The following was written by Ryan Hudson. Owner and Guide of Wyoming Fishing Company and published on sweetwaternow.com.
As anglers, we have all discussed it and most of us have even witnessed it in real life. You run into someone on the river whose top goal is increasing followers on their social media of choice by targeting that one “photo” fish, sometimes with photographer and/or videographer in tow. Days or weeks later, you see that angler, with “that fish” from “that day” all over the internet and maybe gracing the pages of some of your favorite brands, or even worse – the cover of your favorite “fish porn” magazine.
All of us anglers have the right to post pictures, showing off our catch to our friends. That type of bragging has been going on for decades, and that’s what makes it great. Sometimes photos are the only memory you have from a great catch-and-release fishing trip, but what about those who are taking these pictures for something else?
Trying to gain fame, free “schwag” or credibility within their social circle. And many times doing whatever it takes for this type of so-called fame, even to the detriment of the fisheries and to the actual fish.
Are these self-promoted “brand ambassadors” helping or hurting the sport?
LINK (via: Sweetwaternow.com)
Do any of you remember ‘Testament of A Fisherman’, Robert Traver / John D. Voelker’s words from many a year ago about “Kiss and tell anglers”?
If my memory serves me only half-well, they were: “I give them all the back of my hand.”
Nice one, John. I have never forgotten them.
Excellent piece. Unfortunately they’re are tons more guides, shops and outfitters doing the same thing all over the webs.
Reminds me of the Midwest guide who, a few years back, caught and held that huge Northern BC steelhead out of the water for god knows how long to get a few good pics.
Great article, leave it to the Chum to post it too. I did read about something similar in The Drake before. There should be more of this.
Here’s hoping someday grip and grin photos on the internet will be looked at the same way pictures of dead fish are now.
Great piece Ryan! Your insightful, intelligent expose on this poser really brings to light a huge issue our sport is facing. Thanks for posting Chum!