I just don't find it enjoyable or relaxing. I find it boring as hell. Maybe its my ADHD. I like sailing or boating. I definitely like drinking on a boat but the whole act of actually fishing or crabbing or any of that shit doesn't interest me.
Am I alone?
What do you not like that most others do?
To each their own.
There is something satisfying about picking a body of water, grabbing a topo map for it and try and determine based on time of year, water temperature, species you are targeting, where the fish will be, and what type of lure and presentation they will hit, and then successfully narrowing all that down once on the water.
Then on another day just lazily sitting on the dock with your kids watching for a bobber to be pulled under is an entirely different experience.
Plus a bonus is that no fish tastes better than eating one that was swimming only a few hours prior to cooking it.
and when you figure it out and win ... it is extremely exhilarating!
You know what's boring?
Things that come to you easily... that's what's boring.
Fish don't come to everyone, you have to figure a few things out to appreciate and win at fishing.
As was stated above by a few it is a lot like golf, where it's not just about understanding the equipment and mechanics of what your are doing, but being part of a vast landscape, and conquering it with your mind.
Link - ( New Window )
Shhhhhh. You'll scare the fish.
To me fishing is a little like golf, when it's sucks or you're having an awful day you ask yourself why the F am I doing this, but then you hit that one great shot or have a great hole and you reel in the monster fish and the adrenaline rush hits you and you remember and you'll crave it.
or you just don't enjoy it, everyone doesn't enjoy everything.
To me golf and fishing are alike in that a bad day on the golf course or an unsuccessful fishing trip out on the ocean are still better than 90% of the other days.
PJ, well said - I agree 100%. I'll add that either golfing or fishing and not doing well, I enjoy the environment I'm in and the company I'm with.
p.s.--On my bucket list is a trip to Alaska to do some salmon fishing. Of course the water will be too cold to try to catch them by hand, so I'll have to acquiesce to the use of rod and reel and that oh so torturous hook. And I won't throw them back in the water. Anything I catch will be coming home with me!
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You're standing around doing nothing a whole lot more than you think. Shit, don't most of these places have carts to drive you from one hole to another?
Most people who fish, barring those sitting at the end of a pier waiting for a bite, are being way more physically active than you are.
Agree to disagree.
Fair enough. I'll let you in on this much - where I'm fishing, there's no 80 year old fat guy in plaid shorts taking a turn. Same can't be said for golf.
p.s.--On my bucket list is a trip to Alaska to do some salmon fishing. Of course the water will be too cold to try to catch them by hand, so I'll have to acquiesce to the use of rod and reel and that oh so torturous hook. And I won't throw them back in the water. Anything I catch will be coming home with me!
Milton, just buy some waiters and hand catch.
For example...
Caught my NC pb largemouth bass last weekend.
Was up in Asheville over the weekend, spent Saturday fly fishing for trout with a guide and was out for a few hours this morning, in quiet solitude, catching some nice brookies in Pisgah National Forest.
On Wednesday I’m headed to Emerald Isle with my cousins, to do some surf fishing for a few days. I hope to land a couple of drum or blues. Might even go shark fishing Thursday night.
For example...
Caught my NC pb largemouth bass last weekend.
Was up in Asheville over the weekend, spent Saturday fly fishing for trout with a guide and was out for a few hours this morning, in quiet solitude, catching some nice brookies in Pisgah National Forest.
On Wednesday I’m headed to Emerald Isle with my cousins, to do some surf fishing for a few days. I hope to land a couple of drum or blues. Might even go shark fishing Thursday night.
Congrats! Who big was your LMB?
it's not about fishing. it's about sitting somewhere quiet and either getting lost in your thoughts or having no thoughts at all.
I love nothing more then sitting on a bank, line in the water, catching nothing at all..
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I will fish every chance I get. Any time of year, in any kind of weather.
For example...
Caught my NC pb largemouth bass last weekend.
Was up in Asheville over the weekend, spent Saturday fly fishing for trout with a guide and was out for a few hours this morning, in quiet solitude, catching some nice brookies in Pisgah National Forest.
On Wednesday I’m headed to Emerald Isle with my cousins, to do some surf fishing for a few days. I hope to land a couple of drum or blues. Might even go shark fishing Thursday night.
Congrats! Who big was your LMB?
*how* big?
Went on one for a friends bday a couple years ago and the water was calm enough that I was alright - but I had no interest in actually fishing. I just got drunk and hung out on the top deck most of the day.
That being said I don't like lake fishing. Too still, mosquitoes, smelly. And I prefer the taste of salt water fish.
But I get my revenge by eating the ones others catch.
The opening thread's description of fishing leads me to believe that he puts some bait on a hook, throws it in the water and then sits and waits. THAT could be boring and not what I would recommend. I personally have not fished that way for years.
Like others have said it can be relaxing and also a stress reliever. If you have an opportunity to fish from a kayak or canoe you can explore lakes and see things that you may not have access to from shore.
The opening thread's description of fishing leads me to believe that he puts some bait on a hook, throws it in the water and then sits and waits. THAT could be boring and not what I would recommend. I personally have not fished that way for years.
Like others have said it can be relaxing and also a stress reliever. If you have an opportunity to fish from a kayak or canoe you can explore lakes and see things that you may not have access to from shore.
What brand kayak do you uses? I have a couple of Wilderness Systems I really like. Care to share a link to your fishing channel?
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In comment 13987957 jcn56 said:
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You're standing around doing nothing a whole lot more than you think. Shit, don't most of these places have carts to drive you from one hole to another?
Most people who fish, barring those sitting at the end of a pier waiting for a bite, are being way more physically active than you are.
Agree to disagree.
Fair enough. I'll let you in on this much - where I'm fishing, there's no 80 year old fat guy in plaid shorts taking a turn. Same can't be said for golf.
Don’t see them where I golf either. I don’t play muni’s...
Walking 18 holes (yes that's how men play)
It's very active.
Fishing, sure it's active, but unless your fishing knee deep in crazy rivers it's low energy beta male stuff compared to Golf if you wanna compare it like it's some competition
I really have to commit to at least an hour drive to get to some better water. Or at least water that fishes more like NH.
However, fishing can be a skillful art/activity and achieving and applying skill can be a very fun time.
It can also be a very physically active time. I've done many, many fishing trips where I've hiked, rowed, and pedaled on a bike (to get to those back woods holes) much farther than a round on a golf course - but it's not a competition. both can be as lazy, or active, as you want to make it.
But it is a whole different gig.
The other element of fly fishing that elevates it in my mind is the necessity to solve problems in order to catch trout. What bugs are hatching? Are the trout hitting dries or emergers? Caddis or Mayflies? Or are they focused on nymphs? What about hoppers or ants? Then you have to figure out how to present the fly drag free. Where to cast from to get the proper drift? All of this problem solving takes place in beautiful settings, places that make you feel the natural world might survive...
Just at the pond near our house, two brothers who are close to 450 pounds each waddle down in their overalls, plunk themselves on the bank and fish for hours on end, drinking and eating from their lunchpails.
I don't think they move their lower limbs for hours at a time.
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Fair enough. I'll let you in on this much - where I'm fishing, there's no 80 year old fat guy in plaid shorts taking a turn. Same can't be said for golf.
Just at the pond near our house, two brothers who are close to 450 pounds each waddle down in their overalls, plunk themselves on the bank and fish for hours on end, drinking and eating from their lunchpails.
I don't think they move their lower limbs for hours at a time.
Yeah, that's the extreme low. On the other end, here's a video of skishing - wet suit fishing off the shore in Montauk.
At best, if you're lucky - maybe your golf cart breaks down and you get in a bit of walking during your golf outing (maybe). For most people who fish, they get in that much walking just getting from parking to access, if they're just plopping down and watching a line soak.
But for people who actively fish, there's no question they get more exercise. They cover more ground. They go to places where they have to hike, paddle or swim to fish from. They have to carry heavier gear, and usually do it under more challenging conditions. There's no paid lackey to carry your bags, or little electric cart to save you the 50 foot walk from one hole to another.
But they don't wear the plaid pants, so they've got that going for them, which is good. Fishing can be lazy, but it's usually not. Golf is moderately more physically intensive than bowling in even it's most extreme cases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JceuvqflL4 - ( New Window )
I caught the bug around December and started making striper and fluke teasers in my small apartment using found materials. Then I grabbed some plugs and started 'loading' them (make heavier for better casting)... Then painting them.
Not even dipped one yet. But it's OK. That will come.
If you need an excuse, you are doing it wrong.
I really have to commit to at least an hour drive to get to some better water. Or at least water that fishes more like NH.
That's a nice size LM. As far as getting used to another region to fish I have the same issues. I was used to fishing smaller natural lakes and then when I moved to Kentucky there are a lot of reservoirs that are made from river systems and then they raise and lower the water levels every year which is another whole dimension to deal with. Not sure I will ever get completely used to it but there can be some big fish down here because they have longer growing seasons with the milder winters.
Second, you need to try "going catching" some time. When the fish are in a frenzy and bite is ON there is no better rush. Or catching some BIG ones.
Also like Steve said it's cool when you can fish a new spot and find the fish. Reading the charts, reading the signs nature gives you and presenting a bait that gets a bite is a feeling of accomplishment. Granted you fooled something with a pea sized brain, it still feels good. But to each their own and all :)
"I miss the peace of fishing, like when I was a boy."
-Marko Ramius
Sea of Cortez - ( New Window )
Fishing is one of the activities that is highly recommended for autistic children - actually anywhere on the spectrum.
My buddies son is autistic and I've gone fishing with him a few teams (fresh water even though my preference is salt water, but that's no so relevant). he is meticulous about knowing what species are in the body of water, what lures or bait have the best results, what depths, time of day, etc. and he always crushes it when I've been with him.
I know ADHD is not autism, but many of the treatments are the same.
Of course, there are multiple forms of ADHD, but yes, in numerous forms, fishing is exactly the worst kind of activity for the ADHD mind. As a child/teen, I found it right up there with going to synagogue on a Saturday morning.
It's not just physical activity, it's considered mentally stimulating. Not saying everyone will like it or find it therapeutic, but as fact it is recommended for the condition.
Additionally, it's become common for people who get bored easily to say they have ADHD when they really don't, they're just part of the instant gratification generation or mind set.
2)
Yeah, it has become common. I guess that means that the two different world class, board certified neurologist/psychiatrists specializing in ADHD patients who marked me at the high end of the ADHD spectrum don't know what the f**k they are talking about. And, I'm 70, so it's hard to identify me as part of the "instant gratification generation or mind set." Uness I was a really late bloomer.
Give me f**king a break. Or don't.
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disagree with this:
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Fair enough. I'll let you in on this much - where I'm fishing, there's no 80 year old fat guy in plaid shorts taking a turn. Same can't be said for golf.
Just at the pond near our house, two brothers who are close to 450 pounds each waddle down in their overalls, plunk themselves on the bank and fish for hours on end, drinking and eating from their lunchpails.
I don't think they move their lower limbs for hours at a time.
Yeah, that's the extreme low. On the other end, here's a video of skishing - wet suit fishing off the shore in Montauk.
At best, if you're lucky - maybe your golf cart breaks down and you get in a bit of walking during your golf outing (maybe). For most people who fish, they get in that much walking just getting from parking to access, if they're just plopping down and watching a line soak.
But for people who actively fish, there's no question they get more exercise. They cover more ground. They go to places where they have to hike, paddle or swim to fish from. They have to carry heavier gear, and usually do it under more challenging conditions. There's no paid lackey to carry your bags, or little electric cart to save you the 50 foot walk from one hole to another.
But they don't wear the plaid pants, so they've got that going for them, which is good. Fishing can be lazy, but it's usually not. Golf is moderately more physically intensive than bowling in even it's most extreme cases. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JceuvqflL4 - ( New Window )
If that’s what you honestly believe about golf, then you have no clue about it. You are WAY off.
2)
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Additionally, it's become common for people who get bored easily to say they have ADHD when they really don't, they're just part of the instant gratification generation or mind set.
Yeah, it has become common. I guess that means that the two different world class, board certified neurologist/psychiatrists specializing in ADHD patients who marked me at the high end of the ADHD spectrum don't know what the f**k they are talking about. And, I'm 70, so it's hard to identify me as part of the "instant gratification generation or mind set." Uness I was a really late bloomer.
Give me f**king a break. Or don't.
1) fair point, like I said in my initial response people simply don't like things.
2) I never said you were in that class, maybe the OP is, maybe not, just saying it gets used a lot, and a lot of time when it's not medically diagnosed.
Jeeeeeeesus.
Putting aside commercial fishing or subsistance fishing, I mean regarding pure recreational. I mean, isn't the ideal sentiment 'fuck it, forget that shit, I'm just going fishing'.
Cutting loose. No worries.
I like fishing for being an activity that allows daytime drinking, hanging with the fellas, and minimal conversation. Sometimes you even catch a fish!
Walking 18 holes (yes that's how men play)
It's very active.
Fishing, sure it's active, but unless your fishing knee deep in crazy rivers it's low energy beta male stuff compared to Golf if you wanna compare it like it's some competition
I'm willing to bet you've never done either.