How important are...........

[B-Faithful]

I like to know if people are catching in particular regions of the bay before making decisions on where to launch. If I am going to take a day of my time and work for fish, it is nice to know that they are in an area.

For example, i fished out of Solomons on Day 1 of the MSSA due to knowing that people were catching big fish in the region even if I didnt know where exactly there were. I did fish out of SPSP on Day 2 because I know some people had fish in the BPL area and that I didnt have to go as far.

It is also nice to know.. What types of baits people are using, what methods of fishing, etc.

Other important details can be depth of the bite, tide, etc.

If anything.. I just like to see photos of guys catching fish no matter where as it is nice to think about being on the water while working.

[5th Tuition]

Fishing reports are pretty important for me. There are many on this board that I trust to give good imformation. As Greg stated, I need to know that there are fish in the area for me to give it a try. I don't need to know the exact location. I often give the exact location in my reports simply because I may not be back out for several days and the fish probably will have moved by then. However, if someone is going out the day after my post, I may have helped him put a few in the box. Just keep this in mind; I will never lie to you and steer you in the wrong direction. I may leave a few things out (especially if I fish off of someone elses boat and I don't want to burn their spot). But for the most part; I'm open to tell you whatever you need. You can always send me a PM for more information. 5th (Marty)

[swartj]

I use the reports a lot.

I launch from the same ramp out of my marina all the time. So they let me know whether I should go north, south over to Eastern Bay when I come out of the river.

The reports also let me hone in my approach for a trip. For example, now it is good to know the general depth of water people are catching fish and if they caught deep or up top. During the summer I may change what I am fishing for (i.e. flounder, croaker, etc.) or have to put different tackle on the boat like when macs show up.

When I fish off my boat I have not issue telling you where I fish and I usually post a report every time. I am of the opinion that there are no "secret" spots. Some spots are hot on a given trip and cold the next trip.

When I fish off someone elses boat I don't post. Also I talk to a number of people during the week and if they share info I will not put it in my reports. I will tell you about technique but locations will be very general like "mid bay".