to fish I hope you will encourage them to follow and look for every “Simply Fishing” blog. This blog will not be written for the touring fishing pro; it will be for the average fisherman that loves the outdoors and just wants to catch more fish.

“Simply Fishing” will cover many species of freshwater fish and tips on how to locate and catch them. My personal trips will be documented and shared. The productivity of these trips will be broke down and shared. I will explain why my techniques worked, or in some cases, didn’t work. I have fished as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and as far north as Moose Lake in MN. Moose Lake is only two or three miles from the Canadian border. I hope you will find “Simply Fishing” both interesting and enjoyable. You guys have a great day. Lowell Henderson.