The Grapevine...

[Krispy]

Chasing reports rarely pans out for me, its usually to late or dont have enough specifics to make it happen. So I dont anymore.
I do share info freely (90%) with about half a dozen guys, and trust that they know how to keep it to themselves.
If find the best info usually comes around this time of year, about what happened where over the past season. Storing that info and following up on it the next season is the important part.
Ive found the best info is spots and when to fish them. Some guy fished spot X in July and took big bass for 3 weeks there, thats what I follow up on.
One caveat is, if one of my buds is knocking fish consistently, I will check out that new spot. Otherwise I stick to 5-6 places that I circulate through.

[STREETFIGHT]

very tight circle- 2 guys that get everything the other 1 gets almost everything. otherwise i dont say anything to anyone unless its one of the small spots i fish & a guy stumbles on to it. if i need to keep him from spoiling my night ill tell him enough to keep him from killing the spot.

[Backbeach Jake]

It's all right there if you're a good listener with a good memory. Some times wanting "the floor" can cost you big. Setting your ears on fishtalk everywhere you may be is a good skill. Go to a good tackle shop wander around and shop and listen. Ask questions when you have some money in one hand and some supplies in the other...and then fish, fish, fish.

[bloocrab]

I'm a bit of a different animal. Unlike some, I don't give answers to questions that weren't asked. I don't pretend to know anything, I come from a family of humble fishermen. If I get asked a technique question, I do my best to share my thoughts or opinions. If I get asked a spot question, it depends on who you are as what type of answer I'll give you. For the most part, I enjoy sharing what I've learned or been taught.
I've spent alot of years observing fish behavior of many species. I know what works for me, whether or not I catch...I'm confident in my methods. I try to be pretty open, but again...only when asked.
Getting back to the grapevine, it depends how close that grape is to me, normally I don't -

[Tburg]

Chasing the fishing grapevine info is kinda like chasing fish in the ditch without a bike. By the time you get to where they were breaking they are gone and or moved down from where you are...................

[RickBomba]

I don't know about you guys, but I don't really catch any fish, nor do I care.
I try to stay away from my little bro, and I never listen to anybody.
Ask anybody on the beach (I'm the quiet Bomba for a reason...I'll never tell you the reason, though).
Well, unless you're a trusted friend.
(Not like my little bro, but he catches more fish...so he says!).
Lata,
Rick

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by Krispy

Chasing reports rarely pans out for me, its usually to late or dont have enough specifics to make it happen. So I dont anymore.
I do share info freely (90%) with about half a dozen guys, and trust that they know how to keep it to themselves.
If find the best info usually comes around this time of year, about what happened where over the past season. Storing that info and following up on it the next season is the important part.
Ive found the best info is spots and when to fish them. Some guy fished spot X in July and took big bass for 3 weeks there, thats what I follow up on.
One caveat is, if one of my buds is knocking fish consistently, I will check out that new spot. Otherwise I stick to 5-6 places that I circulate through.

good points Krispy.

[Back Beach]

You guys all kind of surmised what I was getting at. There is no free lunch. Chasing reports, regardless of their authenticity and accuracy, usually results in disappointment or the “you should have been here yesterday” outcome. With the exception of Bart, I like to help guys out if it’s practical.