I'm looking forward to these "new" places opening up next year to give some of the smaller waters a break.
I can certainly see Bill's point of view and I share it more than I disagree with it. Knowing him from another site, I can say that he is a stand up guy too. He has answered some questions I've asked him through PM's about gear, etc. and I appreciated his responses.
It's not so bad with larger bodies of water but when you're talking about < 20 acres... there's only so much space available, additional pressure, fishing related mortality, etc. can have a much larger effect.
I fish to get away, to clear my head, for the peace and quiet. For me, less is best. I mentioned lakes I fished one time here this year and after I did it, I kind of regretted it for those reasons.
I think alot of what we share is just as relevent without having to post exactly where we were.
Maybe most of us would not go spot chasing, (I have refrained from that though I've been tempted) but there are those that read these boards that would not hesitate and might not care as much about the places we've grown up fishing for 20+ years the way that we do.
I've hauled a few trash cans, and a bike out of one lake this year and damn if the trash cans aren't back in it AGAIN. I hate that!
Not all these actions are from fishermen, but I'm sure you get my point.
Alot has been pointed at Fish Devil as well. Though we may not agree on the finer points of posting the names of small lakes and ponds all over the place, I have definitely benefited from his reports. Even ran into him out on the water one morning this year.
Seeing his posts and the quality fish that are out there have made me fish alot harder, and with success. I caught a few nice quality fish this year by applying myself more. I respect the guy, and I'm not trying to say anything bad about him at all.
Just thought I'd post my thoughts.
Carry on.