Why Is Fishing So Addicting?

[DogBone_384]

Just want to throw this out there. Last Summer I decided to get back into fishing & promised myself I'd teach myself to use a baitcaster.

I now own three BPS baitcasters, each more expensive than the first. It seems that I'm addicted and wanted to get your reasons why this is?

[BuffaloBass716]

Its the thrill of not knowing what you are going to catch, the idea that you can catch fish with dozens of methods and baits and learning what the fish like. Its learning about the bass and then going out to experiment to see if it works.  Fighting a stong fish, then holding them with your thumb and fingers, then releasing them...nothing beats it!

[FD.]

It's the secret coating of crack dust that is sprinkled over the line and lures at the factory.  You don't realize it but it's getting into your bloodstream through your fingers.  

[Darren.]

Dude, everyone knows its Bait Monkey venom.

[CPBassFishing]

Everybody knows that when you lip your first bass you get bit by the bait monkey. He lives in their teeth.

[rangerboy]

its pushing your best friend in the water to get your first bass over 5lb. lol..... maybe its the crack dust

[Hyrule Bass]

for me its because its so relaxing to fish. its a form of mental therapy. when im fishing all thats wrong in the world disappears for a little while. i have no worries for that bit of time.

 

also, if i was just standing around talking for an hour or so, my back will start to hurt. but if i am standing at a pond for an hour or so fishing i never have any back pain.

[Felix77]

Here's why it's addicting to me.

 

1 - It's peaceful.  I love my 4 girls and my wife but when I am away fishing I can throw all my commitments out the window and just relax!

2 - it's challenging.  There are just too many variables to consider on any given day fishing.  Deciphering the code of the day stimulates by brain.  I hear brain exercises are good.  

3 - it's rewarding.  Once you decipher the code and catch fish on a complimentary lure there is a "high"; a sense of accomplishment which is unmatched.

4 - it's fun.  Even if 1,2,3 are NOT there and I am mindlessly fishing a hook/bobber with my family/friends we can have a blast catching fish.

 

As for the spending too much money on it ... I guess to do #2 and #3 consistently you need to try new stuff.  I like trying new stuff.

[MCS]

^^^x2 I Couldn't have said it better Felix.

[derekxec]

for me it gives me a place to have some peace and not have any complaining or anyone bugging me etc and also the thrill of catching a big fish and having to fight it in and not knowing whether ill get it in or break off 

[deadadrift89]

Im into the whole process i like thinking about where i'll start, what baits im going to use,rigging up the night before. When it all comes together on the water and that first fish in boat its very satisfying.

All that aside im in love with that "tap" you get while fishing soft plastics!!!

[Under the Radar]

  Why Is Fishing So Addicting?   There are microbial organisms living in a symbiotic state on the surface of the bass, waiting for the human touch. It is in this touch that it transfers and enters the human body through the outer layer (skin). As the organisms develop and mature, they tap into the human ocular system (the eyes) and the subconscious mind. At this stage, the little buggers use the human sight system  to evaluate the financial accounts, available storage space and existing inventory. It then starts to initiate subconscious thought patterns suggesting the purchase of more equipment (usually more than will fit in available space) and costing more than available funds. Intimating that said purchases will result in a higher catch rate of larger bass. And the cycle goes on.

 

This is my unprofessional opinion, and I'm sticking to it.

 

Hope this answers your question. I'm sure that others more qualified than I can offer a technical explanation. 

[slonezp]

Must be crack. If it was reefer, we'd all be sitting around eating cookie dough and playing video games instead of fishing.

[Deleted account]

Psychologists cal it random reward conditioning, its the same reason gambling is so addictive.

[aavery2]

The thrill of victory, the agony of defeat.

[Mud River Matt]

Well, I don't know why it is, but it sure is and I am very thankful for it. About 18 months ago or so, I traded in a decade long addiction to heroin for an absolutely awful bass fishing addiction. The best 18 months of my life, and I am so thankful for fishing, because without it and so good friends i probably wouldn't be here today.

[Sam]

It's you against Mother Nature in the body of a small green fish with the brain the size of a pea.

 

Will you win or will the fish win?

 

To give yourself an advantage we purchase lots of baits and tackle. The more expensive the bait and tackle the better are our odds of winning the battle. Or so we think.

 

Usually that small green fish with the pea sized brain kicks our fannies.

[Sam]

Mud River, you are da man!

 

Very proud of your accomplishment and glad to have you on the Forum with us.

 

And the Bait Monkey is proud of you, too.

 

Well, I don't know why it is, but it sure is and I am very thankful for it. About 18 months ago or so, I traded in a decade long addiction to heroin for an absolutely awful bass fishing addiction. The best 18 months of my life, and I am so thankful for fishing, because without it and so good friends i probably wouldn't be here today.

[Mud River Matt]

Sam, you have no idea how proud the bait monkey is….. In the past 18 months I have bought a new boat, 10 rods, reels, all higher end, and countless baits and what not…. My buddy has been fishing all his life and jokes that I have got more stuff than he has…lol… But thanks man, means a lot.

[Fishing Rhino]

It is addicting for the same reason every other sport from golf to stock car racing is addictive for its participants.

 

Some try fishing and just don't care for it.  The glorious dawns and sunsets, the thrill of the "chase", are not addictive to all, and it's a good thing.  Talk about high pressure on fisheries, there would be a hundred times more fishermen on the water.

 

It's addictive simply because we enjoy it.  Just like the other sports, some spend more money than they should on golf equipment, or racing parts for their stock cars.   The bait monkey has plenty of relatives that whisper in the ears of those with other hobbies.

[MrPeanut]

that's awesome Mud River

 

i would also agree with the previous posts that it's the challenge of figuring out the puzzle each time your out. That and it's  the best way to relax

[ec1]

Psychologists cal it random reward conditioning, its the same reason gambling is so addictive.

 

To me it really is that thrill of the goods and the bads. I feel like I get better with every trip, but you can still go home with a big fat skunk. If fishing was 100% all of the time I definitely wouldn't be doing it at least once a week.