Palmdale Shane,it's not that I'm taking Butch's side on this issue. In fact Butch's presence on the lagoon has probally put a crimp in my fishing more than most others. Countless times each season I have arrived at the lake with plan "A" in mind only to see Butch there, as if he read my mind! Yes he is seemingly always one step ahead of the competition! But I do not believe Butch is doing anything wrong by being there. He has every right to fish the lake! And he probally does believe it is "his" lake. In some ways it is! But Butch cannot be everywhere at once and his impact on other anglers is more psychological than anything else. I have learned to deal with it and adapted and I get my share. I am sure Butch and others have made negative comments about me from time to time. What trophy hunter is happy to see another on his turf. I have learned that in that regard we are all the same. We become very "selfish" about are bite. I never expect to be welcome with open arms when I arrive at a lake!
The locals want you to be intimidated and go home! One must overcome the sense of being unwelcome and learn to "rub elbows" with the big boys. The best you can do is be courteous and treat others the way you would like to be treated. Unfortunately big bass can bring out the ugly side of us all.