Nobody appreciates the fact that I've been able to
Make a living fishing more than I do, and yes, we pay a very minimal fee to do so. I don't have to fish another day for money but that doesn't mean I can't still have concern for the lake. It saddens me to see Fork become 'just another lake'. This is why I've voiced my opinion. Is old geezers were fortunate to experience the glory days of fork, and can only hope y'all and future fishers get to experience something close. I'm kinda bummed that some don't appreciate us voicing our concern.
Mr McCarty I respect your opinions and also the things you've accomplished in fishing throughout your life.
But, there is a tone in your posts that many others are "below" you. Maybe it's just me, but maybe not.
My first time on Fork was in 1982 I believe. I was 13 and I grew up fishing the lake so I remember and lived the "good ole days". When you could literally leave the ramp and catch fish. I had a bass buster and used to put it in and I cannot remember but a handful of days back then when i didn't go home with my hands bleeding.
Let's be realistic, lakes age and lose their ability to thrive after 25 years or so, it's a lot of what has happened to Fork. I don't think it's the tournaments, guides or any other thing man has done. It's just the way nature works. I think Fork still fishes pretty good considering her age and the pressure she gets.
One of the side effects of Fork opening was some of our smaller East Texas lakes got a chance to breathe again. It took a ton of pressure off of them.
Now the 64 thousand dollar question, can anything really be done to bring back Fork to say 70% of her glory?
I think sadly the answer is no, she will always be special and produce but not like she did from 86- mid 90's.
I will say I'm grateful to you and Mr Rodgers and others that are trying to explore options to try and nurse the ole girl back to some resemblance of her glory days.
Keep up the good fight!!
