Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019 - 39

photo-Cindy Planinsek

Dave Planinsek, Latrobe, with his grandchildren, Jackman Bezilla, age 5, and Bennett Bezilla, age 7.

advantageous to fishing. For example, the scientist notices
the insect hatch trout are eating or observes that nearly every
Smallmouth Bass has spit up a crayfish or certain baitfish.

The die hard

Call this type of angler if you plan on fishing all day
or, better yet, all week. The die hard angler's line is in the
water more than it is out of the water. Competitive fishing
tournaments are merely a warm-up for their regimen. The die
hard is not likely going to give you the best drift or first cast.
Do not expect to out-fish this angler. Enlist this type of fishing
buddy when you want to see big fish, lots of fish and learn the
potential for a spot. The die hard does not pair well with the
fair weather angler or the joker.

The cook

Priorities are breakfast, lunch and dinner, with snacks close
behind. Let this angler pack the cooler and prepare the day's
menu. While you may go fishless, you will never go hungry.
More often than not, an angler who knows what people like
to eat can figure out what fish like to eat as well. Just do not
mix the two culinary worlds. This sort of angler compliments
the gear guru and is also nice to have around to combat the
youthful angler's bottomless appetite.

The explorer

Ever up for adventure, the explorer is who you call when
you are trying a new fishing spot. If middle of nowhere leads
to something good, this is the buddy to find it. Be it map and
compass or truck and boat, this is the captain you want in
charge of navigation. The explorer is usually too intense for
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the youthful angler or fair weather angler. Try to keep up with
this angler.

The gear guru

Always trying the newfangled, latest and greatest gadgets.
This fishing buddy is a walking gear review, knowing what
you should and should not buy or try. This is the angler who
did his or her homework in grade school. Endless research
and attention to the details are given to even the smallest
facets of fishing. Choose this fishing buddy if you want to pick
someone's brain about equipment.

The joker

The joker is one of my favorite types of fishing buddy. The
joker is fun to be around. Usually, the joker's punch lines are
stronger than their fishing lines. This fishing buddy enhances
the enjoyment level of most trips and is perfectly amicable
with most other types.

The old man

Regardless of age, nearly every group has one. Typically,
but not always, the old man is a father or grandfather. This
category is content to come along and honored to have been
included. A quiet wisdom and calm leadership rubs off on
fellow anglers. The old man is genuinely happy seeing others
catch fish. He gives the first cast and best fishing spots to
those around him. The old man greets other anglers with a
welcoming smile.
Having examined some genres of fishing buddies, I
encourage all anglers to select wisely, and I challenge every
angler to reflect on what type of angler they aspire to be.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2019

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2019

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