The New Guy
Everyone hates the new guy. Especially when you’re a new guide not born and bred in your fishery. I swear “Wicked Tuna” would have a run for its money if the inshore Guide drama was documented. So and so said this, this guy thinks this and so on. It’s pretty comical.
This was part of my apprehension getting into the game, worrying about stepping on peoples toes, and losing some relationships. But I realized, it doesn’t matter. There is always going to be animosity toward the new guy in any business, and if you want your destiny, no one’s going to make it happen if you don’t step up yourself.
I remember watching a “Gang Land” biker episode when a burly fella gets up and says something along the lines of “in my club we do not harass the new riders on the road, because we all kicked the kickstand up for the first time at some point.” That always hit home for me, everyone starts somewhere, even the best in the show.
Although, in my rookie season, this venture didn’t start yesterday, a year, or even 10 years ago. This started my first days on the water, I was calling people idiots for being on the wrong side of the channel when I was 5 I’m sure. I guess it’s the natural born Jersey in me. All kidding aside, all of the knowledge taught by my father, mentors, or even the old timers in my fishing club that would make me do coffee runs at 2 am waiting on a tide change, have seasoned me to do the right things on the water.
My first trips I was keen looking for the veterans to not get in their way, throw them wave when I ran by them, and not being a spot stalker. I still try to take that approach as I will forever until I’m the veteran.
I believe there is two ways to approach being the new guy that will make or break you. First, you respectfully tread into the game, reach out to others that have been around, introduce yourself, and pay your respect. This may not get you anywhere at first but it’s a start. Cut your own path, forget what the other guys are doing even if you fail for a long time. You will catch your break, trust me I’m good at tripping over my own feet but at some point it pays off.
The second way, you come in with a chip on your shoulder with something to prove. The guys around you are just bumps in the road and you will be damned if you pay your competitors any respect. Yea you can bust it loose and end up filling your book but no one around town will ever throw you a bone.
I choose method one. I put a lot of time in on the water but do my homework off. I listen to guys like Stu Apte, Flip, Rob Fordyce, Steve Huff etc and how it was done in their time. I like the old school way of doing things. I believe no one owes me a dime, I need to earn it and earn it the correct way.
My road is long and bright. Everyday is a new challenge and learning curve. I’ve made tons of friends in my first Guide season that I’ll keep for life. One of the veterans, even reached out the other night and gave me some advice and had a great conversation with me. What a great feeling. I must be on the right track.
I’ll end it in his words. “There is no finish line, goal is to continually improve the process. We all have a long road to go.”
-Johnny
Dad and I with a few nice stripers. Circa 1998
