what do you think? Me I think saltwater fisherman are smarter.

Its kind of biased by not including Bass boys tho'.....

Well, I'll just open up that can-o-worms.. Answer is...

FRESH WATER FLY FISHERMAN! Emphasis on the FLY....

:p :p :p :p

I don't know. I have seen some pretty dumb guys on the salt, fresh, and rivers. I don't think the body of water you fish determines your intelligence.

I didn't include bass fisherman in the poll because there a pretty good bunch


easy I was just thinking in general I know theres crackers on all bodys of water

That's a tough one Rockfish...

I'll have to ask these questions... What's worse?

1) Someone with a Sage rod, Bellinger reel, Simms waders, Filson vest (don't forget the hat) loaded with every gizmo in half a Kaufmann's catalog, 8 Wheatley fly boxes loaded with Orvis flies and Action Optics. Drives a SUV and stays in the same spot for 7 hours at Rocky Ford or,

2) Guy fishing the Sound, colder than s*** outside, wind blowing all to hell, boat fully loaded with every possible electronic known to man, jumbo Plano Guide tackle box loaded, thermos full of coffee, Hostess donuts, couple of cigars, talking with the family or buddy and fish in the box headed back to the ramp at 9 in morning?

Since I have been on both sides of the fence(with the exception staying in the same spot for 7 hours), my answer is #1

Nothing against fly flingers (I am still addicted and love it to death), I just find more enjoyment these days out in the boat. Plus I hate wasting all that driving time for quality fishing and having to wait my turn at the Mixer (or other spot). By the time I get there, I could back home snuggled up to the ol' lady or have breakfast on the table. Plus it leaves me time for yard word- freeing me up for more fishing.

Downriggin'

I was just judging them by the antics I see at the launches.

Generaly the viewing is better at the freshwater launches (summer)

The rodeo is much more intertaining in the salt.


herm
ps
what do those guys do with them flies if they do cach one?

I agree with Easy limits. there is some highly knowledgeable fisherman in all types of water. The type of water you fish has nothing to do with your IQ. In response to CWUgirl who is probably a great person!! Just because someone chooses to fly fish over someone who chooses to bait fish, plug fish, float fish, plunk or anything else. Does not mean they are smarter or even know more than the next guy when it comes to fishing. To change the subject a little but along the same lines. I have been Bowhunting for 14 years. I have never taken a shot at any type of animal over 45 yards away. But I would never think that a rifle hunter who shoots his animal at 300 yards is any less of a hunter than myself. It is just his choice of hunting method. I hate to say it but alot of other bowhunters that I've met do DISS on riflehuters. I hope not all you fly fisherman think this way. After all if it is caught on a rod and reel and fair hooked it's all good know matter what your fishing preference. Just my 2 cents!!

Easier to catch fish in the salt.

With my superior intellect, any activity I participate in sharply increases the average intelligence of the participating group.

If I'm fishing in the salt, then salt fishers are smarter.

If I'm on the river, then it's river fishers.

If I'm taking a dump in the woods, then it's guys taking a dump in the woods.

Freshwater...... By far. I've fished the salt numerous times and have been outfished by guys that have never fished before. It's simple - in the salt fish are hungry! Once they hit the freshwater, it's a whole new ballgame. If you're referring to "freshwater fishing" being the Cowlitz and other "fish concentrated" waters then sure, anyone can floss. That's pretty darn easy. Put a newbie on a river like the Hoh, Queets, Skagit, or Puyallup and there is definetely some knowledge and practice that comes into play. Either one takes practice to nail fish on a CONSISTENT basis. I simply think that the learning curve for a freshwater fisherman (steelhead) requires a bit more practice.
Cuttie

I'm with Billy Bob

Doesn't matter, there's no "best fisherman trophy in the end. What matters most is enjoying yourself and giving back something to the resource.

I will have to go with the salt water fishing.(most of the time) First you are in MUCH more water all of which may hold fish at one time or another. You are also fishing water depths that range from 0- ??? Then you have to match the hatch with a much larger range of baits to choose from.Tides,water speed and weather are just a few other things to think about.

It is really hard to say which is better, how about a real twist to think about. There are anglers out there that over time have developed skills to be consistant at catching fish no matter where they are. Put them in freshwater and they catch trout, steelhead, sturgeon, salmon, walleyes. Same angler on the salt catches fish too. Now wouldn't a person like this be "The best"

Thats a really tough one rockfish.

I fish salt and fresh and I think it just depends on what degree your into either one. There is alot to learn in either fishery.

think I need not drink and post, gettin cabin fever watchin the sick kid makes you post this stuff. I was reaaly intending it for salmon fisherman but did not explain it to well.