I’m only 29 and feeling the same way. Its surprising how many different roles fishing has played throughout my lifetime. When I started fishing as a kid in junior high, it was something new, something that was challenging and exciting to learn, something that my dad thought me how to do and something that I spent time with him doing. Shortly after, my high school years, it became something I obsessed over, reading every bass master magazine I could get my hands on, scrapping together whatever money I could to buy the latest technique, hollow belly swim baits, flick shake worms, football jigs and square bills, whatever was popular on the pro tours. It became evident very quickly to me that my father knew nothing about fishing, and became something I could teach him later on. In college it became an escape, something I would skip class to go catch a few. Fishing became less common for me after I got married and moved into a big city, still managed to buy a kayak and take it out a few times a year. But mostly this chapter of my life became more about collecting and customizing gear. I built my own rod and customized a JDM reel for Bait Finesse applications. Since then, I have relocated to the deserts of Las Vegas NV and rarely ever get a chance to fish. I have taken a liking to fly fishing, tying my own flies, and building a few fly rods for myself and loved ones. Fishing trips to me now has become much less about catching everything I can and applying my knowledge, it has become more about connecting with nature, really feeling the spiritual connection of being in the great outdoors, and creating lifelong memories. There is no wrong approach to fishing, it can mean many different things to every person, and I’m not going to judge anyone for doing their own thing while on the water. Heck, maybe one day I’ll be the guy with a snap swivel and a big red and white bobber.
Thanks for sharing your experience and story. It’s always great to hear what other anglers are doing and how fishing is incorporated into our lives.