"Elitist"

The other day on the TKAA forum a new member posted a topic requesting help and advice on finding the fish in the area. Several members decided it was their job to inform this person that they shouldnt go out and fish without the right experience and gear. This is true to a point. No person should place themselves in a dangerous position due to inexperience and unpreparedness. However, those same people have also stated that in order to find the fish, gain experience, or learn what equipment is best that you have to go out and "put time in." I also agree with this. The definition of an elitsit, in my view is someone who is arrogant, and unhelpful. How can you tell a person that they shouldnt fish alone until they are more experienced then refuse to let them tag along with you, or insult them publicly because they made a mistake on their own?

Im straight forward and honest. Always have been, and I am not ashamed of that.  Below are listed with their respected blogs the local fisherman I would consider elite fisherman, who have given me advice, showed me techniques, or gone fishing with me since my return to the sport of kayak fishing.

Jay Brooks-Wilderness Systems Pro-staff (Virginiakayakfisherman.blogspot.com)
William Ragulsky-Hurricane Kayaks Pro-staff (CoastalKayakFishing.blogspot.com)
Chuck Wrenn-Power Team Lures Pro-staff

Its not a very long list.
I would take the time to name those fisherman who have insulted me personally, were rude to me or other noobies, but I dont want any negative affects due to my honesty.
Also, dont be mistaken on some of my posts on the TKAA board regarding fishing spots. Im not asking anyone to give me the exact GPS coordinates to any of their favorite fishing spots, and I never have. But I do think its silly for people to openly refuse to give any information at all about a fish caught. It seems some people just want the 'cookie' given to them when they post up pictures of fish caught. If you cant even tell people what body of water you caught the fish in then dont bother posting a picture in the reports section of the board.


In the outdoor industry there are many pro-staffers, certain individuals who are lucky enough to be provided gear and equipment to field test, most of it provided free of charge. In the fishing and hunting community many of these people are experts, with vast knowledge and skill. They share their experiences and knowledge with the rest of the community. There are however, a few who are just in it for the face value it seems, and for the mocking of novice and new people in the field. As a noobie myself, researching different products to test I rely on the reviews and articles written by the people who test them. Like anything in life, if you lose your credibility then you lose your respect. Dont sit on a high horse and preach down on the people your suppose to serve just because you think your so much the greater outdoors-man.

Things ive learned this year from 2 separate pro-staffers.

Pro-staffer #1.

-Persistence pays off.
-Your equipment doesnt have to be high dollar as long as you know how to use it.
-You can improve your success by watching the weather.
-Thinking outside the box sometimes pays off.

Pro-staffer #2.

-Noobs dont deserve an opinion.
-Only 1 type of paddle will allow a kayak to move forward in the water.
-If your not using X brand then your a noob.
-Only people with 20 years experience are allowed to fish certain areas.
-You shouldnt ask for advice at your local tackle shop if you dont want to be publicly insulted on social media.

Which one would you look up to? If you dont like being associated with the term Elitist, then dont fit the mold.