The Influence of the « Others »

A Story of Balance?

Text adapted from a base published in 1max2carpe issue #8

Gipcy, November 20, 2022

If you have read https://www.brakass.com/post/why-do-i-fish-a-carp-fishing-philosophy or https://www.brakass.com/post/incomparable-comparisons or even https://www.brakass.com/post/cultivating-your-dreams-in-carp-fishing you will have understood that there is a common thread linking these different topics, which may seem, at first glance, relatively self-contained.

This common thread has already been mentioned several times before.

It is about the perception of what surrounds us and our adaptation within this environment.

Today, we are going to take a closer look at other anglers and their influence—you know, that element which is almost inseparable from our microcosm in 2022.

Others, whatever our relationship with them may be, are very much present and have an impact on many levels, whether we like it or not.

Whether directly or indirectly, they influence our thoughts, our desires, our choices, our actions… And when the personal goal is to experience freedom in its broadest sense, this factor quickly becomes an obstacle!

Long before becoming a “bad card,” the “other anglers” factor was actually an asset for each of us.

When we were still beginners and in the learning phase, it was an unmatched source of inspiration.

The basics of fishing can be learned from books, the internet, or a mentor, but it is by comparing our “knowledge” with that of others that it truly grows.

That said, at some point in an angler’s life, the need to disconnect may arise.

Like a pilgrimage through isolation, allowing us to refocus on ourselves, our passion, and our personal relationship with it—something that is ultimately unique to each individual.

Stepping away from the world to reconnect with yourself?

Beware of extremes:

Personally, I have a deep need to disconnect from the carp fishing world on a regular basis.

In the past, I developed a form of extremism by boycotting all information that could influence my fishing choices.

What is ironic about this way of thinking is that, without realizing it,

I was depriving myself of far more than if I had not developed this sense of “self-protectionism”… Let me explain:

At the time, I simply wanted to do the opposite of what most anglers were doing. It started with fishing at the other end of the lake.

Then it evolved into avoiding waters where I had received any kind of tip (big catches, big fish caught, etc.).

Eventually, I even avoided waters where I had seen other carp anglers or simply noticed signs of recent activity… In short, complete nonsense, because in the end I was barely allowing myself to fish anywhere at all!

During all those years, I missed out on incredible fishing sessions by cultivating this acute form of stupidity.

A valuable experience

However, nothing happens by chance, and it is always possible to take something positive from every situation.

I discovered the intense pleasure of catching a fish relying solely on my own thinking. That egocentric feeling that makes us say it’s “our” fish—that its capture is not the result of copying someone else’s work.

Even though I knew I was probably not the first to catch that fish, the illusion was enough for me.

I could then mentally thank the “teachers” I had met along the way.

Their advice had brought me this far, but I had not “crabbed” anyone, directly or indirectly.

During those long years, I cultivated “non-information,” surrounding myself only with a very small circle of friends who respected my choices—that is, who would not reveal what they knew about any given place.

I also completely stopped reading specialized magazines, and luckily, social media was not what it is today.

On the bank, I acted the same way.

When I met another angler, I made sure not to ask any questions that could influence my decisions. And when information slipped into the conversation, I deliberately did the opposite of what I had been told, out of misplaced pride!

Beware of extremes!

Constant adaptation:

Today, I have grown a bit, and even if I still do more or less the same things, the approach is much more measured.

First of all, I have accepted that we must live with our time, and that my childhood dreams—full of pioneering and untouched fish—are over, at least in our country.

However, it is still possible, at my level, to reshape reality by creating my own universe… The less I know, the more I cultivate mystery, the more captivating my adventure becomes!

Being a nostalgic of the early days of carp fishing in France, I remembered that back then, we were mainly interested in the information we could gather directly on the bank, and anglers’ testimonies were part of it.

So I eased up a bit and no longer reject information shared live on the bank. It is now part of the environment, even if I clearly don’t chase after it.

These criteria now allow me to keep playing a role in an old theatre I have always been part of.

So yes, I will obviously not be the first to step on that bank, nor the first to catch that fish, but if, in my approach, the criteria I have set for myself are respected, then why disregard the results? That fish may have a little less flavor, but it will still be in my net—and that’s already not so bad for an addict!

They say only fools never change their minds.

Obstacles that are not always easy to deal with:

Today, I once again have a Facebook account and, since last year, an Instagram account dedicated specifically to fishing.

The main goal is to communicate about the Brakass project that I share with my friend Franck Rouchouze, but also to try to bring my experience on a subject that matters to me: catch and release!

However, these accounts are a real poison for me, as they are a constant temptation of unconscious “modern spying” (you scroll through the feed and all kinds of images sneak in and occupy your subconscious for an undetermined time).

So I try not to scroll through these damn feeds, even though I still catch myself doing it too often.

For me, these networks are the hardest parameter to control, because otherwise it is quite easy not to search on YouTube, not to read every article written about the trendy lake, or not to ask random guys what bait catches the big fish…

Once these parameters are under control, there is still the contact with other anglers, which is also tricky to manage.

There are ways to avoid “contact.”

Contacts:

When you have a Facebook or Instagram account, you expose yourself (judgment, criticism, contacts, etc.).

It is a fundamental rule of the game, and you have to learn to deal with it without any prior training.

You must accept that people with very different profiles will reach out to you.

These contacts can be friendly or not, calculated or spontaneous, brief or long-lasting… It’s like navigating in the fog, and any type of angler can influence you unexpectedly.

Then comes the physical encounter on the bank.

It can be difficult to make someone understand that you don’t want information without offending them.

And what about those who tell you everything, hoping that you will reveal everything you know in return?

Driven by this mindset, I have even seen people lie to make their information more appealing… And for what purpose? I will never know.

In any case, it remains a sad reality, which, in my opinion, is fueled by this external influence.

Shortcuts and caricatures:

“Special ‘kacedédie’ to Tonton”

The “Bear”:

Acting like a “bear” is extremely effective, but comes with constraints that few of us can handle in the long term.

Not talking to anyone is radical, but can become difficult over time, as this culture of solitude is not always accepted by others.

Some stages of life become harder to go through, and some people may behave less respectfully toward you because you choose to go solo.

However, it seems to me to be the best option if you are used to walking the banks alone, as it is the best way not to be disappointed by anyone and to live your own story with each water you fish.

For the “bear,” the influence of the carp world is a low-impact factor—it is simply part of the landscape.

The “Franchouillard”:

I like using this term because it represents, in my view, those who share—but only within a closed circle.

This type of angler usually has a group of friends with whom there are “no secrets.”

It is a faster and more efficient way to reach goals, as it reflects teamwork rather than individual effort.

However, balance is essential, otherwise tensions may arise over time.

Everyone must get along perfectly, or you risk being able to share certain things with some but not others… which is very difficult to manage.

You must also accept sometimes receiving the fruits of someone else’s work, just as you give yours.

Personally, I still have a lot of work to do to accept receiving… everyone has their own burden.

For the “franchouillard,” the influence of the carp world is present but not dominant.

Being a “bear” also means missing out on the sharing that comes with this kind of encounter.

The “Yes-Man”:

This category mostly represents beginners.

Without being pejorative, their naivety leads them to listen to everything—and especially to repeat everything.

They end up feeding a huge “Chinese whispers” effect that quickly distorts reality, often creating chaos with sometimes serious consequences.

The main victims, as usual, are the fish—and secondly, the “bears” who asked for nothing.

For them, the influence of other anglers weighs heavily, and if time and experience do not teach them how to protect themselves, they will quickly slip into the next category.

The “Crab”:

Finally comes the virus of anglers—the good old crab! He’s like the flashy football dribbler who only plays for himself.

This type of angler generally doesn’t care about the fish, fellow anglers, or the fishing world in general.

What matters is maximizing personal pleasure as quickly as possible, by any means necessary.

Everything is worth taking—especially information.

He copies plans that have worked for others and, with experience, can reproduce situations perfectly to ensure the best possible results.

For him, the influence of the carp world is fuel.

Influence can sometimes lead to putting an end to certain relationships.

Obviously, between these four main profiles, there are hybrids that fit into several categories. And it is probably unnecessary to say that we are all constantly evolving, moving from one category to another depending on our journey as anglers.

This last part of the article may sound like a slightly “harsh” observation of the carp fishing community in France—and I fully acknowledge that—but these are only my personal views. Everyone is free to see themselves in this rough sketch… or not.

Most of us have been “Yes-Men,” tempted by “Crab-like” moves, before finding a more “Franchouillard” partner, all while dreaming of becoming a “Bear”…

Soël