Some people claim that using LiveScope no longer counts as real fishing. That’s their opinion, and they’re entitled to it. Personally, I don’t see it as any different from the usual debates like fly fishing vs spinning, casting vs trolling, or feeder vs float fishing. It’s still fishing, just in a different category than old-school casting.
So what’s my personal view? I use it and enjoy it. But to be honest, I kind of wish the device had never been invented. I did perfectly fine without it, and now everything feels a bit too easy. Some might say, “Then just don’t use it.” Unfortunately, it’s not that simple for me. I still often fish blind, but whenever the conditions allow, I’m quick to grab the “flashlight” (as we call it).
This brings us to another common argument: “That it’s not so simple and requires a lot of skill. I completely disagree with that”.
What exactly isn’t simple about it? Fishing with Live is not simple? What does that even mean? You turn on it, spot the fish, and cast. Where’s the difficulty in that?
Live has turned complete beginners into big fish hunters. People who not long ago might have only caught small crucians with a pole are now landing meter-long pike. Of course, like with any method, some people will be better at it than others, but that doesn’t change the fact that Live has made catching large fish far more accessible. Trying to spin it into some complex philosophy feels completely disconnected from reality.
Maybe it’s time for certain fisheries to consider limiting the use of this kind of technology. The real challenge would be figuring out how to enforce such rules.
