Fishing Q&A

Would you "trade" a fishing trip with a stranger?

At www.floridasportsman.com it is a common occurance for fishermen who frequent "The Forum" to "trade" fishing trips in offshore/inshore environments. Would you trade a trip with a stranger you met online? OR Would it freak you out and make you concerned they were "casing" your boat & stealing fishing spots?

Public Comments

1. It wouldn't bother me so much if it were a fishing trip that was something I don't do often. Like I wouldn't mind trading a guide trip with a freshwater guide, say I take him for some Red drum, and he takes me to some good Largemouth spots. I don't mind some people knowing my spots, the fish move around alot to where they may not be there the next week anyway. If my spots were published constantly in the local fishing reports, then I would mind because every one in the south part of the state would be fishing it and driving me insane.
2. I'd be leery at first, but once I got to know them and they wanted to meet up for some fishing trips, I would meet up with them for some fishing. I guess I am confused on what they mean by "trade." If it was like, I'll fish with you in a freshwater lake in YOUR boat, if you'll come fish for stripers off the coast with me in MY boat...I dunno. I'd gladly take a fishing trip to somewhere warm right about now. I hate winter!
3. No i wouldn't trade a fishing trip with someone from on line, for a few reasons and they are that A) i don't go on many trips, unless i take myself and a few other guys B) when i do pay for a trip i make sure i go even if something major is stopping me, because i love my fishing and will not trade. Often i find you can always find time to fish no matter how long its for.
4. Well, I did, and look where it got me. ;) But then again, back then, most of my equipment was kinda crappy, and I don't own a "real" boat, just a kayak, so we were bank fishing, and well, to be honest, my bank fishing spots aren't superb. But hell, I got a wonderful fishing partner out of the deal, and he even let me catch more bass than him when we went fresh water. I think I won.
5. If they were on vacation I'd be happy to give away my spot for a week or so to them but here in the most densely populated state in the country (New Jersey) if you give out your spot then it will be over fished in a matter of a month. if you try fishing some of the lakes they got here in Jersey you'd be lucky to catch a boot because people flock to these lakes/ponds like seagulls but I have the hidden spots since my family has been here for about 75 years.
6. I would get to know them and get to trust them but all and all i would because my fishing spots are all private. So were all good.