Back in 2002, I was simply looking for a way to keep track of my catches and personal fishing related accomplishments. That very simple need, was the birth of CWF. By participating in online fishing forums, some people would stop by the site to see what I was catching (or not) and read the stories of my fishing adventures. I enjoyed the interaction and made an effort to continually add information and resources to the site.
Early on, I noted one distinct difference from my site and the majority of fishing related sites I visited. I appreciated anything I was catching, whether targeted or inadvertent, whether the species was popular or unpopular. This was especially notable when it came to species often referred to as 'rough fish'. While these fish were only discussed in the context of ruining a fishing trip or being destroyed, I was enjoying catching and reporting on them. This got mixed reviews then, and still does today.
Fortunately, as time has gone by, far more folks are appreciating them than when I started. I like to say, "I was catching carp before it was cool". Probably the thing that motivated me the most were the occasional email or comments letting me know I had changed an opinion. Sometimes it was someone that began specifically targeting a lessor appreciated species or even helped them ID a fish that had provided a fun memory. If nothing more, a few people indicated that I had convinced them not to destroy a fish that they would have otherwise killed, releasing them when encountered. All of this means I am accomplishing my mission.
That's all there is to it. I go fishing and tell the stories of my multi species fishing adventures. Throw in a bit of information and resources and that has been what CWF is about since inception. The only notable change was December of 2012 when I moved the site to a blog format. This was necessary for efficiency with adding content.
Fortunately, as time has gone by, far more folks are appreciating them than when I started. I like to say, "I was catching carp before it was cool". Probably the thing that motivated me the most were the occasional email or comments letting me know I had changed an opinion. Sometimes it was someone that began specifically targeting a lessor appreciated species or even helped them ID a fish that had provided a fun memory. If nothing more, a few people indicated that I had convinced them not to destroy a fish that they would have otherwise killed, releasing them when encountered. All of this means I am accomplishing my mission.
That's all there is to it. I go fishing and tell the stories of my multi species fishing adventures. Throw in a bit of information and resources and that has been what CWF is about since inception. The only notable change was December of 2012 when I moved the site to a blog format. This was necessary for efficiency with adding content.
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