The Modern World Of Gps Fishing - Is It Still A Sport?

The modern GPS fisherman today fishes with GPS assisted fish finders,GPS bird finders,GPS Chart Plotters,GPS Auto pilot,GPS Eperbs and GPS VHF Radios. It's amazing that there are still fish left to catch.

Soon the Wireless GPS Fishing Tackle will be perfected to be capable of tracking and hooking fish by using a remote. The modern fisherman will stalk his chosen prey by watching a monitor and with the use of a remote, guide and present his irrisistible smelling lure which has built in everything from a camera, tracking devices and other gadgets to the fish either manually (if he can find the strength) or simply by pushing the "auto" button. In auto mode the fisherman is not needed so he can now seriously relax while waiting for the fish to appear on his tackle next to a fired up barbeque.

I often wonder how fishermen managed to feed the people on this planet without the miracle GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology.Today we know where to find - within a few feet - every type of fish or mammal in most waters, with the click of a button. This is often broadcasted on the internet and other means resulting in the fish being tracked and hounded relentlessly by fishing boats, charter boats and anything else that floats.

Sport?

Where is the sport in fishing these days? It seems to be all about tracking and catching the biggest, then using powerful sophisticated rods and reels to wind them in at top speed, aiming at getting the full quota for all the different types of fish biting. What to do with all these fish is often a problem. I find it amazing that there are still so many fish around considering the determination with which we seem to be trying to wipe them out, and in this fast moving age, the quicker the better.

Fishfinders with GPS Chartplotters

These combos are available with things like "advanced fishing system capabilities" which are features designed to find fish quicker than ever. The GPS pin points their exact position anywhere on the planet and that information is then sent to boats fishing in the area using GPS VHF marine radios, laptops with GPS software and GPS smart phones.

Also available is a fishfinder with GPS which includes a birdfinder. These are capable of locating birds beyond the horizon so that if you can't find any fish with your fish finder then you can always check out your screen for green spots which indicates where birds are diving. Fix that location and with your GPS auto pilot engaged, the boat will take you directly to the hotspot.

If for some reason you and your boat get into trouble and you need help fast, then by activating your GPS EPERB (it will send out a distress signal to a manning station when activated) you can expect to be recued in no time at all by other boats in the area. When advised of your eperb's position they then zone in and find it and you using their GPS receivers. You will be back fishing in no time.

Fish Stand No Chance

With all this GPS technology around you would think that the poor fish stands no chance but it seems that it is not always the case. When sailing the oceans I often came across huge schools of different species of fish. Without much effort I would catch decent size ones on rough, ugly as sin, home made lures which I trolled behind the boat at different speeds and in all kinds of weather, using a 4mm nylon rope tied to a cleat.

Many of us still happily fish from the shore or boats without any technology, except a hope and a prayer. When we do get a bite on our light tackle which results in a sporting battle where we have to use all our experience and skill to land a nice size fish, then there is no greater feeling of satisfaction by having done it the old way.