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Most fishermen are a social bunch of people. They like to hear what’s going on with other fishermen, what the fish are biting on, where the fish are and just about anything that pertains to fishing.
That’s why so many of them are starting to use Social Media as a way to keep in touch with other fishermen. Whether it be Twitter, Facebook or Google+ fishermen are fast becoming avid users. They have found it can be an instant and private (if desired) method of communication.
For many years fishermen on Lake Erie have used their marine radios as the means to communicate. The only problem with that is everyone on that channel can hear what you say. Not so good if you are trying to protect a hot spot. Also the FCC is very strict on marine radio language and usage.
The Iphone and the Android have made it feasible to communicate nearly anywhere by using a Social Media platform. Fishermen can have groups, circles or lists. Whichever they choose it is far superior to the marine radio.
Here is an example of what I mean. Take a like minded group of Lake Erie fishermen who wanted to keep in touch while on the lake. Using Google+ they could set up a circle of friends and then communicate at will. They could include their marina manager, the local bait shop and even some charter captains.
It would also be a great way for Charter Captains to communicate and keep it private. They tend to hold their hot spots close to the vest. This would give them the perfect forum to do just that. They could talk among themselves with no fear of the fishing coordinates being broadcast to everyone.
The more I think about it the more possibilities come to mind. The ODNR, Coast Guard, Salvage boats, marina managers and local water police could set up a circle of their own. By checking it even once an hour they would have a pretty good idea what is going on around them.
Lake Erie boaters could even set up a circle for general communications and make it open to the public. Any number of things could be posted that would be important to everyone. Pending weather, floating debris, boaters needing help, who has shiner minnows and the list goes on and on.
I think it is an idea whose time has come. I will try to test this with a fishing forum I belong to and see what the response is then get back with another article.
I think its a great idea. It will also be another way of being found if things went wrong . Cheers Frank
I remember when I used to have a CB radio. I thought I found a frequency that no one was using- I waited and listened for a long time before using it and heard nothing- then I would use it and someone unexpected would join in. It would have been nice to have social networking or even a cell phone back then. Random detail: My mom grew up near Lake Erie. Great article!
With the social media networks, fishing is not going to be a lonely trip. Just be careful not to drop your iPhone in the water though. There may be waterproof phones as Steve said, but you may not be able to retrieve them that easily in deep waters. :)
If you drop one in Lake Erie I think it's a goner Thanks for the comment
Using social media is definitely the way forward. I'd avoided using it for some time after watching my friends glued to their facebook screens for hours but it certainly has its advantages as a way to keep in touch. keep us up to date on how it goes.
I felt the same way a few years ago but decided not to be left behind. Thanks for your comment.
I think social media is changing the way everyone acts. I'd be worried about dropping my phone in the lake. Of course, I think they're making waterproof phones these days so maybe that will solve that potential issue.
I'm sure the Lake will collect a few phones. I guess we will have to mark it up to progress. I have had some feedback that reception is a problem when you get several miles offshore. I'm anxious to get out there and check it out. Thanks for the comment.
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