While I write yet another stunning post about yet another stunning fishing trip (can you believe how I was snubbed by the Pulitzers?), here’s something to chew on from the Contemplative Angler:
There was a time when writers for fishing periodicals were concerned with informing their readers regarding all the aspects of the sport. For example, one well-known fly fishing magazine provided the following “Do-It-Yourself” advice in a single issue in 1981:
* Correcting mis-fitting ferrules
* Making a vest-pocket entomology kit
* Choosing cane for a cane rod
* Making fly tying bobbins from inexpensive eyedroppers
* Building up the drag on a fly reel
* Making fly boxes from old cigar cases and magnetic tapeYou will not find the above available in a modern fly fishing magazine, the writers/editors live in fear of offending any of their advertisers by suggesting ways in which the readers might save money. In short, the sole function of a modern fly fishing magazine writer/editor is to sell, not the magazine, but the sponsors’ goods – any benefit to the reader is secondary.
Mr. Curry continues his skewering of the fly fishing media. Worth a read — and report back if you think he’s anywhere near (or off) the mark.
[tags]fly fishing, fishing, media, contemplative angler[/tags]
Ahh…the fun of staying up late and having to go into the office to fix a stubborn piece of software – the life of an I.T. professional…at least I got to see this. Our friend Hawgdaddy from the TVA was busy with the comments on that article, I see. There were some very good points – I find most magazines in general are mostly ads…like a program from a football game. The point was made that we as anglers should be demanding something better; however, I think one factor that we have today wasn’t considered – blogs and websites like this one are in many cases replacing the print media. So, that example from 1981 is found now in cyberspace instead of in print.
ijsouth(Quote)
ijsouth,
Exactly! You’ve hit on one of my points from yesterday. That’s what I was saying with my first comment (near the end of the first paragraph) on about how I’ve found online fly fishing information, like Tom’s site here or The Contemplative Angler site, much more interesting and useful than the current crop of fly fishing magazines. Hence my non-renewal of some subscriptions. Take care,
hawgdaddy
hawgdaddy(Quote)
I’ve touched on the magazine issue here before, especially on hoary magazine-produced videos and one of the alltime comment leaders here on the Underground: this heavily commented piece about fly fishing magazines and their desire for self-immolation.
In one sense, the leading magazines have done a good job of finding the soft spot in the market (at least in terms of sheer numbers), but with the flood of newbies largely past, the vapid, cookie-cutter approach won’t fly nearly as well.
It’s interesting that the magazine that has taken at least a few risks is Fly Rod and Reel (Ted Williams columns are not vacuous junk) is probably paying for it.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
Sorry about that Hawgdaddy…I was reading the article at O’ dark 30, and I missed your mentioning of the ‘net as an alternate source. Actually, in some areas, it’s becoming the MAIN source. I’m pretty new to fly fishing myself, and most of what I’ve learned has either been online, or via books I’ve ordered online after seeing them mentioned on a site somewhere.
If you think fly fishing mags are bad – take a look at the various golf magazines…they’ve always been like that – pushing the latest crop of new balls, clubs, instructors, etc, along with travel pieces on places you can play if you sell off your kids to pay your green fees.
ijsouth(Quote)
Outside of Fly Rod & Reel’s Ted Williams, the major fly fishing magazines have also been largely unwilling to attack the difficult environmental stories.
They’ll deal with the obvious dam removal stories, but being as environmental stories don’t really lend themselves to “feel good” articles (I’ve gotten more than a few emails telling me to “lighten up” or lose the “environmental wacko” attitude), it’s not a priority.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
Tom,
If we examine it closely, sport fishing is one of the few “clean and green” sports. Fishing typically utilizes the rivers/lakes/sloughs/ponds as they are or introduces modest bits of rip-rap and other habitat changes to increase holding capability. Compare this with golfing, which consumes a million gallons of water to keep a single Las Vegas course green. Or downhill skiing, which first strips a hillside and then uses vast quantities of water for artificial snow, sometimes to the detriment of fisheries.
As fishermen, whether we keep the fish or no, we have minimal impact on the environment. Sure, a lot of turkey buzzards go hungry because fly tiers beat them to roadkill, but if the birds exercise a modicum of patience, there are plenty of fishermen (I, for one) hoping to gasp their last on their favorite river.
So I find it surprising that the FF mags don’t take a stand on the environmental issues. As fishermen we should have some credibility.
That, of course, is why we have/need tomchandler.name. Keep up the great work, Tom.
Reed
Reed(Quote)
Tom, You’ve hit on one of my big peeves. However, I have to say that, if there are many readers out there who feel the same way, then I have to say that it’s their responsibility to let these industry-shill, fly fishing magazines know that they aren’t happy with their vacuous content. Write to them! Just like politians–”If the people will lead, they will follow.”
J. Marcus
http://www.flyrodjewelry.com
J. Marcus (Marc)(Quote)