We had this discussion a year or two ago. Want to see where everyone stands now. When you see a photo of a nice fish that someone shows you or sends you-Do you ask them where they caught it? On one hand, I guess if someone shares a photo, that’s a fair question since they share the photo. On the other hand, if the person wanted to share where they caught it, maybe they would tell you in the first place. What’s your take?
General Fishing Discussion
Photo sharing etiquette as the viewer of the photo.
I figure if a guy/gal shows a picture of a fish they are doing so cause they are excited and want to talk about it. I usually answer with a “oh that’s a nice one, where did you get it”? If they answer with “It’s a secret, up north, in Minnesota, Lake Winnebago or exact gps coordinates” it doesn’t matter much to me. I’m not gonna run out and fish a certain lake cause someone caught a nice fish, there are nice fish all over the state. If they want to be vague or very detailed that’s their business.
I see no reason why it would be inappropriate to ask. The worst thing they can say is "not telling." I personally don't post many photos these days because I feel bad saying No. Personally all I ask in regards to location is inland vs great lakes or Mississippi vs any other river lol!
Personally I don't ask where the fish was caught, I know how much time/effort goes into finding quality fish so I don't feel like that info is something that needs sharing unless they offer the info. With that being said, I get asked for the location of fish I catch fairly often. I usually give a general area or county instead of a specific lake as the lakes I fish tend to be small and not popular. Side note - I stopped posting pictures for the most part on LL and stick to instagram for that. People are vultures for info on this site and most are just looking for info and not interested in sharing (key word - most, met some great people on LL as well). Instagram people are far more willing to share locations and information.