P
pinstriper
0
I am finding, being new to .... the fishing "lifestyle", I'll call it...that much like coming into a room of strangers, you all have a language that uses familiar words, but in strange contexts that tells me there is different meanings. I won't accuse anyone of jargon. Or can't.
But I do say that you have a vocabulary that, if not actively kept secret from outsiders, you all cherish having cracked the code and being able to "in-speak" so that outsiders are baffled.
For instance, I can figure out that a "bucket mouth" is a largemouth bass. I figured out that "springers" are spring chinook (I think). And I had to ask what the deuce it meant to be "bobber doggin'". I'm not sure I can explain it, but I did it. I'm pretty sure a "silver" is one of any number of salmon, but maybe it's more specific.
But what in the heck is a "pellet head" ? Is it a type of fish ? That eats "pellets" ? What are pellets ? Some special kind of artificial bait ? Are they homemade ?
Or are pellets a fish, and those who chase them are the pellet heads ?
It borders on the incomprehensible, sometimes.
Or do I need to buy someone a beer and get let into the fraternity ? And learn the secret handshake, and swallow a live goldfish or something whacky ? I'm not fallin' for that....again....anyway. What gives ? Is there a glossary ? Does anyone actually know, or do you all just throw these words around without knowing, yourselves, confident that nobody will challenge you because it would be admitting they don't know the in-speak either ?
Arghh !
But I do say that you have a vocabulary that, if not actively kept secret from outsiders, you all cherish having cracked the code and being able to "in-speak" so that outsiders are baffled.
For instance, I can figure out that a "bucket mouth" is a largemouth bass. I figured out that "springers" are spring chinook (I think). And I had to ask what the deuce it meant to be "bobber doggin'". I'm not sure I can explain it, but I did it. I'm pretty sure a "silver" is one of any number of salmon, but maybe it's more specific.
But what in the heck is a "pellet head" ? Is it a type of fish ? That eats "pellets" ? What are pellets ? Some special kind of artificial bait ? Are they homemade ?
Or are pellets a fish, and those who chase them are the pellet heads ?
It borders on the incomprehensible, sometimes.
Or do I need to buy someone a beer and get let into the fraternity ? And learn the secret handshake, and swallow a live goldfish or something whacky ? I'm not fallin' for that....again....anyway. What gives ? Is there a glossary ? Does anyone actually know, or do you all just throw these words around without knowing, yourselves, confident that nobody will challenge you because it would be admitting they don't know the in-speak either ?
Arghh !
