NCsaltaire

Reel Fish Story – Don’t Be Caught

This past weekend I found that I needed several gardening items to complete my “honey-do” list.  So I headed out to my neighborhood big box store. I am always reluctant to shop on a busy summer weekend but I knew this time I could be in and out quickly. My path this day took me passed the fishing section. As usual, I am always looking for something to add to my fishing arsenal.  So a delay toward my mission was no big deal.

I found the fishing section quite empty. But I did see one customer slowing glancing at each rack. He was trying to figure which lure or hook or bait would help him catch fish during his vacation.  About this time, a sales clerk appeared and apparently was there to rescue him from his dilemma.

I was trying not to eaves drop, but I overheard the sales clerk begin to educate this new angler on the finer points of saltwater fishing. Just maybe I could learn something.

My fascination to this professional guidance quickly turned to frustration. The advice he was supplying was convincing alright. This poor visitor was getting the standard sales pitch.  Buy this and give it a try and if you fail, just come back and buy more. The recommendations included where to go (or not go), what to use, even cleaning and cooking his catch. By now, his basket was full. Now remember, we live near a saltwater ocean, but one of the items was a fishing DVD in freshwater. Now the real strange thing about this advice, it was all wrong. This clerk was selling this guy a bill of goods.

I was tempted to intervene but the clerk was so intense with his pitch, I am not sure I could change this visitor mind.

I am never one to discourage someone trying to get a bargain on fishing gear. And I definitely not trying influence our visitors or novice anglers to avoid the larger retail establishments to buy fishing gear. But my recommendation when fishing in a strange area or new to a hobby, see a professional for help. These guys can be found in your local tackle shops. They have tremendous amount of knowledge. And the best part, it’s all free.

So the next time you have a question about fishing here on the Outer Banks, email me or see someone in one of a dozen tackle shops.

Until next time, Tightlines.

August 6, 2012 at 9:30 pm 1 comment