You are correct.

I understand networking has been around forever...I have my set of friends that we all share information between us, but I feel we all benefit each other at different times. I'm talking more about the blatant, "where did you catch 'em" Joe Blow on here or at the local gas station or like is mentioned above - Mr. I'm Gonna Follow The Leader From Yesterday or Mr. I'm Driving By You To See What Structure/Cover You Are Fishing.

I know my post had a lot of the same stuff the guys said above but like Jaret I like trolling thru here while at work... Post took 30 minutes to complete. lol...

To the post below about waypoints, I have over 1000 waypoints between Conroe, Livingston, Toledo Bend, Rayburn (the majority), and various other lakes I have fished. It boils down to time on the water. Guys that know me know I get on the water at 4 am and graph all day till dark. I may fish but 90 percent of the time I am graphing. Having a bunch of waypoints don't mean your going to catch fish that's obvious by my tournament results.

I don't think there is a significant group asking or begging for spots, I actually have never seen it at all on TFF and I have 3k posts in 4 years on top of all the tournaments.

1) internet has changed many things. are pickers mad because sellers can take 30 seconds to see market value online? with Facebook you know more details about your old classmates on a daily basis vs. every 10 years before.

2) bass fisherman readily share baits and type of water, but rarely do I hear exact spots.

3) when it does come to exact spots it isn't from blindly asking or begging, it is offered and is often part of an exchange.

4) the best fisherman will put all legal resources to their advantage. some of the best fisherman want the pride of no information (is that Dudley?) and others will actually do worse if they start chasing rainbows. you have to figure out what is best for you, but for many that includes "internet scouting".

If information I provide helps someone catch fish, great. Especially if they are new to fishing or the lake, or have the family with them. I always try to get a good background shot so its easier to find or the type of cover I've had my best luck fishing. Can't really say that anyone has asked me for specific spots, usually just general information. On the flip side I've had some good information come through private message, unsolicited, and from guys I have come to realize are/were some of the most respected fishermen on the forum.

When their advice was on the money, I send them a big thanks, with pictures letting them know I appreciated the info and used it.

I truly believe the Bass Forum at TFF is the best fishing forum of any specie specific fish, fresh water or salt that I have ever found.

Like others have already said I'm new to bass fishing and I'm a firm believer in the old axium "If you don't know, ASK".
I have learned a few things on here, more than a few. I try to read much more than I post.
I for one, am very glad I was directed to this forum and for the many good folks I have read about, talked with, met and even gotten to fish with!
A good place and good people.
Now that said, I have learned and I never would 'pull in on someone already fishing a certain spot'.
Not being a 'RULE', I just thought everyone knew and understood it is/was just common courtesy and respect for the other angler.
I think most folks respect that..
My little 2 cents

I don't know that I've ever asked for a spot. Does an area count as a spot? I've asked for advice on certain lakes that I haven't been to before, but I've never said "hey where are your spots?".

I don't think most people here tournament fish and just fish for fun. A lot of us don't get to spend as much time fishing as others and if someone can give me some insight on a certain pattern or area of the lake that is working and I can spend my day catching fish, rather than spending most of my day trying to find a pattern; I don't see what the big deal is with that.

Networking is a useful tool, If you know how to expand on it. I don't see a problem with it, as the fish are never where they were last week..

if i was rich and could spend all the time i needed on the water, then life would be perfect. but since i don't make a million dollars, i'm not affraid to ask for help. if i can maximize my time and money, then i will. to pull my boat to and from the lake cost about $80-100. that's if i stay within 2hrs. then fish all day with gas in the boat, another $75-80. food $20. So at roughly $150-200 a trip. i have no problem asking for help and would gladly return the favor to anyone who ask. if we fishermen are supposed to be "good ol boys" then why not help each other. what happens is everyone is concerned about tournaments and making money. it's not all about that.

A couple of months ago I posted a video of me catching bass on a small local lake. I was catching them good...caught around 20 all on the same point.

Keep, in mind that this is a small lake and there were plenty of reference points in the video to figure out where the spot was. Specifically, a very unique house on the point. All a person would have to do is make a loop around the lake and you would see the house/point.

Anyway, I probably had 5 or 6 people send me private messages asking where that point was. Not something I would ever do, but each to their own.

I will ask general information if I have a tournament on a lake I've never fished, but never ask for specific spots. Personally, I take a lot of pride and get satisfaction through finding my own fish and figuring out the puzzle.

Cass

Finally an example of my point and a guy that has pride in figuring things out in his own. You get an "attaboy"! LOL

Out here in west Texas this comment is literally true! The spots are dried up.
If I gave someone my 10 best GPS cords on Hubbard Creek they would need a shovel to find any water!

+1

I hear the current administration in DC is starting a "fishing spot sharing initiative" in 2014, it's in line with wealth sharing.

No man, woman or child will ever go fishless again!

U have to learn to always say, "I am not doing any good". No one ask a follow up question after that. Its a conversation end'er.