Spot Burning vs. Info Sharing

[Doug Vitale]

Originally Posted by Bergen Angler

Looks like everyone has a strong opinion on this topic. I personally don't mind sharing info with other anglers. It's not like I am guarding a national secret or my family's livelihood depends on it.

I hate seeing "fishing reports" on websites like this one that basically say, "Today I went to the lake (or the river), caught five, here are the photos". Accounts such as these are bragging attempts disguised as fishing "reports". Is it really such a big deal to name the body of water that you fish? I'm not referring to specific spots in those bodies, but come on...would it really kill some guys to say "Musconetcong River" or "Monksville Reservoir" or "Big Swartswood Lake"? Is the type of bait or lure that was used really such a secret?

Where are these fishing cornucopias they are trying to keep hidden? In such a small, heavily populated state like NJ there are no "secret spots" that need to be protected against "spot burn".

It's this type of attitude that some spots are "mine to be protected" that results in some fishermen acting like d-bags when you encounter them.

I just can't stand the bucket brigades (new term I learned a few days ago).

We should all have this number saved in our cell phones: 800-222-0456. This is the wildlife violations hotline. Another one is 1-855-OGT-TIPS. If you ever witness someone breaking wildlife law, such as the Brigade filling their buckets with undersized or out-of-season fish, feel free to report it to the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife.