You're close, especially with Downrigger's qualifier: the Unique elite. Elite, as in better people - no way, no how! Don't even think about it. In that sense, we seem to be a cross section of society. But elite, as in highly skilled anglers, well yes, generally speaking, I do think so. A damn lot of fish catchin' goes on among this BB's membership. I'm a passionate, serious, and maybe scientific angler for over three decades, and I'm plumb amazed at the amount of water-time that can be accounted for by many of this group. I barely get out any more compared to many that post here regularly. This BB isn't the domain of the casual angler - the guy who doesn't know how to use powerbait (that could be me as I've never use it - won't stay on a fly) or tie proper knots in his line and leaders. I think we are unique and elite, an unruly mob of opinionated reprobates who know the things about recreational fishing that many would give their left @#$ to possess, that it may enhance their fishing prowess. Just because we all get skunked from time to time doesn't make our collective knowledge priceless.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.