What has Ido done for you?

I was sitting back in my recliner last night with a cold Hamm’s in my hand, thinking about what IDO has done for me.

*Found out that dad couldn’t teach me everything about fishing.
*Made some a ton for friends (Tuckner, Steve and Sharon man, I can’t list them all!).
*Learned about the dark side enough to guide for over 15 years at night (without having an accident)
*Found myself in a boat with many many pro fishermen.
*Found out what a fish locator was for when ice fishing.
*Went to some amazing resorts on Mille Lacs, Winni, Ottertail.
*Bought some pretty nifty stuff in the classifieds.
*And much much more.

Anyone else?

New member here. For me, it’s been a combo plate of extremely useful info and gut-splitting humor. Even a few “snippy” spats here and there to add to the entertainment. Really have enjoyed it. I even popped into a local store and picked up a sixer of Hamms to try since it’s such a widely discussed topic. Might have to try Spam soon!

Found BrianK…..

Found I really hate Spam and Hamm’s.

Seriously though…been around here since fishtheriver.com days and have met some great people and friends, bought great stuff in the classifieds, used the trip swap forum, shared hunting and fishing stories and so much more.

Also, learned a few fishing techniques and tips.
Showed me how flawed the Vikings are and how great the Packers think they are
Made some friends and have networked with quite a few people over the years, for stuff outside of the sports.
Made some people who don’t know me, dislike me and my pointed comments
And I am not even done yet… of course met BK

Consumed a lot of work time.

crossin_eyes wrote:

Found I really hate Spam and Hamm’s.

From the guy that sold me my first ice locator from the classifieds.

I was a long time lurker here and I came from LSF before it died. What it has done for me I guess is kinda corny to say but I feel like I have a new group of friends whom I have only had the chance to meet a couple, yet still feel close to a lot of you. I cried reading Sharon’s post about loosing Billy, laughed at to many other posts to even recall and learned a ton of information about well all sorts of things fishing and many other topics.

Karl as far as the Hamms goes most of us have better taste in beers!

Karl Hungus wrote:

I even popped into a local store and picked up a sixer of Hamms to try since it’s such a widely discussed topic. Might have to try Spam soon!

Karl, you might want to stick to the Bourbon thread.
Although Spam does go down good with Hamm’s…or is it the other way around?

My box friend Suzuki.

It has helped answer questions to a great many things I know little about.

It has confirmed there are a lot of different opinions out there – And most importantly – That’s OK

Its helped me learn from the experiences of others.

I like to think I’ve helped others with some of my knowledge and experiences.

I’ve learned after drinking Hamm’s beer that Busch beer is really not a bad beer.

I’ve learned that Spam is not as bad as I thought. It is a step up from cheap Bologna.

Oh WOW!
First and foremost I have met some very fine people that have become good friends.
Second, dam you guys keep me entertained.
Third, some of you hat racks are freakin scary smart.
Fourth, ya – I’ve even learned a little about fishin.

I havent met any of you in real life, but no doubt I could hang out with any one of you. There are always a variety of topics and like minded people and others who have differing views but its usually great interaction.

IDO/FTR has really helped me to dial in some presentations that I thought I knew and helped me try new things too.

More importantly, I have made some life long friends here (if I dont screw things up) and shared countless laughs.

In contrast to other social media, I feel like since we all have a common love of the outdoors, there is a level of trust built in to the perspectives and conversations that have helped to foster relationships and conversations.

I do appreciate how open folks are to share opinions on such a wide variety of topics. It is really a great resource for many things.

For lurkers, newbies or old timers, take advantage off all this site has to offer. Even if James can’t judge a bowl of chili worth a darn, the get togethers, tournaments, advertisers, classifieds and content are all top notch.

Simply put, I don’t have many family and friends who are into the outdoors like I am. I am on here for the same reasons I watch fishing and other outdoors shows — it’s just an overarching love for the outdoors and more specifically, MN outdoors. Back in the day, more Minnesotans were like this. On opener, you felt like everyone was headed up judging by the traffic for the week leading up to opener. Today, not so much.

So I am here mostly to be around people who are like this. We may fish or recreate differently, we may have different views on life, but at its core, that common interest in the outdoors forms an understanding you just can’t get anywhere. We share the excitement and the disappointments of our trips.

-I have connected with people who are knowledgeable on all sorts of topics (various construction topics, fishing, river fishing, firearms)

-Been an avenue for sharing fishing reports and tactics (I enjoy swapping specific successes and struggles about Pool 4 bites via PM)

-I’ve bought and sold some stuff on here at reasonable prices (railing kit for a home build, a .357, a few rods, sold a couple flashers)

-I live vicariously through some of the reports and whatnot here as my free time has dwindled to almost nothing. Having a job, multiple side gigs, a home build, and a growing family have really decimated my hunting/fishing time. There’s always work to do and I am admittedly jealous of those who manage to have regular free time. When I joined IDO I fished the river religiously 3-4 days a week, hunted constantly, and went on many outdoor-related trips.

-I’ve had some cheap entertainment fueling flames when people are fired about something. Lately I have been better behaved

I’ve learned a lot about fishing the river, no doubt. But the big thing has been the good people. Good friends that stood by through some of life’s hardships. I’m eternally grateful for these guys.

SR

Wow, what a great question, BK! Aside from the great tips, tricks, product suggestions and advice from fellow IDOers, I’ve made some great friends over the years and still feel very supported though the unexpected passing of my late husband Billy.

There’ve been countless stories and laughs shared and although we do bicker and get snarky from time to time like any family, IDO really is a great place!

It’s here where I learned about Ahlman’s Gun Shop to get my 12 ga shotgun modified. It’s here where I met BK and got my permit to carry though the class he coordinates. It’s here where I feel welcomed and encouraged to continue my love for the outdoors even after losing Billy, my best hunting and fishing buddy. It’s here where I’ve met some great friends and acquaintances – BK, Randy, Jon Jordan, Tuma, Nick, Reverend, Sheldon, The Scratcher, Bearcat, Mike W, John R, Andy, B-Man, Grouse, EPG, Dean, Pug, Will, and Mr. James Holst himself! … and so many more to name! And of course my best friend, Dan @pailofperch !! I can’t thank you all enough for the smiles and laughs!

And we can’t forget 8EFE28AEBA5BFD44!!

I use this site as an alternative to main-stream news networks – especially during social unrest & COVID.

It’s humbled me in my Chili-cooking skills (while hanging out with some really cool people!)

Tom Albrecht wrote:

And of course my best friend, PailofPerch!

AKA POP!

I guess this’ll probably be more about rambling. IDO/FTR Has been a very unique platform. I have gained some wonderful friends that I could not imagine not being in my life. Truly people that down to the core are the most caring friends a person could ever ask for.

The many acquaintances that I have made need to also be noted. Not that they are any less important. It’s just some people I do not get the opportunity to talk to or see very often. But since I’ve ran into this stage of my life with taking care of my father I have been so amazed at how gracious and caring people can be. Too many to mention, But have often reached out through PMs and my email to just say hi and see how things are going. The last 15 months has been one of the most stressful periods of time and I can always walk to IDO people For strength and encouragement.

Everything that I take on in life is usually done in extremes. I have an abnormal obsession with learning. I never just cut loose and go with the flow. I have this never ending analytical way of thinking that makes me analyze any and everything that I do. Fishing and hunting especially. It’s that constant quest to understand why how when where and what variables impacted my success or failure. Another unknown passion of mine has been to share and teach others things through my experiences. James over the years has given me a lot of latitude in providing reports, general information, and overall a lot of product information that is in conflict with the site sponsors. But I believe in being fair and honest and I think James has respected that. But this site has given me that platform to be able to share so much of what I have learned and that has been very satisfying to me

IDO has made me less productive at work if that counts for anything.

I met BK…. Datz all them people need to know!!!

Seriously I’ve only had the chance to meet a select few, but still feel like I personally know half the regular group here. Some valuable information, alot of bs’ing is what I’ve enjoyed!;

I don’t really know anyone in person on here, but the local angle that this forum has is beneficial. I read other forums but this one has the regional crowd with more specific information. I like to hunt AND fish, primarily in Minnesota, and I feel like there are a lot of regulars on here that are also in the same boat.

Not me directly, but it gives my wife hope each year.

Each year when Cougareye coordinates the St Croix River Opener GTG, I get to tell her I’m going to meet a bunch of people that I met on the internet Fishing Website. I think she hopes I may not return afterwards.

Oh boy that’s a lot. Been here since FTR. I never post much cause I do not want to point out how little I really know.

I have meet a few but feel like all are friend that I can trust. Just checking in feels like going home to visit friends and relly’s.

I have learned a lot about a lot of stuff. I even learned enough to name a couple favorite places, that’d be Walleye Junction and Potluck Junction

I also learned that in this day and age you can find a refuge of sanity. I also learned that If someone is up against some of life’s hard times there good people here that will reach out, help, listen or just let you voice your problems.

Finally,I just want to say THANK YOU EVERYONE.

Got my wife to ask when am I going to have my IDO girlfriend over for dinner again and if we planing on being as loud as we were last time to 3am.

Rodwork wrote:

Got my wife to ask when am I going to have my IDO girlfriend over for dinner again.

I’d like to know too! You’re a great cook!

Sharon wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Rodwork wrote:</div>
Got my wife to ask when am I going to have my IDO girlfriend over for dinner again.

I’d like to know too!

In-Depth Drama