James. I totally agree. Even if a location is "hot", the PWF staff rest the location to ensure the fish do not get "lock jaw". I even use my reports when fishing the location again. 

Bill Fetech

We love reports for many reasons. But, mostly because it really helps the members. Our fishing reports are similar to the 80/20 rule. But in our case it is the 90/10 rule. Only 10% of our members post. We have tried everything to get that number up. We try and promote a club feel, which can be seen as odd, as most members never get to meet other members because of the only one reservation per lake model we offer. So, we are a club, but members seldom get to meet up. Weird!

We are in hopes that a club mentality would inspire people to help one another. Like Bill says, we protect each lake and limit the number of reservations. So, if you are not posting to protect a property from getting over fished, you are misinformed, because we limit the reservations anyway. Secondly, if you are not posting because you don't want others to know you are catching good fish, you are also mistaken. It takes only a month or two and members figure out pretty quick what the hot lakes or best value lakes are. These lakes are not really a secret.

If anyone has an idea of how to get more people posting we are all ears.

Steve, you're right…. There's a "tradition" or "myth" that telling fellow anglers something positive or helpful about a fishing spot will somehow deplete the fishing. It  does exist, however, look how many hits our reports get. We love the help, the hints, and the sharing of experiencing bad, terrible or even really good fishing. These can enhance our trips by helping with our preparation and presentations. So as they say…"Come on man" submit reports. Every trip presents new circumstances and results, but the more we read, hear, and try makes us better a what we love. This is a great advantage of being in a club….... we're not alone. We can help each other be better at what we do….. "come on man"!

I'm a believer in writing fishing reports for a couple of reasons.  One is to supply some tactical info on what to use and where to fish in the lake. The second I hope is arouses or motivates members to book a trip. If we ain't fishing then the club could be slipping.  The last thing I want to do is to go back to public waters.  Maybe the answer lies in a synopsis of each lake. From intelligence gathered from reports, phone conversation, emails and clandestine methods.  All this data could be transformed info viable information.  Maybe broken down by seasons, lures used, colors, unique things about the property, local businesses (donut shops, restaurants, tackle shops, etc.), location on the lakes and maybe owners first name. Why not enhance a members day by giving some pointers or tips to improve their trip. 

It's always been baffling to me why more people don't want to post and tell about their day. I start mentally crafting what I want to say on the drive home and sometimes while I'm fishing. I also look at the forums a couple times a day b/c I like to read other members reports.

I always find the reports very helpful, especially for lakes I've booked but never fished. Thank you to all of you who report your trips.

As for me I promise to post more and better reports going forward.

I have long been a believer that it really doesn't matter what we report. We're fishermen, so few people are going to believe us, anyway, even when we tell the truth. I report every trip, and I never embellish my reports have been some help to other members. I'll just be glad when my health improves enough for me to fish again. For those members who DO submit reports, thank you.

I too agree that reports are very helpful. I always go back and look at recent reporting prior to booking a trip and urge everyone to participate. Get on the program guys.