[Zebco_Commander]

Folks,

Am I the only one who thinks having TVs in the stateroom is a bad idea? I know some would argue that it is the next level of luxury, but I think it risks killing one of the great aspects of long ranging, which is meeting new people and sharing stories.

The galley has always been the social command center of the boat. I am afraid that having TVs in the stateroom will make the galley a desert.

We have gotten so used to instantaneous entertainment that I am afraid that once we hit a lull in a conversation, everyone will scurry back to their stateroom to watch the latest mindless episode of ?America?s Funniest Video?

And socializing is a key part of long ranging. Not just from the personal enhancement point of view, it helps with the teamwork aspect. When we spend a few hours getting to know someone, I think it makes us lift our poles just a bit higher to let someone through, clear our lines a tad bit quicker , and yell encouragement just a tad quicker.

Most important: when they screw up, we forgive just a tad bit quicker too.

I guess what I am saying is when it comes to more TVs: just because it can be done, doesn?t mean that we should do it.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get back to yesterday?s ?Jerry Springer? that I Tivo?ed

 

[Oldtimer]

Right on, Bro.

I've been on boats with a TV (and a VCR or DVD player) in the stateroom, but never used them. I've also been on boats without them, and never missed it.

I agree with you completely. A huge part of a LR trip is getting to meet the people on it. I'm not intrinsically an extroverted, social type critter, but even I enjoy the chance to meet and chat with the fisher folks on board.

I personally could do without the TV in the galley. It's absence would encourage people to interact more. When it's on and the sound is high enough to hear over the engines, it's tends to inhibit people talking.

Somehow, though, I fear that we old fart luddites are gonna have a hard time convincing the younger folk that they can go on a LR trip without TV and movies.

 

[wahoodad]

re: Right on, Bro.

I'm not personally into bringing my own DVD player, or having tv in the room, or , God forbid, personal internet use at sea. But some people like those things.
I'm also not a social butterfly, but sometimes I flap my jaws enough to run the boat a day or two.
We spoke of this in May on the Excel. Yes, we had movies, but they were ran at specfic times, not just one right after another. I can think of 3 movies I viewed with the group on the last trips, where I could tell you all about the movies, who sat where, who made jokes, who liked the ending, who didn't like the ending, etc. But it was social interaction even though we were watching a movie.
That being said, the thing that I remember most about the Joann Mikkelsen Big Fish Special was the wonderful conversations I got to share with so many different anglers throughout the trip. I got to learn fishing tips I never heard or thought of before, I got to hear of loss, joy, business tips, jokes, marriage and parenting tips. And made friends with a lot of great people.
So, my vote is ok, let the tvs remain in the staterooms, for those who want that luxury. I'll stick with conversation.

 

[Brad_G]

I don't think that I'd use it, and also like the social aspect of gathering in the galley. My gut is that most long rangers feel the same way, and the galley will continue to be the place of gathering, and where most TV is watched.

The only thing I have against TVs in the staterooms is that it could cause issues if one person wants to sleep and the other wants to watch TV.

 

[fishybuzz]

I spend very little time in my state room if I'm in there I'm sleeping....other than that I'm on the deck ...messing with my tackle...jawing with guys like willy, hoodad, Titan05 and Iron Thrower or crew trying to learn something new .... sitting in the galley ...messing with tackle.....so the dvd/tv player in the stateroom is lost on me.

for me beds are for sleeping and one other activitity that I don't do on a fishing boat...

 

[Overflow10]

What Fishybuzz said.....

The only reason I would want to use a TV in my stateroom would be if I were sick/injured and pretty much had to stay inside....

If I needed entertainment other than the conversation, galley movies, etc I would rather read a book. It is rare I get a few hours to read just for relaxation....

 

[wahoodad]

I spend very little time in my state room if I'm in there I'm sleeping....other than that I'm on the deck ...messing with my tackle...jawing with guys like willy, hoodad, Titan05 and Iron Thrower or crew trying to learn something new .... sitting in the galley ...messing with tackle.....so the dvd/tv player in the stateroom is lost on me.

for me beds are for sleeping and one other activitity that I don't do on a fishing boat...

Sometimes I get embarassed when someone points out how much time I spend toying around with my tackle.
I'm a nut, I know.

 

[Kent]

The only thing I have against TVs in the staterooms is that it could cause issues if one person wants to sleep and the other wants to watch TV.

So which are you going to be Brad?!? LOL

So far I've only fished LR on the Shogun, so I don't know if this is the case on every boat, but Norm and Bruce always turn off the TV at dinner, so we have to actually talk to each other. Last year I took a 1.5 day on the Islander, and they left the TV blaring through dinner. It was then I realized what a favor the Shogun crew was doing for us.

 

[Zebco_Commander]

"Sometimes I get embarassed when someone points out how much time I spend toying around with my tackle."


You should be embarassed!: didn't your parents tell you that if you play with your tackle too much you will go blind! ;-)

 

[Fishious]

I was on the Intrepid last December. They have flat panels in the rooms and three in the galley, one a 50" plasma with surround sound. I had one of the topside rooms, and had to get up just about every night to ask people to turn the TV down, either deck hands or passengers that couldn't sleep. Another thing that drives me nuts, is having the TV on during meals. You're trying to have a conversation with someone and you have to yell to be heard over the soundtrack to some insipid movie. The Intrepid also has WiFi, so there were several guys in the galley on a regular basis pounding away on their laptops. One of the things that attracted me to long range fishing is the ability to get away from it all. Now the boats are bringing it all with them. It is just one more thing that is decreasing the enjoyment of the sport for me. @(

This post edited by Fishious 06/04/2008

 

[Outhouse]

I could care less about a TV in the state room, but it would be nice if one could send and receive emails on board. I do like the idea of getting away from it all, but being a senior finance exec in a real estate development company, problems/opportunities do arise. I like the idea of email because I can respond on my time, not the offices. I suspect this will never happen though.

 

[Pelagic Hunter]

When I hit the rack I want to sleep. Any sound I hear from a T.V. or audio device will be countered with my loud snoring. 8)

 

[fishordie]

Good afternoon All, I will be in Montana tomorrow fly fishing for a week or so and I NEED a T.V. to watch the Laker game. I sure hope they have Tivo as we usually get in late. AS far as Long Range, I have said it before and I will say it again, OUR industry needs to bring in fresh new blood if we hope to maintain any semblance of the level of the fleet we presently have. This means.... sorry if I offend anyone... the need for satisfying the needs of the imediate gratification crowd and those who need constant forms of entertainment. Yes, there is an entire nation out there who would never choose a new book over a movie they have seen 10 times previously. There are those who want the option of popping in a CD oooops DVR (I could have said Beta) and watch a show rather than put in rail time during a slow bite. There are even those out there and I may be one of THEM who would love the ability to have high speed internet access on the boat for a variety of reasons. Funny, I don't seem to run out of obnoxious or inoquous things to talk about with others. I know.... Hang me from the highest tree for being a Commie thinking like this but WE NEED NEW COMMERS in this industry. If that means a small imposition on those of us who have been around a while then for this fishermen I say so be it. Funny thing is I remember so many folks giving accolades when the Independence first came on line regarding all the new fangled stuff she had. I remember folks loving the soda machine, the giant flat screen in the salon and yes there was a lot of oohs and ahhs about T.V.'s in the staterooms. I even remember old timers who said they would never sail aboard that boat not only because of loyalty to other boats but because of all that new fangled stuff. Most everyone of those folks have taken at least one trip on her by now. Now there are other boats with these amenities so the demand must have been there or at least so it seemed. In the old days, when we still took showers on deck, okay.. even more recently then that, the game was pretty much dictated by the grizzled old skippers and the grizzled old regulars. It was their way or the highway. That just does not fly anymore in this new world order. Most young people have grown up over indulged and not taught to respect folks more knowledgeable and learn from them. Apprenticeship programs, heck Shop classes no longer exist. Those grizzled old skippers either went out of business by not catering to their clientele or they adapted. Yes, even the venerable Bill Poole who ruled his original Polaris with an iron fist and whose merest gaze could freeze my young heart if god forbid I should lose a fish or for just being too young , eventually adapted to the needs of his customers. I believe his adapting changed the entire state of Long Range for ever. So, in my usual, long winded way, I say cater even more to the younger or preppier crowds. I don't care how we get them on board just get them. Once aboard the rest of us can show them the way if ehy choose to be shown but if not let them enjoy their trips in their own way. Whatever works. Heck, I don't care if a father allows his kid to hook up a nintendo in their room if it serves to at least get that kid on deck for a while and experience the joy of fishing. I remember someone saying if you build it they will come. Well, it worked in the movies maybe it will work with this industry as well. Maaaan I hope so. I think the above means I vote FOR proposition 69. Yeah thats the one that puts T.V.s in each stateroom and wireless high speed internet throughout the boat. Jamie

This post edited by fishordie 06/04/2008

 

[HD]

I can't imagine making the long run from SD to the tuna grounds without at least one airiong of Wild Things.

I love having a toob in my room, sometimes I just wanna veg out and get off my feet or out of the heat. mamma always said it is better to have something and not need it. :tu:

That being said, I have recently discovered the MYVU visor which enables me to watch movies & music videos on my ipod without distrubing anybody. Great for watching w/o bugging a roommate in the middle of the night or in a bunkroom. (Note: get the new version with shades...not the thin originals. They let in too much light.
MYVU site



I say it's fine to enjoy TV or not to. It's your vacation after all. If ya don't like the tube on in the salon, go outside and chat with your buds on deck.

 

[Brad_G]

The only thing I have against TVs in the staterooms is that it could cause issues if one person wants to sleep and the other wants to watch TV.

So which are you going to be Brad?!? LOL So far I've only fished LR on the Shogun, so I don't know if this is the case on every boat, but Norm and Bruce always turn off the TV at dinner, so we have to actually talk to each other. Last year I took a 1.5 day on the Islander, and they left the TV blaring through dinner. It was then I realized what a favor the Shogun crew was doing for us.

Well Kent, I'm one of those bookworm types--I bring along the books that I've been meaning to read and never get enough time to at home. I remember people giving me odd looks when they saw the cover of "Against the Gods: The Remarkable History of Risk" and others. The two top on my "to read" list now are "Pillars of the Earth", a historical fiction novel, and "How the States Got Their Shapes", which is about exactly what you'd think from the title--how the 50 States ended up with their current geographic configuration. Yep, I'm a nerd at heart. As for what to do if my roommate on my November trip insists on watching TV in our room? Well, I'm a "live and let live" of guy, so while others might fling 6xjrs at an annoying roommate, I'd be more tolerant and aware that hooks could cause real damage, and merely lob torpedo sinkers.

This post edited by Brad_G 06/04/2008

 

[Tripplepoint]

People (even other fishermen) often ask how I can stay on a small fishing boat for 10-16 days. My response is it?s like a retreat. When the boat leaves the dock I have to let go of everything, Work, phone, traffic, news, email, ebay. I have been blessed in that I have never had make or accept a sat. call on trip also. When the boat returns I am ready to go home, but I also feel refreshed. Long range fishing is a true escape. I tell people you can?t understand until you try it. The thought of returning to my stateroom and seeing a candidate on a flat screen talking the election BS is something that could destroy the experience. It?s nice to have a choice though.

This post edited by Tripplepoint 06/04/2008

 

[Oldtimer]

Sure...but CHOICE is the key.

If the boats put in satelite internet, that's no problem for me. That's because if someone is using their laptop....it doesn't affect ME. Likewise, if someone is earphoned up with his Ipod....no problema. I can't hear it.

The problem with the TV in the salon/galley is that you have no choice. You can't get away from it and still socialize. Note the attitude of the poster above who said (essentially): "If you don't like it you can go out on deck. Tough sheet." His point was that TV/movie people have priority over nonTV/movie people. Even if you try and have a conversation, it can be difficult with a movie blaring.

So upon reflection, I'm thinking that perhaps the staterooms SHOULD ALL have TVs and players. And the ones in the galley should be taken out. That way, the folks that want to veg out in front of a tube can do so in their room, whilst the galley is used for people interactions. (See, even old farts can have great ideas!!)

Yes....the industry needs to find new consumers, especially as it loses the middle class for economic reasons, and the older generation for geriatric ones. But part of the LR experience should include some CHOICE in how you want to spend it. Want to fish? Fine. Want to sit? Fine. And so on. So I'm thinking that the constant TV thing in the galley may be a thing that could be considered about. Eh?

Now personally, if I'm not looking at it, and if I'm not trying to talk to someone, the sound doesn't bother me all that much. That's because I've got some hearing loss from my misspent youth. I just ignore it.

I get what your saying about the attracting the "nonconcentration" "10 second attention span" "have to stare at the screen of something" generation(s). Still, I have a suspicion that those that will be able to afford LR in the future will be high end, productive and talented people. I suspect that a significant fraction of such people will be averse to constant TV on a fishing vacation. Even my younger successful friends in their 40s seem to have undergone a transition to where they spend less time involved with the tube, and in becoming successful, they never spent all that much.

It's an interesting discussion. There is a new generation out there. The boats need to atract it. The question is WHAT exactly is the best way to do so.

(All comments about TV above are not relevant if one is talking about watching sports events live. That's a different bag. But all the boats I've been on have mostly shown movies.)

 

[Holi_e_Mackeral]

HD,

So with those Spock like shades, are you able to watch a movie and fish the same time ??? talk about multi tasking...

I fall into the group that I would not welcome tv's in the staterooms. One of the greatest things about a long range trip is the interaction with a wide range of folks from different backgrounds. I think that guys will camp out in their rooms instead of hanging out in the galley....

Jeff

 

[HD]

re: Sure...but CHOICE is the key.

Oh Bob...you ole fart-you need to fish more and biach less. The original poster was concerned that TVs in the staterooms would reduce the salon crowd. Somehow that got twisted around into a biachfest about the salon big screen. I learned a good lesson during my many years as Chartermaster. That lesson, simply put is this: You can't please everybody so let the majority rule. I cannot recall ever seeing people pissed off because the TV was on, nor do I often see it being watched by anyone but the cook when we're fishing. During long trolling rotations, runs between locations, etc I see most of the gang watching the tube. Is there really a problem here? No, not for most. Just some ole farts who found something to complain about. I suppose we should shut the TV off for them so the farters can chat about the good ole days. Gimme a break. There's a new solution for guys like you Bob, ride the new boats like the Indy. There galley layout makes it much easier to converse in the salon. Unlike the Qualifier the seating extends further back and you can chat, play cards, whatever...far enough from the evil noise box to enjoy yourself. (Behind the soda fountain) Indy salon If I don't feel like watching TV but others do, I grab a chair outside, crack a cold one and shoot the breeze with my buds on the deck. I doubt the LR fleet will implement any kind of "policy" regarding TV viewing in the salon (aside from the dinner hour) and suspect the status quo is fine with the majority of anglers. If ya don't like the TV, open yer yap and ask if anyone minds if ya shut the boob tube off. That's what I do. I also ask if anyone minds if I pop in a DVD. Seems to work okay. If more guys hide in the rooms watching TV...more rail space for us! :tu: It's your vacation...options are good things. PS: I only wear the MYVU when I wanna watch a movie w/o bothering anyone. Really nice little gadget. Used it in the bunkroom on my last Cat crossing on the Sea Horse. Nobody else had TV.

This post edited by HD 06/04/2008

 

[Kent]

As for what to do if my roommate on my November trip insists on watching TV in our room?

Well, I have it on good authority he won't! Turns out he's a reader as well, and is also looking forward to the chance to play catch-up with a book or two. Looks like our stateroom TV will lie fallow!