We recently received this letter, and though it’s hard to believe it’s real (is anyone really that stupid to write a letter to the editor like this?) we thought we’d run it to prompt some conversation on where the whole “pro deal” thing stands. We took out the abundant vulgarities, and left the grammatical errors, but you’ll get the picture…I’ve been fly fishing for 36 years and I am 44 years old. I am every bit a guide level fisherman. I don’t guide because I don’t want to turn fun into work, and I don’t really feel sorry for the guys that do. No one wants to hear these guys sing the blues either. You could fill all of the rivers in Colorado with the tears from the guys in the industry.
I’ve got many a rod off of pro deal held by friends, And it’s the only way to go. Why would anyone want to be exploited more than they have to be? It’s fine when our pockets hurt, but the sky is falling when it affects you because of your choices? Like they say it’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job, but it’s a depression when you lose yours. The hypocrisy is laughable. Funny how you want well for you and yours but don’t extend the same sentiment to to your brothers in the sport. Money is funny like that isn’t it?Guides and outfitters think they are the heroes of the sport but it’s the complete opposite. There is nothing heroic about monetizing nature or the sport. In fact nothing f—s something up more than the introduction of money and profit. All you have to do is look around at, I don’t know, anything? Lol. Quit kidding yourself about virtue of the industry and just say you want guys like us to pay for your new truck. At least be that honest.“Pro’s” are the guys that:
– get confrontational on public water while with clients
-are literally exploiting natural resources for their personal gain
-defend private land situations because it benefits them. You know land owners, the guys that don’t want most of us to be able to play
-are literally profiting off of their own kind, which is fine as long as you don’t cry about it too
-the guys who want us to pay hard dough but want different and better for themselves. You suggest pros get even better deals yet you care nothing for the welfare of the other guys. You have no love for guys who seek a lower form of elitism (feeling hooked up, being in the cool club, etc) yet you argue and push for an even greater divide between them and you, privilege wise. How much does your brother have to lose before you feel gain?The fishing industry is all (XXXXXX). But abusing pro deal from the companies that are more than happy to bend us all over (remember they got you too at one point) is the only time most of us actually get off good. Forget the politics. Forget the money. Just fish. Enthusiastic pro deal abuser,
I’ve got many a rod off of pro deal held by friends, And it’s the only way to go. Why would anyone want to be exploited more than they have to be? It’s fine when our pockets hurt, but the sky is falling when it affects you because of your choices? Like they say it’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job, but it’s a depression when you lose yours. The hypocrisy is laughable. Funny how you want well for you and yours but don’t extend the same sentiment to to your brothers in the sport. Money is funny like that isn’t it?Guides and outfitters think they are the heroes of the sport but it’s the complete opposite. There is nothing heroic about monetizing nature or the sport. In fact nothing f—s something up more than the introduction of money and profit. All you have to do is look around at, I don’t know, anything? Lol. Quit kidding yourself about virtue of the industry and just say you want guys like us to pay for your new truck. At least be that honest.“Pro’s” are the guys that:
– get confrontational on public water while with clients
-are literally exploiting natural resources for their personal gain
-defend private land situations because it benefits them. You know land owners, the guys that don’t want most of us to be able to play
-are literally profiting off of their own kind, which is fine as long as you don’t cry about it too
-the guys who want us to pay hard dough but want different and better for themselves. You suggest pros get even better deals yet you care nothing for the welfare of the other guys. You have no love for guys who seek a lower form of elitism (feeling hooked up, being in the cool club, etc) yet you argue and push for an even greater divide between them and you, privilege wise. How much does your brother have to lose before you feel gain?The fishing industry is all (XXXXXX). But abusing pro deal from the companies that are more than happy to bend us all over (remember they got you too at one point) is the only time most of us actually get off good. Forget the politics. Forget the money. Just fish. Enthusiastic pro deal abuser,
XXXXXXX
A few things are clear: The average fly consumer knows what the wholesale prices and margins are. A lot of people are pissed about the commercial pressure on public resources (and the privatization of trout fishing). MAKING TROUT EASIER TO CATCH AND HARDER TO AFFORD IS A GOOD WAY TO KILL THE SPORT. And some companies couldn’t really care less about “pro status.” When it’s not truly wholesale pricing, is it really a “pro deal” or a 30% off sale for cool people?
Lots to consider for sure.
