Farewell

[drumking]

For me, it has been an exciting and fulfilling run. I first learned of CFF several years ago from an article in the Times/Free Press written by our own Rsimms. I was intrigued by the article that spoke of a small group of fishermen who had joined this forum that was started by Dhaun. I lurked for a couple of weeks while reading the posts and getting the general feel of what David wanted this forum to become before deciding to join and becoming a poster of fishing reports.

I must admit that as I was formulating the very first fishing report, I had this uncertain feeling that maybe I shouldn't be telling all that I was sharing in that report. I have the same feeling now as I am composing this farewell note. My hope is that I am doing the right thing for all those who have come to value the reports that I have made over the years. To you, I owe a heart felt gratitude for all the kind things that you have shared with me. Thank you.

I have had the honor of sharing the boat with over 55 of you guys and have taught many the techniques that I use for crappie fishing. I have learned more than I have shared and that is the message that I have tried to convey to all you guys, but most wouldn't listen. The most disappointing thing is that those whom I have poured out my life and time with to teach certain principles, have now reverted back to keeping everything to themselves. I just can't deal with that attitude and rather than cause strife and hard feelings with anyone, I have decided to pursue the real passion of my life which is building relationships in the Kingdom of God.

I will continue to read the forum and I will still fish with certain ones and I may communicate with some of you by PM if you ask. You will probably see me on the water and if you do, then come over and say hi or whatever you want to do. It doesn't bother me to share the water with you. Look for a 17.5 ft Pro Crappie Bass Tracker with the cowling off the motor. That would be me. If I fish with you and you want to post a report, that is just fine with me. I encourage it. If you want the forum to live or die....well, I guess that you know what I mean.

 

[Fixxxer93]

I don't what has happened or what has changed that has brought you to this decision. I wish you luck in anything you do, and hope you spread the word of God as well as you have the fishing reports. I've enjoyed the ones you have writen and appreciate the time you took to type them. I'm hoping one day I'll see you on the water because I know you have alot to share and seem to me, willing and enjoy doing it. Thank you drumking, and hopefully I'll see you out there soon. emoAngel

 

[reliable]

I will miss the reports and pics of you in the muscle shirts - but I am sure I will see you in some of the community spots we both frequent.

Count me as one of the ones that you "educated" several years ago. I'm not the teacher you are by any means, but have been blessed to be able to share your tricks and techniques with several of my regular fishing buddies. It is nice to know that pretty much year-round I can always seem to scrounge up a meal of fresh crappie when the family gets the urge to eat some, would not have that confidence without you -

you will be missed.

 

[Buoy-Master]

If it weren't for you and polo, dock shooting and crappie catching wouldn't fire me up. I'll always be willing to share that info with you....heck, anyone that asked. I do however see where your coming from.

Let's be sure to fish this fall Dk. So much going on right now. My boat hasn't been wet in a month!

 

[the maddog]

MR. PORTER, Reading your thoughts of fishing reports is what I treasured to do when I was ailing and not able to go fishing myself. I have had cronic health issues since I was 48 yrs old and my passion for fishing has been kept alive mostly in part due to the enjoyment I received by counting on reading your elegant fishing reports and the great pictures that you always posted, to this I want to thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart. I certainly will miss the reports containing the adventures of the "Sunday Sailors"(DK + Dr. Phil), "Dynamic Duo"(DK + Polo-Dog), "Snowbird Show"(DK + BassErt), "Team Riverpark"(DK + Labman), "Buttermilk Pie"(DK + CU), "Gramps"( DK + grandchilren) just to name a few that I have treasured and admired over the last five years since joining the CFF. I certainly hope that I never offended you in any way by replying or asking questions on any of your posts. Please keep me in mind and on your fisherman's prayer list as I go into surgery next month for some colon removal, this battle seems never ending but I'm a tough customer and keep my attitude in the right perspective to never give up. My PM is always open to you, and I'll look for that special delta structure that has a hidden hoard of those beautiful speckled fishes just waiting to be caught on ablue-eyed albino shad with a DK tailight!........sincerly,,,the Maddog

 

[foodsaver]

hey you will be missed as a regular poster. I wish you much success in the future as you do God's work. If you are half as good at that as you are at fishing Billy Graham better watch out!

 

[gruffy911]

DK the Kingdom of God is what we all need to working for. Good luck in everything that you do. I will miss reading your reports, but hope to see you on the water. God bless you and yours. emoThumbsup

 

[drumking]

the maddog - 6/26/2012 1:39 PM

MR. PORTER, Reading your thoughts of fishing reports is what I treasured to do when I was ailing and not able to go fishing myself. I have had cronic health issues since I was 48 yrs old and my passion for fishing has been kept alive mostly in part due to the enjoyment I received by counting on reading your elegant fishing reports and the great pictures that you always posted, to this I want to thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart. I certainly will miss the reports containing the adventures of the "Sunday Sailors"(DK + Dr. Phil), "Dynamic Duo"(DK + Polo-Dog), "Snowbird Show"(DK + BassErt), "Team Riverpark"(DK + Labman), "Buttermilk Pie"(DK + CU), "Gramps"( DK + grandchilren) just to name a few that I have treasured and admired over the last five years since joining the CFF. I certainly hope that I never offended you in any way by replying or asking questions on any of your posts. Please keep me in mind and on your fisherman's prayer list as I go into surgery next month for some colon removal, this battle seems never ending but I'm a tough customer and keep my attitude in the right perspective to never give up. My PM is always open to you, and I'll look for that special delta structure that has a hidden hoard of those beautiful speckled fishes just waiting to be caught on a blue-eyed albino shad with a DK tailight!........sincerly,,,the Maddog 

Nothing that anyone has said has caused me to stop posting on the forum. When you recover from surgery, I will take you fishing and show you the dock shooting techniques that I promised you. You are still on my bucket list and when the Lord reminds me in prayer, I will carry you in my heart until God's purpose for your life is completely realized. Love you, MD.

dk

 

[Liveliner]

DK My feelings for you will never waiver.. Regardless of whether I see your post or not. It is a real pleasure being in the company of a man like you. I have met you on the water but never asked for the honor to fish with you. Even thought I have missed the opportunities to learn first hand from you I have always paid close attention to all you have to say. I have learned much from you and I Thank you Sir. I wish for you the best Life has to offer with your future plans.
I can assure you, you will be missed much more than you can imagine here. You never hear back from most of the ones who have tried to copy your ways. You do in fact set a great example of a true Fisherman and I know without a doubt that you have positively influenced many here through CFF. By your own words I see you take issue with only a few of the individuals who have taken from you and with their greedy nature and poor character, have harmed you. I can assure you that is the exception and not the rule of your many followers. I have and will always follow your ways and I Thank you Sir... David Worley aka LL

 

[Fishin Fool]

Dickey as someone how has fished with you on several occasions I can only say it was a learning experience and a heck of a lot of fun! I don't think you and I ever failed to catch fish when we went. Both of us were always full of joy, regardless of what we were fishing for. Sadly, you nailed some of the problems down in your post. Like you, I post less and less, simply because it seems like only a few people bother, and it seems like when I do post, it isn't appreciated. Lots of views, but few comments or thank yous. The old forum was one heck of a place! I got on in late 2005 and had a blast, learning new places and ways to fish. The forum was a place where there was give and take of information. It honestly felt like an extended family. I know it's far too big now to ever feel that way again, but us old folks here know who we are, how the thing started, and who made it great. I can only say thank you for all of your help and support and teaching over the years. We have both shared a lot about God, and fishing....not a bad conversation combination when you think about it! I'll be in touch via PM and we'll continue to fish, learn and share. Take care Dickey.

 

[Jmax]

My gosh DK, I hate to hear you are not going to be posting. You know my number and you also know you can call me any time. I hope I can still call you for advise when looking for a crappie meal. emoHungry I have truly valued your friendship and sharing of your crappie knowledge. We had some real good times on here and on the water. emoGrouphug I hope every now and then you might post something even if it is not much of a report maybe just a hello. You have been a rock on this forum and will be greatly missed. emoBawl

I will second all the stuff above, lot said there and I could say it all again so I will just second it. You stay in touch.

Ya know we love ya, man. emoBigsmile Jmax

 

[CherokeeRidge]

God Bless you, I know you have thought long and hard B-4 coming to this decision. Thanks for all the unselfish entertaining reports they wiling missed. I believe you have touched more people on this forum than you will ever know. Thanks
AL Russell

 

[rsimms]

My hero is going underground... doesn't matter, you'll always be my hero.

Now I guess I'll just have to call and actually talk to you. OMG! emoEek

emoHeart

 

[loneranger93]

Will miss the reports.
thanks for your time.

 

[Rangerman]

Just like the post before me I have always enjoyed reading your post. I admire you for your choice of spreading God's word. May only the best find you in the future and let us other readers know how you are doing.
Thanks for the reading enjoyment.

You are a class act!

 

[JSV]

Another very bad day for CFF! Although I have been back on the water some for the past 3 months and chasing the Bass at night or bream with my family during the day. I can recall during those 2 years I was away vividly reading and looking forward to signing in to read your reports and the adventures that went a long with them. The time I was away from the water as my son was very young and finances tight, your posts allowed me access to briefly drift off for a moment and be on the water! In your posts, I could see the retrieve with the palsy twitch or feel that light tic or see the almost undetectable twitch of the line and I too would be setting the hook and catching fish from behind a desk or Blackberry! I would be with you on so many adventures as you took so many new people and taught them the dynamics of shooting docks. A smile would come across my face as I would picture the student shoot that jig and it going in every direction but in that tiny hole or even on top of the dock at the beginners dock. From the early days of Cracker fest to CFF picnic and the ever loving TT! You my friend made this site and will be missed greatly! If it wasn't for you, I would not have ever been able to catch Crappie deep! I always had the patience but never the knowledge and understanding of the twitch and light tic with a tail light! Just one trip with you and I was hooked on finding the deep water slabs! Thank you so very much. You've not only added substance to a site that is ever changing but you added love, faith and shared God's grace! I can fully understand your decision. I believe many have left for the same reason and I think that is why I don't post as I did in the early days. Some of it is I don't make time to share however most Crappy trips, I tried to follow your example and do the best I could to paint a picture as you did. Your reports will be missed but you have left behind so much knowledge and I'm certain if I continue to hang around, I will drift back and search to reread some of your posts. Thanks and I hope our path crosses on the water. If you ever want to go out night fishing for Bass or need company on a short trip, give me a call!

 

[whenwegoin]

Well said, JSV, well said.

 

[Hal]

The very best to you as you continue down life's road. You will be missed, your reports, your "schoolin'", and your special character are very rare. Your ability to catch fish and then explain and show others how it's done is the very best that I've seen. I wish the best to you as the Lord guides you and you guide others on into the future, emoThumbsup

 

[Nauticman]

Dear Dickey, I am echoing all the above sentiments. I thought Fishin Fool's comments were especially thoughtful. I honestly believe that, because of you, there are more skilled Crappie fishermen on Chickamauga lake than anywhere else. The first time I met you, I was fishing Harrison Bluff without much luck and you and Hal pulled up, said hello, gave me a limit of big crappie, gave me some lures and advised me on how to use them. I knew who you were from the CFF and I'll never forget it and I always looked forward to the posts of your and Hal's Friday fishing trips and all your other posts.

I have noticed that a lot of the CFF regulars haven't posted in recent weeks. I am struggling to make some meaningful and HONEST comments about how I feel. I haven't posted as much as I used to, one reason being that I haven't fished that much recently. I have a busy life outside fishing including a 92 year old mother (you have experience along those lines).

Now I'll be controversial and step on some toes. I had an off-shore crappie hole that I could usually fish when I wanted to. When it became CFF knowledge, it became constantly occupied. I saw a guy on it for 7 hours one day and he only left it because a thunderstorm ran him off. I try to provide info in my posts on patterns, flow, water temp., etc w/o giving away the exact spot for obvious reasons, even you photo-shopped out the background in your pics. I always enjoyed your posts, in big part because of the many pics, I hardly look at a post that does not include pics.

I don't care for raping the crappie holes and bragging about catching 100 plus and so many TARPs. Why not catch a nice limit, keep it for food or release it and then fish for bass or something else or go home and spend time with your loved ones or mow the yard. OK, I'll get beat up over this comment!

Like Fishin Fool said, fewer and fewer people are posting while more and more people are on the CFF at any one time, sometimes 400, and there are many thousands of members and many more non-members. Posting takes time and effort to make meaningful comments and resize pics, etc. And then you may get 5 or 6 comments. Makes you wonder if its worth the effort.

Mr. CFF, this forum will never be the same w/o you, but I understand. Your Ministry, joyful presentation and dispensation of highly valuable knowkedge is irreplaceable. I treasure the times we shared a boat. I hope we do that some in the future! May God bless you and your family!

Best regards,

Pete Sr. (Nauticman)

 

[dragfish]

Geez- now that was an unbeleivable post!