Random thoughts on "Pro" bass fishermen:
Many pros are great ambassadors for fishing. I think a significant number of people watch them on TV and get into fishing. Fishing programs and tournaments encourage not only fishermen, but encourage states to create more lakes, and better maintain existing waters. I'm sure many private ponds have been built because of the influence of pro bass fishermen.
Many pros remind me of TV evangelists. They always look good for the cameras and preach to people to make a buck. Most of them look pretty silly in the process.
Ray Scott's videos helped encourage me to build a pond.
I think bass pros embody the "good old boy network". Outsiders need not apply, no matter how good a fisherman they are.
Many bass pro films are filmed in private "honey hole" ponds. You just don't catch 10 pounder after 10 pounder in public waters.
Catching bass off of beds is generally harmless, except for a few unusual situations. It is not even bad sportsmanship.
