- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holy_Grail
The Grail plays a different role everywhere it appears, but in most versions of the legend the hero must prove himself worthy to be in its presence.
Belief in the Grail and interest in its potential whereabouts has never ceased. Ownership has been attributed to various groups (including the Knights Templar, probably because they were at the peak of their influence around the time that Grail stories started circulating...
With bass fishing the holy grail is a trophy, by bass master's standards that is a 6+ lbs smallmouth or a 10+ lbs largemouth. To some, it may be perceived as fairy tale or mystical legend, but in actuality, the holy grail does exist in Washington State waters.
Just like the Knights Templar, there are people within the Pacific Northwest who hold this type of information. There are many reasons why things such as the holy grail havent been spoken about online.
In my infancy, I too, use to ask the famous questions who, what, where, when, how and why. I quickly got schooled about angler etiquette. Simply put, if its left unsaid, there is a reason for it. Though I may not understand it, and others as well may not, I not longer question the fact. In time, that information may or may not be disclosed. I have learned to respect that part of the game.
These are a few things Ive been schooled on along the way... let me try to break it down. Please keep in mind, Im not an expert, but under the tutelage, these are things that have come to my knowledge.
The Who - Heavy Hitters:
There are a select few who I deem heavy hitters in the PNW. These are the anglers constantly banging out huge numbers, and yes they are legitimate trophies, even based on bass master's standards. There have also been a few unofficial state records as well. These heavy hitters believe, as do I, the fish belong in the water, left unharvested - record or no record - the holy grail must live on [Please read 'The Why' as well].
The What - Networking:
Though internet is a great tool, you can only learn so much. In all honesty there is more information gained offline, than you see online. Most of the learning process is actual fishing, and some lessons can only be taught in person. Like the saying goes; more heads are than one, so go out and join your nearest club.
The Where - Washington Lake:
Washington Lake holds the most trophies, both smallmouth and largemouth. That is probably the only spoken about Lake online... but there are probably 10 lakes off the top of my head that hold them as well.
The When - Any Time Any Place:
Bass eat all the time, especially the trophies. Do not let the weather dictate when you fish.
The How - Persistence With Etiquette:
Probably one of the most important steps that will open new doors.
I have fished for the majority of my life, but mainly from shore or a rental, and rarely from the boat. It was my cousin who got me serious about fishing again. Up until a few years ago bass fishing was a hobby I almost gave up on. Upon moving to the arrival to the West coast [Im an East coast transplant], I found it very difficult to find bass angling information. Silly me, I took upon this task as a challenge to myself. Persistence is what lead to more open doors. To me, lack of persistence is a form of quitting, better known as an excuse. To me, there is no need for excuses, as it can be done, it already has been done many times.
Etiquette, both online and on the water is a must. On the water, respect fellow anglers, give them ample room to fish, I would say 50 – 100 yards atleast. Online etiquette, if someone is left unsaid, it is for a reason [I quickly learned this, as I too have made the mistake of asking]. Dont be the person coined ‘that angler’, as that will quickly close many doors for you.
The Why - Open To Interpretation:
Correct me if Im wrong, but knowledge is power. Not one angler holds the key to holy grail [in most cases that is, I know a few that actually know its where abouts], but a group of them together do. There are many aspects that may lead you there [see 'The What]. I have learned through conversations with other anglers, the holy grail is and will always be very sacred. That being said, you will never find it online period. The internet, as well as a few bad seeds, have been proven to be a deadly tool. Be that as it may, the big sticks [Knights Templar] heavily guard the holy grail for many reasons. As stated before, record or no record, the dna must live on in Washington State waters.
All of the above are pretty much the unspoken rules of bass angling. Take it as you see it. Followed correctly it WILL open brighter doors.
