I’ve been guiding for almost 20 years and I have only owned one fish finder and it was many many years ago. I never used it to find fish only for water temperature and the GPS. I have been tossing around the idea of buying another one for the same purpose. I’ve also had times  when knowing water depth and bottom structure would have been useful and helpful.  My feelings on this are mixed though.  My hesitation is in feeling as if this takes away from the learning process.  Without it I have to put the time in to cover the water and learner the depths and structure by snagging bottom or a log.  I kinda feel like a fish finder is taking the work out of it, along with the fun.  It does away with trial and error of which I love.  Almost more than the fish themselves.

We were at dinner the other night with friends and we had this very discussion.  Fish finder? No fish finder?  Later on we got on the subject of dating websites, more specifically, Tinder.  Keep in mind we are all pre Tinder age which basically means we had to meet people the old fashion way, through friends, work, bars, etc. When I was in my 20s and I was out there dating and trying hook up. I couldn’t just go on an app, look at pretty girls and swipe left or right and hook up that night. I had to talk to her, ask her out and go on several dates before maybe hooking up! In those days you had to get to know the girl, had to talk to her and find out if you were compatible. 

So It was at dinner that I made the comparison between fish finders and Tinder. How does a fish finder compare to Tinder you ask? Think about it,  without a fish finder you’re out there on the water trying to find the fish.  You’re try to learn the body of water so you can find where the fish are hiding.  With the fish finder you know right where the fish are and you can take your pick. Dating and Tinder are the same thing but for people.  Without Tinder you’re just out there trying to find the men or women.  Tinder shows you right where they are and you can take your pick.  Both take the guess work out of it as well as the learning process. There is no trial and error.

I find I enjoy learning new spots and catching fish by trial and error. I enjoy trying new flies and lines to catch fish. I love finding new channels, down trees or a drop off by mistake and I can make a mental notes to hit that spot again. I learned to guide without the help of a fish finder. Each trip out I would try new area and because of that I now have a very large area in which I guide in.

With all that said, would I have used Tinder when I was in my 20’s? I may have tried it a couple times but I just don’t think that was what I was looking for.  And as for the fish finder,  it’s not always the fish I’m really after. It’s more the process and experience.  

In conclusion, will I ever use Tinder now, NO! Will I ever buy another fish finder, maybe !

Kevin and Stac