if most people were not a-holes things wouldnt be in the shape the are in nowdays. Note i didnt say everyone because there are some decent folks left but they are getting few and far between.

Its the generations, I been saying for years the old school values and ethics are gone. Im not saying a few old timers arent as bad, or that all new generation people werent raised correct, its just over the years people have gotten less considerate, and in 20 years it will be lots worse than it is now. Its not only fishing, these same bad traits are in every sport, on every highway and in every business now. Its more dog eat dog than it ever was and as far as I can see will only get worse.

I lived near a few small lakes ,500 to1000 acres,in N OK.These were mostly just one big stump field with a few creek channels.I had a 14 ft j boat rigged for bass fishing for these lakes.
I would be tied up and catching fish and some guy who obviously had no knowledge of the lake would fire up the big motor and try and race 200 yds to fish on top of me. Props ,lower units ,transoms be damn they were gonna catch a fish. It was kinda satisfying to toe them back in when I was done fishing.

look at the guy and ask what the f. he'll get the point. sad thing is, if he'd talk to you, yall could get a game plan together and keep the school in a bunch. we used to do that on decker in austin. everyone caught fish and had fun. then you drank beer on the ramp telling good stories. I'm 34, so the "old school it used to not happen' is bullsh. us younger guys care too. just a few bad a holes ruin it, and the "back in the days" come out.

This^ 100%

Just relax and take comfort that your Mama taught you better. But then again a 4oz sinker makes a heck of a noise on fiberglass.

WaterLogged you hit the nail on the head, just imagine how things will be say 20 years from now.

Check out crime stats over the last decade they are some of the LOWEST ever. All we hear about are negative stories and that's because it gets our attention, increases ratings, etc. Believe it or not our country is cleaner, safer and more civilized than ever and by giving into the fallacy that it's all going to hell in a handbasket at best we show our ignorance and at worst feed into the self fulfilling prophecy that things are so bad anyway... Why even try anymore? Everyone needs to lighten up, there have been idiots and aholes since the beginning of time. The big difference is instead of just telling a handful of buddies you see at the local tackle shop we post here to 2 or 3 thousand. Our perceptions are warped by our media, maybe we'll figure that out one day before perceptions become reality.

Happened to me a few times at Fork. I throw over their boat and pull my lure up and through their boat. After a couple times they get the pic. If they say something I innocently tell them I'm just learning to throw an open face and I don't have any control over where it might go.

I was sitting on Birch Creek roadbed one day and this happened. I threw a C-rig over this guys boat and pulled a two pounder up and through his boat. He never said a word... but he did move down a bit!

I'm just glad you spoke up! So many times I read that things like this happen and no one says anything to the rude person. I really think we have developed into a culture of folks that think they live in a bubble. texting and talking in movie theatres, crowding someone that's fishing, stopping in the middle of the ramp to strap in your boat. The list goes on. My point is that if we don't start 're-educating' people, we'll end up without any social courtesy at all. My poor kids have a flat-spot in the back of their heads from me reminding them when they were young to 'be aware of those around you'.

On the flip side, sometimes a simple reminder is enough. Other times it takes a 1 ounce flutter spoon in the head!

Go "Skippy" on 'em...drop it in their lap...

Most people are not of that mold, if we start thinking that way, going in, then its just gonna keep getting uglier out on the water...

I have found even on fork about 95% of the guys are great. The problem is that other 5% are rude enough that they stick in your mind where you never give a second thought to all the guys that keep their distance. Honestly if I'm not fishing a tournament and your courteous I don't mind you coming in close. I will even tell you what I'm catching them on. Last time on fork I even gave someone a lure because they didn't have what we were catching them on. I love meeting other fisherman and making new friends. I think too often we let a few guys give us a bad attitude about anyone fishing near us.

[quote=bassdreamer]I'm just glad you spoke up! So many times I read that things like this happen and no one says anything to the rude person. I really think we have developed into a culture of folks that think they live in a bubble. texting and talking in movie theatres, crowding someone that's fishing, stopping in the middle of the ramp to strap in your boat. The list goes on. My point is that if we don't start 're-educating' people, we'll end up without any social courtesy at all. My poor kids have a flat-spot in the back of their heads from me reminding them when they were young to 'be aware of those around you'.

I too, agree on your answer. We must unit and have good ethics!