I think all this growing the sport is just a phase, all these you tubers and digital creators will all need something to fall back on one day! Put it in stone! 😎

No matter how bad we would like to go back to a world where kids were playing football in the street until the street lights came on, is all in the past.

The fishing we got to enjoy in the 80's and 90's at Fork will never be back.

It seems it is always the 60+ NB crowd saying tech is bad. Fyi, many of you double double cheeseburger eating, alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking time machines are alive because of advancements in technology.

Embrace advancements in the world we live in, you may find life can be easier as we advance in age.

If you would have told me 20 yrs ago that I could have purchased an investment on the internet that consists of something I can never touch and it would 50+X it's value in less than 10 years I would have laughed until I fell down.

Well with all the you tube instructional videos it has helped all of us, whether we want to believe it or not. Lots of tricks to the trade. So that's 1 positive for social media.

I think the biggest misconception is that fishing is a renewable resource. Mother Nature adapts. The more people who fish and the more the people who catch, the harder it will be to catch bass in the future. That is a fact. Ivie is a huge testament to that. Our lakes are historically lower due to droughts, yet we have more people on the water than we ever have putting more pressure on the fish than they have ever seen. 250 boats on a lake with all the running motors and pinging sonars disrupts the fish’s natural habitat. We are absolutely outgrowing our sport and our resource. Used to be during the fall you could get out on the lake and have it to yourself because everyone else was out deer hunting. That’s not the case anymore. I have my opinions on the types of people who are coming into the sport but I’ll keep that to myself. The “good ole days” are gone for a multitude of reasons, social media being one of them for sure.

Why would a fisherman want the entire internet to know that he caught a bunch of big fish on a 1,000 to 2,000 acre local lake? Is the urge to brag to strangers that stronge?

Isn’t that what social media is for the most part- just bragging? It’s the kids that won 1st place, the fancy dinner, the new car, etc…

I have learned alot off of you tube, some fishing things. but mainly other how to stuff. just learned how to rig tree limbs over the house so they do not fall onto the house when u cut them.

social media is not hurting fishing, the increase of anglers fishing might be increasing the drama on lakes. If you want to go fish by yourself and not have anyone else on the lake, and rather easy fishing, go now through no Dec.

The human brain is powered on knowledge. The internet and social media are both places that everyone, with the capability to access the internet, can have unlimited information and knowledge at their fingers tips.

But the "little johnny did this or that" posts are plentiful as well...

oh yeah it is that strong and then some

The statistics say that approximately 8% of the people in Texas fish. The DFW metroplex has grown from 2.5M in 1984 to 8.6M in 2024. Just i the DFW metroplex that would add around 500-600K anglers to the angler pool.

Some important points about fishing in the DFW metroplex, especially considering the significant population growth and the influx of new anglers over the years. The increase in the angler population, combined with limited new fishing locations like Bois d'Arc, can definitely lead to pressure on existing fisheries.

The fact that most Texas lakes are man-made adds another layer of complexity. These reservoirs depend heavily on management practices to maintain fish populations and habitat quality. Without ongoing efforts—like habitat enhancement, stocking programs, and pollution control—these artificial ecosystems can struggle to support growing fishing demands.

Additionally, the ease of access to information today amplifies these issues. With fishing techniques, spots, and gear being shared widely online, it’s likely that more people are hitting the water, further intensifying pressure on the fish populations.

Sustainable management practices are crucial to ensure that fishing can remain a viable activity for the increasing number of anglers. Balancing access with conservation efforts will be key to preserving the quality of fishing in the region...

To counter the argument regarding fishing pressure and sustainability in the DFW metroplex, one could consider the following points:

Technological Advancements: Improvements in fishery management technologies, including better data collection and analysis, can enhance the ability to monitor fish populations and adapt management strategies accordingly.
Community Engagement: Increasing awareness and community involvement in conservation efforts can lead to more sustainable practices among anglers, promoting responsible fishing and habitat protection.
Diverse Ecosystems: While many Texas lakes are man-made, some natural ecosystems still exist. These can provide refuge and support for fish populations, potentially mitigating pressure on heavily fished areas.
Catch-and-Release Practices: The rising popularity of catch-and-release fishing can help maintain fish populations, allowing anglers to enjoy the sport without significantly depleting fish stocks.
Expanding Fishing Opportunities: New fishing locations and programs can be developed to accommodate the growing number of anglers, distributing fishing pressure more evenly across available sites.
Legislative Support: Increased state and local investment in fisheries management, including habitat restoration and stocking programs, can support fish populations despite rising angler numbers.
By emphasizing these points, one could argue that, with proper management and community involvement, the fishing landscape in the DFW metroplex can remain sustainable despite population growth.

All but one lake in Texas are man made reservoirs.

Here are some points of interest as to the comparison of Man-Made and Natural Lakes


Ecological Health:

Natural Lakes: Typically have established ecosystems with diverse flora and fauna, which can contribute to greater biodiversity and ecological stability.
Man-Made Lakes: While they can support wildlife, the ecosystems may take time to establish and can be less diverse initially. They might also be more susceptible to issues like pollution and sedimentation due to human activity.

Water Quality: Natural Lakes: Generally have more stable water quality due to natural filtration processes. However, they can also be affected by external factors such as agricultural runoff.
Man-Made Lakes: Can face challenges with water quality due to inflow from urban and agricultural areas, which may introduce pollutants and nutrients leading to algal blooms.

Fish Populations: Natural Lakes: Often have established fish populations and a natural food web that can support a healthy ecosystem.
Man-Made Lakes: Initially may require stocking to establish fish populations, and management practices can greatly influence long-term sustainability.

Recreational Use: Natural Lakes: Often valued for their scenic beauty and biodiversity, making them popular for various recreational activities.
Man-Made Lakes: Designed for multiple purposes, including recreation, but may lack some of the aesthetic or ecological qualities of natural lakes.
Resilience:

Natural Lakes: May be more resilient to changes due to their established ecosystems.
Man-Made Lakes: Their long-term health can be highly dependent on ongoing management, including habitat restoration and pollution control.

Long-Term Considerations: Over time, man-made lakes can develop healthy ecosystems, but this process requires careful management and monitoring. In some cases, they may become nearly as valuable as natural lakes, while in others, ongoing human impact can hinder their ecological health. The success of a man-made lake often hinges on the balance between human use and environmental stewardship.


As to your counter arguments, some I do agree with and some are way off base, IMO


1. Technological Advancements: While technological improvements in fishery management can enhance monitoring, they are not foolproof. Over-reliance on technology may lead to complacency, as managers might assume data accuracy guarantees sustainability. Additionally, not all regions have equal access to advanced technologies, leading to disparities in management effectiveness.

2. Community Engagement: While community involvement can foster responsible practices, it also risks overfishing if not properly regulated. Enthusiastic anglers may prioritize their recreational interests over ecological balance, especially if community engagement initiatives lack strong oversight or education on sustainable practices.

3. Diverse Ecosystems: Even if some natural ecosystems exist, they may be vulnerable to the pressures of nearby man-made lakes and urban development. These ecosystems can be disrupted by pollution, invasive species, and increased fishing pressure, diminishing their ability to serve as refuges for fish populations.

4. Catch-and-Release Practices: Although catch-and-release can help maintain populations, it can also lead to stress and injury for fish, impacting their long-term survival. Improper handling or inadequate release practices can negate the benefits of this approach, potentially harming fish stocks more than anticipated.

5. Expanding Fishing Opportunities: New fishing locations may not adequately address the fundamental issues of overfishing and habitat degradation. Simply creating more sites can lead to increased pressure on fragile ecosystems and may not consider the ecological balance necessary to sustain fish populations.

5. Legislative Support: Increased investment does not always translate to effective management. Legislative support can be misallocated or influenced by political agendas that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. Without strict regulations and enforcement, even well-intentioned programs can fall short in preserving fish populations.

Overall, while the arguments highlight positive aspects of fishery management, they may overlook the complex challenges and risks associated with sustaining fish populations amid growing demand and environmental pressures.

Well, I subscribe to the theory that opinions are like [you know]. I don't listen and I don't watch except for an occasional foray here to ask something.

Make fishing GREAT AGAIN, vote for Trump!

I have a creek that i fish, no one else fishes it, this late spring to summer I could not catch much of anything during this time. But its Prolly cuz of tournaments on Rayburn. Yesterday I went out and caught 5 10-12 inch bass. And that is because there are too many people fishing other lakes and taking fish off the lake,