First off, let me quantify that the only fishing I do is at the counter in the local supermarket for fresh prepared fish, my only fishing was back when I was a kid, fly fishing for trout while backpacking in the Allegheny National Forest 45 years ago....
......From Gary......not being critical or anything, but noticed you were wearing felt soled boots on your waders. Last time I heard they were illegal up your way (or are soon to be illegal). If they're still OK to use, soak the felt in a cup of bleach and hot water to kill off the parasites (mostly rock snot). I've been thru four pairs of boots so far, and should have just bought Korkers in the first place, or the new ones from L.L.Bean.
Anyway a good day's fishing will usually take a load off your mind. I was out two days ago, and fished for about an hour on a large pond. Caught one bass, two crappie, and seven or eight blue gill. All were caught on a Tellico......
The way I read that, Gary was merely suggesting due dilligence. Nothing more.
IMO (strictly), Gary has always come across in my view as a techinical person when posting on this forum, not someone to shoot blanks so to speak.
Thats the way I read his post at least.
Looks like a nice way to ease the tensions of current affairs BTW.