I'll bet that if you looked at how a guy acts while driving, you'll be able to draw some conclusions as to the type of fisherman he is, and vise versa.

For example:
1) Corker/Low Holer/Owns the river/Feels his fishing experience is more important than the others around him = Owns the road/cuts people off/doesn't bother signaling (he's the guy that speeds past a lineup of merging traffice on the shoulder just to be sure he gets 10 more cars farther, or 2 more seconds, ahead of everyone else, after all, his time is more important than everyone elses...)

2) Throws trash out window (or lets it blow out of the back of his rig) = leaves bait containers on bank

3) Pi$$es and moans about traffic and how others are driving. Get's high blood pressure and a candidate for road rage everytime someone cuts him off = Pi$$es and moans about crowded fishing spots. Day is ruined when someone corks him. Wonders why he even bothers fishing any more.

4) Takes the scenic route - longer drive, but less traffice. Let's people merge and stops for people trying to cross the road. Enjoys listening to music / conversation with other passengers / relaxed = Works a little harder to avoid the crowded fishing holes, if he gets corked, he may not like it, but he is determined to have a good time, enjoy the scenery, and meet some new people.

So what do you think? Is it likely that these kind of conclusions can be drawn? Any other examples/comparisons? Which one would you be??

I'll bite,it makes sense to me.But don't ask which one of those I'd fall under.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

I've been known to be a little impatient with our lovely Seattle traffic. But when it comes to fishing, I'm definitely the guy who likes to relax a little.

I drive an orange Daiwoo, so you might be on to something there.

Definately a #4

How 'bout the guy racing past everyone to be the first at the ramp? Then it takes him 20-25 minutes to get in the water because he had to set everything up on the ramp before getting the boat wet?

I leave a little earlier, take my time, stop for the Texaco coffee, and listen to the tunes, My life (job) is stressful enough without having to worry about getting where I am going before anyone else. I get my fishing in...

My "simple rules."

1) Leave earlier
2) Enjoy the experience..especially with the family along. Life is too short!
3) Never launch at Pt Defiance (especially in July).

Downriggin'

I drive: A little faster than most, but very courteous.

I fish: Way faster than most, but very courteous.

Most fish hit on the first cast. Why fish slow?

I'm nothing but courteous on the river, and never leave anything there that I carried in except for footprints and some rigs on the bottom.

On the other hand, my commute sucks and I tend to be less than patient with those that either lack courtesy (or a clue) themselves. As far as chucking stuff on the ground, same as above. That's just stupid.

Driving is a necessary evil (although a nice weekend cruise can be relaxing), but fishing is therapeutic. Two completely different mindsets for me.

Skywalker,

I second your post. I find myself getting wound tighter the more I drive. I find myself unwinding the more I fish. I need to find a way to fish more and drive less.........

Great thought. I'm a number 4, though sometimes I revert to my youth, and get caught back up in first hole frenzy. Generally, I'm in no hurry. I much prefer a fish caught behind someone than in front of them, and get to enjoy that pleasure nearly every time I go fishing. Care and precision are very important...

How about this one:

Tailgator = crowding the guy downstream from you because he may be working his way just a little slower than you...

This one is a stretch, so see if you can find a better match:
Snagger = passing backed up traffic using the carpool lane (and you have no passengers)

Naw PP, Snagger=Car Thief - they both belong in jail

Pre-guide career, I was a #3, retired guide, definitely a #4.

I used to lean toward the #3 myself. I was the type that was always curtious until some idiot cutt me off. Then I'd get pissed. That old self ritious routine. I still slip once in a while, but I just try not to let anyone get my goat any more (an i'm not referring to RT -those would be sheep anyway! Kidding!!).

A few lessons I learned have really helped.

One day I was driving to work and I spot this minivan in my review mirror driving eratically. I immediately think it's another guy in a hurry who thinks he owns the road. So I made sure I didn't give him a chance to cut in front of me. Finally he's able to pull up past me in the other lane and begins shouting at the window to the guy in front of me. I roll down my window ready to give him a piece of my mind when I hear the word 'hospital'as in - where is it. I felt pretty stupid.

The other incident was worse, and i'm pretty embarrased to admit it. To make a long story short, a truck cut me off on Hwy 18 pretty bad, and for no apparent reason, other than he wanted in front of me in the worst way. I got all torqued off and did the usuall flashing of brights and maybe a gesture or 2. Eventually he stops for a stop light, and I pull up along side him on the shoulder and am about to call his punk a$$ out for an a$$ kick'in. I'm leaning out my window singnaling him to roll down his window, and as it comes down, here's a cop in full uniform. He appologises for cutting me off and almost causing an accident, but explains he was trying to catch up to another car that had it's tail lights out or something. I stuck my foot in my mouth and quietly drove home - thankful he did not decide to handle that differently. Also I'm glad it wasn't some punk who whipped out a gun. It's really just not worth getting upset about. Especially now that I have 2 young kids...

Same goes for fishing. There will always be jerks out there. Don't let it affect your trip. Just shrug it off and enjoy yourself. Bitterness sucks. It'll make you die early. Fishing and driving (and life in general) are what we make them. Don't let anyone control you like that...

Just my .02 cents!!

I'm a number 4 and I wouldn't have it any other way. I always drive the out of the way to get anywhere. If someone is fishing a hole I will not go there. I guess I like the quietness of fishing alone. And since I'm retired and don't fish weekends,I usually have the river or where ever I fish to myself.

Hm... I hope I don't drive like I fish! But, wish I could fish like I drive...

Readers Note: I have troubles catching fish... edit: and typing...

Matt

Do I fish like I drive?

Nah. I pay way more attention to what I'm doing when I fish.

Where's that fit?

diana

I'll be the first to say that I have alot to learn about fishing from the NW Natives, but as far as basic driving skills, judgement and courtesy? Well...
What is it about The Great NW that causes people to drive in the left lane of the freeway regardless of the amt of traffic, the speed that they're driving, or the amt of backup behind them?
Those signs in the median that say "keep right except to pass" must be written in a language only discipherable by a cracker? In my homeland of the hillbilly bass-angler, the left lane is wide-open for faster traffic, lest you get a reminder from the highway patrol about blocking the left lane.
The equivalent of anchoring sideways IN the hole.
Flicking cig butts out the window(boat)...Is the whole world (river) your ashtray? I wish I had that priviledge.
Act really confused when the light turns green.... don't accelerate...save that gas for your 502ci 3-stage inboard.
If the weatherman says "poss snow on tuesday", start riding your brakes NOW...just to get in practice for those few flakes that MAY come later.
Always drive with your foglights on....especially in traffic...better to see the gamakatsu sticker on the rig 40 ft in front of you....If your car(truck) didn't come with fogs, better get some and make sure they're always on.
Don't forget the 6" lift kit and 32x12.5 tires... higher cg and more unsprung weight is definitely better for driving...Mudder tires will always improve emergency braking.

No, I don't fish like I drive.
I'm a cracker with good driving skills