Crisis Of "epic" Proportions

[Ratherbfishing]

For some readers here this is, and will remain, a non-issue.  And for you, I am happy.  For me, however, it has become a "life-crisis" of sorts.  Let me begin by saying this is NOTHING compared to life's really important issues (and I ought to be grateful I haven't more to complain or worry about).  However, because my other basic needs are being met, this is now weighing heavily on Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

 

 I have always found fishing to be a great hobby (read "passion"), and a great outlet for lifes various angsts.  However these past few years have been difficult.  The droughts we expereinced the past two summers and the warm weather we've had each winter (which has ruled out ice fishing) have made it difficult for me to maintain a high level of enthusiasm.  Some ponds which were convenient "go to" lakes have been reduced to weedy mud puddles and my favorite lake (one where I could usually rely on 24 to 45 fish days) has become extremely tough (one or two fish days are now much more common).  It hasn't helped that the lake manager at one of my better neighborhood ponds insists on killing off all the weeds every year.  Also, In years past I have given the bait monkey its due to help sustain my higher level of enthusiam (or because I HAD a high level of enthusiam).  How many lures or rod/reel combo's does a person NEED anyway (sorry bait monkey)?  And I have a close friend who struggles financially whom I have been helping out (It's difficult to justify buying MORE fishing junk when my friend is in a position to lose her home).  Okay, enough background information. 

 

My question is this:  For those of you who have experienced a major "fishing depression" where you were, perhaps, tempted to "throw in the towel," what did you do to pull yourself out of it?

[J Francho]

I simply fished new waters.

[bigbill]

First I accept everything our creator throws at us as a test in life. The more things that happen to me the stronger I become. Failure is not an option. I never look back I look ahead to the future. Things will change in time for the better it always has for me. The storm will pass by and the sun will shine again giving us a new beginning, a new life it just has to play out to nature's timeline. Keep the faith it will all work out.

We all hit speed bumps in our lives your not alone.

Not too long ago I took a break from fishing. I just needed too. It came full circle and it renewed my interests again. Sometime nature gave me a break too in the drought we had. I just found other hobbies to keep me busy. My teacher taught me don't put all your eggs in one basket, meaning putting all your money in one bank or place. I say don't have just one hobby have a few you can rely on.

Life is a test to me by our creator to see how strong we can be in the tough times. Back in the early 80's I lost my job in '83, in '84 & in '85. I worked three months per year those three years. I had a house to pay for and three small kids that eat like me to feed. I found out what little money I could really get by with. I focused on my garden to feed my family and firewood to pay the bills and heat my house. I lived on 10k per year. We can survive.

God bless, bigbill

Any good rivers to fish at near you?

[BassinLou]

I am sorry you are experiencing this. I can only imagine what you are going through. I am not familiar with your area, but is it possible to find new waters? Even if its farther away, maybe going to these locations 3-4 times a month may put you more at ease and maybe you will find more productive water.  

[Grizzn N Bassin]

I am sorry you are experiencing this. I can only imagine what you are going through. I am not familiar with your area, but is it possible to find new waters? Even if its farther away, maybe going to these locations 3-4 times a month may put you more at ease and maybe you will find more productive water.  

Thats what i would do..

[einscodek]

Move

I moved to my current fishing haunt 3 years ago and have been ecstatic at nailing big bass only a few minutes away

[MarkH024]

If you're getting frustrated to the point of wanting to "hang it up" with a hobby you're supposed to love, then you need to make changes. Whether that is location or a fisherman (ie: techniques, presentations etc..) . Nothing is fun when it becomes frustrating.  Change your game, don't let the game change you!

[AK-Jax86]

If you're getting frustrated to the point of wanting to "hang it up" with a hobby you're supposed to love, then you need to make changes. Whether that is location or a fisherman (ie: techniques, presentations etc..) . Nothing is fun when it becomes frustrating.  Change your game, don't let the game change you!

 

Change your game don't let the game change you... is the motto I have lived by

 

agree 100% but at the end of the day we all get frustrated at some point human nature

[Sam]

You have been presented some challenges. Your character will determine how you address them.

 

Bite the bullet and join a bass fishing club as a nonboater and go out and have some fun, learn new waters, meet new people and when you are on the water or on the bank you need to do the following:

 

Stand up straight, with your bait in the water. Take in a deep breath. Hold it for three or four seconds. Let it out slowly. Then, with your finger on the line (always have your finger on the line) close your eyes and let your mind drift.

 

Think about good things and bad things. Ponder if you are better off with or without the problem. Just let your mind drift. Relax. Think. Realize the truth when it comes to you. Then file those thoughts and do it again the next day and sooner or later you will be able to handle your challenges.

 

Think of waters you want to fish and contact a guide on these bodies of water for a weekend adventure. Really worth the investment.

 

Everyone can get burned out of something they love. Seems you have a lot of "stuff" on your plate and you need to clear it off as best you can. You don't have to rescue everyone. Rescuers usually are the ones that get screwed. You need to do things for yourself and expand your horizons.

 

All the best to you as you continue through life and take on your challenges head on. We all do it. Some of us better than others.

 

Right now I can't do any more fishing this year due to a knee replacement. So what am I doing?  Nothing fishing other than reading bass fishing magazines and planning my organizational attack on my tackle in four weeks when I can go upstairs.

[papajoe222]

I know where you're coming from. Although for different reasons, I've felt that depression. I started planning excursions rather than hooking up the boat on my off day and heading out.  The planning stage would start with a location and evolve from general approach strategy I'd use to picking out the exact gear I'd be using. This would take a few days and the anticipation was almost as enjoyable as the outing itself. 

The other thing I've done that helps overcome the let down of smaller numbers, is to make/modify my lures. I've even gone as far as building my own rods.  The excitement of hooking and landing a fish on something you've made is more gratifying than catching twice as many fish on store bought gear (it helps to keep the monkey away too)

[Josh L]

This is as relevant a topic on fishing as I've heard. The biggest fishing drought I've had in recent memory was all of a couple weeks. Unlike most, I didn't move to new waters. I gave the bass every lure and every presentation I knew and fished at different times of day till I frustrated myself. Just don't keep throwing the same thing at 'em and sooner than later, they start biting. Coming out of a slump with a couple nice fish is very satisfying. 

[flyfisher]

I'll go against the grain here.  Give it up for a little while.  Go back and find another hobby that you used to enjoy and try it again, you might be surprised at all the fun you were missing.  After a few months you will want to fish again and when you do, it will be like it is new and exciting again.  You won't be stuck in all the minutia you have been troubled with as of late. 

 

I have a highly obsessive personality and want to excel in any hobby I pick up. Over the years i have tried many things and had a ton of fun in every one.  There are a few i continue to do and others i look back and still think about the fun times i had but I have no desire to go back to them again.

 

I haven't been out fishing since mid August as my schedule won't allow it but I have picked up road biking again and i almost forgot how much fun it was  

 

Have i given up on fishing, not even close but the time it takes to go fishing is considerably more than what it takes to jump on my bike and go for an hour or so ride.

 

Bottom line is have fun with whatever you are doing and taking a break from anything for a while is never a bad thing.

[retiredbosn]

I moved to SC almost three years ago, I'm within easy driving range to lake Murray, Clarkshill and the Santee Cooper chain. I've fished less these last three years than ever. I haven't wetted a line since May. Most of this is health related, some to feeling that I need a bigger boat, at least some major upgrades, etc, etc. Right now I'm ecxited to go fishing again. Crap happens, just keep your head up. Life is what it is, no need worrying about it too much. What has me in the mood again is that I started going through my stuff, started some up grades on the boat. The excitement of fishing returned.

[birdoflight]

Depending on how experienced of an angler you are, what about trying a new technique for a weekend or two? If there isn't anything new or enriching in that perhaps you can take your ailing friend fishing? This would help her get a small escape from her troubles and help you get some additional use out off that extra equipment. There are also the added benefits of spending time with someone you care for and getting the satisfaction of imparting knowledge. It's another way to show you care without simply giving moneyand you may find bringing someone else into the sport reignites your interest as theirs piques our even just sharing the time with a friend.

[SirSnookalot]

I'll go against the grain here.  Give it up for a little while.  Go back and find another hobby that you used to enjoy and try it again, you might be surprised at all the fun you were missing. 

^^Can't really disagree too much.^^

Sounds like the rest of your life is in order, don't think you need any spiritual assistance.  There are only a couple of options, find something else you enjoy doing or find different places to fish.

I am having the worst fishing year I have ever had in Florida and just isn't me, the commercial fishermen having trouble making a buck.  My bass fishing hasn't been up to it's normal standards either.  All said, I'm not about to give up any fishing, eventually it will turn my way.

[KyakR]

"Think of waters you want to fish and contact a guide on these bodies of water for a weekend adventure. Really worth the investment." 

X2 on Sam's suggestion here! I hire a guide at least once every year in different areas of fishing, not just for bass (although mostly bass over the years). I can't tell you what a difference it makes for me. I save for it and plan for it all winter. I try to go to a part of Maine I've never seen for fish I've never caught. If I could afford Florida I'd leave now

"I'll go against the grain here.  Give it up for a little while." Flyfisher is spot on really. Trust your heart and your love of fishing.....it's not a "fad" for most of us here like you and it'll be back like the neighbor's dog that won't go home 

[aceman387]

I have a friend going through the same thing right now,he hasn't caught a bass in over a month even though he has gone out 2-3 times a week fishing .I told him to quit worrying about catching and be grateful he is outside with nature and all its beauty it has to offer. Were from Illinois like you are and we all know are open water fishing days are coming to a close quickly,get out and make the most of it.I f nothing else bring a friend out fishing with you for something different to change things up.

[Ratherbfishing]

To everyone who has replied, I thank you.  There are a lot of good ideas and suggestions here.  I have considered expanding to new waters (and probably will) however unlike some who seem to be better at (or blessed with) acquiring or maintaining friendships, it's not that easy to find folks who will "give up" a day or even, sometimes, an afternoon to go fishing.  While I have before, I prefer not to go on long drives and camp or fish by myself.  Fishing is much more pleasurable when it is shared.  I may hire a guide but half the fun for me is trying to figure out where the fish are and what they will respond to.

 

This will probably blow over and because winter is setting in, I might as well find other things to do.  My computer recently crashed so that's going to need to be fixed.  Rats!  Fishing has always been (well, at least since my very early teens) what I "do" and probably what I will continue to do.  But ^%$#* it's been difficult lately!   Unlike some hobbies where the outcome can be predicted or is reliable, fishing is definitely not one of them.  And the weather hasn't helped.

 

Thanks again! 

 

 

[Siebert Outdoors]

If you keep doing the same thing you've been doing, you will keep getting the same thing you got.

 

What I mean by this is you must adapt to the conditions or make the necessary changes to have a positive result.

[MarkH024]

Winter months for us Midwest folk and northerners is rough. Dealing with months of snow and ice really drives me crazy. In those times I like to organize and go through tackle. Fix lures or replace hooks etc...  I also clean/lube all my reels myself now and with many thanks from BR guys like Mike from DVT who are so open to helping people here on the forums. So just stay busy and prepare for Spring. It's a long haul until then.  Wish I had a southern destination to escape to during winter but my get away is North.

 

 

As Edard Stark said "Brace yourselves, winter is coming"

[lanzbass]

Most fishermen I know take it a day at a time ...

 

I have never felt like its time to quit ...

 

Just look for another hobby , hunting arrow heads, making fly's list goes on....

[BridgerM]

I can relate, big time. Here in Utah we've have some of the lowest water levels in years. Its just not snowing enough in the winter and we had a record number of days over 100 this past summer. Im still new to fishing and have had a helluva frustrating year trying to 'get good'. But many of the older locals on a local forum complain of poor conditions also. I haven't caught a bass for about two months and bass season is about done here. Trout it is I suppose for now and restarting an exercise plan for the winter.

[Nice_Bass]

We in Illinois are not "blessed" with much good water, however there are still good and plentiful fish even with the last couple of years.  Keep at it.

[retiredbosn]

To everyone who has replied, I thank you. There are a lot of good ideas and suggestions here. I have considered expanding to new waters (and probably will) however unlike some who seem to be better at (or blessed with) acquiring or maintaining friendships, it's not that easy to find folks who will "give up" a day or even, sometimes, an afternoon to go fishing. While I have before, I prefer not to go on long drives and camp or fish by myself. Fishing is much more pleasurable when it is shared. !

I would say that 95% of the time I fish by myself. Since moving here I've met a few people not many, and only one fishes.

[Felix77]

If the loss of enthusiasm is a direct result of the waters you fish then exploring new waters might be in order.

 

If your lack of enthusiasm includes a disinterest in doing that or because there are other things preoccupying your mind then it's not fishing .... it's life. 

 

Priorities change, circumstances change and people change.  It might not hurt to take a step away from the sport for a while until things align a little better for you.

 

We will be here when you find that love again.