Meh, catching is the objective. Without that, the endeavor is unsuccessful. That said, there times when I catch that I feel the trip was unsuccessful for whatever reason. Other times I catch but nothing special. However, that trip may have been special for other reasons. I'm probably spoiled, but it's very rare that I blank. That might be the basis of my rationale. What's more important for me, if I bring a guest: THEY CATCH. I truly get a kick out of that, especially if they're new to fishing.