Fish Sniffer and Kayak fishing--compatible?

This is an opinion piece and I am bringing up a question--not taking a stand--yet.

I know the Fish Sniffer is under going a change in management and one of our members wants us to join their forum and participate in linking things a bit. There is potential to demote the advertising revenue that runs this community site and that will have consequences. So we need to be careful but maybe this is also an opportunity. Okay, one of ours is encouraging a linkage and he is a good guy and fellow Army Airborne veteran so I'll give it a chance. But I hope an article I saw is not a trend for kayaking fishing.

A current Fish Sniffer article talks up New Hogan: "Most of the stripers we catch at New Hogan run 4 to 5 pounds and fish up to 6 pounds are common. Occasionally someone hooks a real monster. The lake record is over 30 pounds,” disclosed Smith as he filleted our fish."

Whoa like a whole 30 pounds? Really? Do Stripers get that big? Holy smokes! Not. We'll hear hype like this because of advertising and quid pro quo commercial articles pushing guide services. And sure they have to eat. But really, dial down the "real monster" talk fella. Nothing wrong with that except there are far better waters to ply for us kayakers but they are not mentioned. Probably because the Forebay doesn't have the commercial potential.

But facts are facts:
1) record fish for the Forebay are in the 50s
2) A 42-pounder was caught off Check #12 in August.
3) fish are running easily 4-5 pounds and bigger there and you don't need a high=priced guide.

The FishSniffer is a business (unlike the NCKA site which uses most of it's money to be self-sustaining as far as I can tell) so I don't deny them their earning a living--but just remember that adds bias to their coverage. If you are a kayak fisher, you don't need no fancy-pantsy boats with 4 trolling lines in the water on robo industrial commercial fishing down riggers charging you to guide you. Heck might as well buy them by the pound at Race Street Fish and Poultry--it would be cheaper and the fight in line will equal the fight you got.

The Forebay is $6. But you have to put your mettle and skills to the test. And it can be a harsh mistress. I'll take it any day.

It makes me wonder if their kayak forum is more for the commercial potential than the community. I'll give it a try but I'l be paying close attention.

Point noted, here is my viewpoint.

I am a kayak fisherman, period.  Sometimes, I fish from shore with the kids.  It is my job, to promote kayak fishing.  I hope to high hell, if you catch me writing or posting about commercial profit, sponsorship or political motives, call me on it.  My intent, is to support NCKA and the fish sniffer, not to make money for either one on the forum.  Some of you know, I also write for a nationally published outdoor magazine, and it is not about kayak fishing.  I encourage people to seek knowledge and advice about the sport, and provide input, stories, and helpful advice if you can. I would like to see both flourish, and because both are free to join and participate, there is no cost to us, the users.  There is a vast amount of knowledge that can be shared and aquired here, and I am would like to see that everyone has the resources. 

It seems the sniffer got their reports from guide services, and the guide sevices sweetened up the report to drum up business. Not really the fault of the sniffer they are reporting on what they get. I'm tending to look down on the guide services. Years ago I read the sniffer all the time, not so much these days, but i do pick one up once in awhile.

MontanaN8V,

I am just going in with eyes wide open and cautiously--like clearing an LZ or securing the AO. It isn't directed against you personally--don't take it that way. You are an NCKAer and we know that full well. Let try and see if it works. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.