Back in the early 70's when Sturgeon and Stripers were King here in the Delta, there was only one pair of guys that consistently fished for largemouths, and they were considered oddballs. They fished out of a alum Gregor and threw striper plugs for em. I meet them a few times and they would tell me how much fun it was to fish for em. Being a striper fishermen I would just shake my head and laugh.
Now we have a multi Billion $ industry that is supported by fishermen and women who think nothing of spending days on the water after the green monster, with a $1000.00 rig in there hands and a $ 40 K boat under there feet. Fishing for a fish that not all that long ago I would considered a trash fish, sort of like a carp.
All have there reasons for doing it, some its about the possible fortune and fame, some its the excuse to get away from the daily grind, others they make a living from it in some way, guides, tackle business, magazine publishers, boat dealers etc. And to others its about jumping on the band wagon with every one else because its just the latest fad to come along !!!!!!! hmmmm????
To me, I really started it all because of my sons. I am and was a trout fishermen by nature. I would rather spend my days wadding Hat Creek, Fall River or some other stream fishing for native trout with a fly rod in my hand than in a Bass Boat doing 60 mph. spending the money I do, along with 150 other boaters. I would have miles of trout stream to my self in water so clear that you can see the bottom 50 feet down. Using a size #16 hand made fly on a 14 foot long leader with a breaking strength of one pound.
My sons hero's were guys like Bauer, Van Dam, Rojas and others who they read about and and wanted to copy when they were little. I bought a used Ranger and joined a local club to give them the means to fulfill there dreams about being a pro one day. Since then they have moved on with different careers and expectations to there lives. We still fish together in armature tournaments but its not the same as it was then. I don't fish as much as I use to and the boat sits parked a lot. They have busy lives with there own careers.
I have been thinking about jumping back into a club but I am wishewashey about it. Considering the expense and all. I still enjoy the tournaments with my son. I consider it a challenge to see how well we can do and to improve in our sport. Has it been about the money to win ? I doubt it because we don't win any
Maybe in the future as we improve. Is it about fishing with 100 other boaters? Naw!!! although at the time its fun while the rush is on. But it seems to be a click of a few. As if we are or are not part of the in group. In the Fall and Winter the Delta is drop dead beautiful and quiet. I don't like to be in the boat alone, so I don't go out much anymore.I think its all about the chance to feel that electric tug on the line and to be close with Mother Nature and the spirit in my beliefs that allows me the privilege to enjoy my brief moments were I truly feel connected to our world and not a stranger to it.
. My girlfriend would say more than her 
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