Nerd, you know I love ya.
Here's me looking at it from this guy's perspective (and I come from a family who owned a resort).
- People come there and rape the lake from which he makes his living
(Not saying that you did, just that people do sometimes)
- When fishing is good, business is good. When people take more than their share, whether that actually affects fishing or is percieved to, his business takes a hit.
(Not saying you took more than your share, just that this was his perception.)
- He doesn't make a lot of money. He has to work really hard to make a little money, but he gets to work out on a lake and not answer to some jerk boss. But people piss on him sometimes, leaving fish guts all over his fish cleaning station - people who aren't even paying to stay at his place.
(Not that you did or were going to, but that people do sometimes)
- The state doesn't pay for that fish cleaning station, he does. And the state doesn't pay for his LP or his cabin doors when someone gets drunk and breaks them. His daughter has to go clean up after "reckless" guests, and that eats at him.
(Not that it's your fault, just that it is what it is)
I have been a guest under this new ownership and Amy and I had a great stay. We really liked those folks.
Unquestionably, this guy handled this situation badly, but to be honest, just as we are your "outlet" to vent, you were his. Unfortunate for you, so don't take it personally, but you were the object of his ventilation for all the people who have screwed him, but that he didn't get to talk to.
As you know, I work in the outdoors and with lots of people like this guy. Here's a matter of etiquitte that will serve you (and all of us) well, if you want it.
When you're at a state park, if you see the ranger or one of the park staff, make it a point to go out of your way and thank them for the good job they're doing. Their work is often thankless, and they have to deal with a lot of yay-hoos. You know those gross county park outhouses? Someone has to clean them, and it's a brown-shirt park ranger type. Show 'em some love.
When you're at a private access, whether it's a fish camp, private put-in, or resort, patronize them with some form of business. If you're not staying there but you want to use their facilities, buy some bait or some refreshments or something, small talk a little, and ask if it's okay to clean fish at the end of the day at their cleaning station, and get the permission. Go out of your way to talk about how you plan to practice C&R or selective harvest. If you see trash, clean it up (even if not within their line of sight.) Help these guys out. They work long, long days for relatively little money. Not your problem, but you can still bless 'em a little, and it comes back to ya.
Teeg