Do you know anyone who quit fishing?

[Hammer 4]

I'm with WRB on this topic. At 50 I was in my prime, I was roadracing motorcycles, playing golf, and guitar, all the while running my construction biz, and Not from a desk, I worked regularly 45 to 55 hrs a week up until I was 60 or so..I'll be 71 in Aug..while there are some things I can't do as well as when I was younger, I can still catch fish. 

 

50 is not old...

[Boomstick]

On 5/28/2019 at 7:20 PM, A-Jay said:

Oh - That has my name written All Over It ! 

A-Jay

Correction: Now this has your name all over it.

[wcjohnson]

I took about a nine year break shortly after high school. Small farm town with mostly private ponds, and the two I had access to were ruined by kids I knew trespassing and throwing beer cans in the water. Bank bound and catching a dink or two in the river or creek once in a blue moon wasn't an efficient use of my time, and driving at least an hour each way for over fished public spots with more dinks wasn't overly enticing. 

 

Moved to a new place with a pond 60-70 yards from my back door and have been back at it ever since. I don't regret taking a break because I found other new hobbies that I enjoyed and were more accessible, and once I started again, it felt relaxing instead of a grueling obligation.

[stepup]

I sold my boat when I had my first daughter and was starting out my family. Didn't have much choice. I was married, broke, and had a baby on the way. The 10k the boat brought was used to make a downpayment on our first home and pay for the medical bills from our first daughter. I still fished from the bank I just never really enjoyed it as much. Here I am 11 years later and I have sold our first home, bought another one, and built a swimming pool for the wife and kids. I bought another bass boat in January of this year after waiting 11 years and I am the happiest I hav ebeen in a long time. I picked up some other hobbies along the way just to kill time but now I am right back where I started. I am already tournament fishing again and I am doing pretty well with that. I think people may get out of it for a personal reason or finances but I don't know anyone that truly enjoyed it that just quit fishing because they didn't like it.

[Dwbassin]

I could understand loosing the time too, and I hate only being able to go 2x a week. I wouldn’t want a life were i couldn’t. I don’t plan on having kids though which makes it easier to have that option. I don’t want to work my life away either and not be able to enjoy it. If tournament angling grinded me down i would simply fun fish. I don’t think I could ever just quit. I can’t say I wouldn’t allow it to happen, I just simply can’t fathom not doing it. It is in my brain allllll day. I enjoy all aspects too much. I will never lose the passion even if I somehow couldn’t go

[IgotWood]

A close family friend quit fishing. He was a real hardcore striper fisherman. In New England, almost all of the striped bass fishing is done at night. He was the type who wouldn’t come home until daybreak 5 days a week. I guess after 30 years of this he bang to develop serious heart problems, uncontrollable blood pressure, and insomnia. 

 

One day he he sold all of his gear and he and his wife enjoyed their retirement exercising, hiking, and bike riding. He says he doesn’t miss fishing at all. He hadn’t enjoyed it much the past few years he was fishing. He just didn’t know any other way to occupy his time. About ten years later now, he is healthy as a horse and happy. Still doesn’t miss fishing one bit. He cherishes his memories, but he says he has no desire to pick up a fishing rod. 

 

God bless him. Hope it never happens to me!

[NE-KID]

Before my uncle passed away from end stage lung cancer he was a fisherman who loved fishing everyday he taught me a few things what to look for and what to do and not what to do. My father fished when he was younger but not so much he's finally getting over a five bypass heart surgery with laser so he took time away from fishing to recover. I use to fish a lot along time ago till I have to had stomach surgeries after one another. Recovery time sucked but it was a good cause before I even got sicker.  Now my father and I are getting back to fishing now.

[WRB]

1 hour ago, twenty20frames123 said:

Well it all started late one night when my wife said " I saw a guy riding a electric bike today" I never even heard of an electric bike. So I did some research, talked to my buddies on my bike team. They all said they had seen a electric bike that had fat tires, heavy duty motorcycle triple crown fork, 1000 watt hidden battery... All things that I was going to need to think about. After that I research everything and check out the website my friend paul gave me

Long story short the motor city electric bikes were the best bikes I had ever seen and I am leaving work right now to go jump on it and ride around. I can do about 20 miles and I have hit 50 mph with  some light peddling.... This bike is solid and before I sat on it I had never felt a bike so gentle to ride. Big bumps were nothing anymore. Fat tires saved my life and were very safe unlike reg bike tires at 20 mph on gravel. . . : 0 

Does this mean you quite fishing?

Tom

On 6/3/2019 at 8:30 PM, Boomstick said:

Correction: Now this has your name all over it.

Is this boat made for Niagara fall?

Tom

[JediAmoeba]

My dad quit fishing about 15 years ago.  I have a lot of fond memories fishing with my dad and Grandpa as a kid.  15 years ago he sold his boat and gave me all his fishing stuff.  Now the last few years he has been coming out with my kids for the first day of trout but otherwise I can't get him to go and he isn't into it anymore. He says he just doesn't enjoy it anymore...

 

This is picture of my sister and I as an 8 year old catching a bass at my grandparents farm pond.

[The Bassman]

4 minutes ago, JediAmoeba said:

My dad quit fishing about 15 years ago.  I have a lot of fond memories fishing with my dad and Grandpa as a kid.  15 years ago he sold his boat and gave me all his fishing stuff.  Now the last few years he has been coming out with my kids for the first day of trout but otherwise I can't get him to go and he isn't into it anymore. He says he just doesn't enjoy it anymore...

 

This is picture of my sister and I as an 8 year old catching a bass at my grandparents farm pond.

Sure hope you took your shoes off when you came in.

[new2BC4bass]

I quit fishing for 23 years.  Not because I lost interest in the sport, but because the area I moved to literally sucks when it comes to fishing.  Didn't sell my gear.  Started visiting a relative in Florida and fishing there.  After 3 years in a row of this I decided to get back into fishing locally, but wanted to try a baitcast reel.  Loved them.  Now I have way more rods and reels than a sane person needs.  Some not used yet.  Why?  Because fishing still sucks in this area. 

 

The only thing that has kept me from quitting again has been new gear, but even that is not making it anymore.  A lake within a 15-20 minute drive would help keep my interest up....even if not catching fish.  I've been out fishing once this year so far.  Other than my visit to Florida where I keep a few rods.

 

Sadly I am about to the point of quitting again.  At my age it is unlikely I'd get back into it again if that happens.  The only reason I haven't already quit is the thousands of dollars sitting in my basement.  Ten years worth of accumulation.  Would I sell my gear?  Hate that idea.

 

I'd be in seventh heaven if I could afford to retire and live on a lake near my relation in Florida.  Don't see that happening.

[Ratherbfishing]

 Unless.....

 

Might need a temperature gauge, too.

[TheRodFather]

On 7/13/2019 at 7:01 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I quit fishing for 23 years.  Not because I lost interest in the sport, but because the area I moved to literally sucks when it comes to fishing.  Didn't sell my gear.  Started visiting a relative in Florida and fishing there.  After 3 years in a row of this I decided to get back into fishing locally, but wanted to try a baitcast reel.  Loved them.  Now I have way more rods and reels than a sane person needs.  Some not used yet.  Why?  Because fishing still sucks in this area. 

 

The only thing that has kept me from quitting again has been new gear, but even that is not making it anymore.  A lake within a 15-20 minute drive would help keep my interest up....even if not catching fish.  I've been out fishing once this year so far.  Other than my visit to Florida where I keep a few rods.

 

Sadly I am about to the point of quitting again.  At my age it is unlikely I'd get back into it again if that happens.  The only reason I haven't already quit is the thousands of dollars sitting in my basement.  Ten years worth of accumulation.  Would I sell my gear?  Hate that idea.

 

I'd be in seventh heaven if I could afford to retire and live on a lake near my relation in Florida.  Don't see that happening.

You are about an hour and a half away from some of the best river smallie action in the country........

 

I have a buddy that guides the Susquehanna near Harrisburg/Duncannon that will put you on the fish and get your excitement level back up.  I can PM his info if you want.

 

I live in NC now, and I'll tell you, I miss living right near the river in Lancaster PA.  Smallies are more fun to fish for if you ask me.  More aggressive, fight harder per pound, etc.

[redboat]

On 7/13/2019 at 6:01 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I quit fishing for 23 years.  Not because I lost interest in the sport, but because the area I moved to literally sucks when it comes to fishing.  Didn't sell my gear.  Started visiting a relative in Florida and fishing there.  After 3 years in a row of this I decided to get back into fishing locally, but wanted to try a baitcast reel.  Loved them.  Now I have way more rods and reels than a sane person needs.  Some not used yet.  Why?  Because fishing still sucks in this area. 

 

The only thing that has kept me from quitting again has been new gear, but even that is not making it anymore.  A lake within a 15-20 minute drive would help keep my interest up....even if not catching fish.  I've been out fishing once this year so far.  Other than my visit to Florida where I keep a few rods.

 

Sadly I am about to the point of quitting again.  At my age it is unlikely I'd get back into it again if that happens.  The only reason I haven't already quit is the thousands of dollars sitting in my basement.  Ten years worth of accumulation.  Would I sell my gear?  Hate that idea.

 

I'd be in seventh heaven if I could afford to retire and live on a lake near my relation in Florida.  Don't see that happening.

I'm seriously considering it.  I live on Toledo Bend lake, used to be great fishing but at my current pace if I keep going two or three times a week I'll be lucky to catch five keepers this year.  Sad, but they just HAD to kill the Salvinia.

[Raul]

I haven't fished in something like 4 years, the only time I touched my rods in that time was to move them from the bathroom to the service room like a year ago when remodeling of the bathroom took place. My wife told me to sell all stuff since I'm not using it, but that ain't happening. Why ? My mother's health and my business take all my time. When will I go back ? Who knows but it don't matter, I'll be back.

[JediAmoeba]

On 7/13/2019 at 7:01 PM, new2BC4bass said:

I quit fishing for 23 years.  Not because I lost interest in the sport, but because the area I moved to literally sucks when it comes to fishing.  Didn't sell my gear.  Started visiting a relative in Florida and fishing there.  After 3 years in a row of this I decided to get back into fishing locally, but wanted to try a baitcast reel.  Loved them.  Now I have way more rods and reels than a sane person needs.  Some not used yet.  Why?  Because fishing still sucks in this area. 

 

The only thing that has kept me from quitting again has been new gear, but even that is not making it anymore.  A lake within a 15-20 minute drive would help keep my interest up....even if not catching fish.  I've been out fishing once this year so far.  Other than my visit to Florida where I keep a few rods.

 

Sadly I am about to the point of quitting again.  At my age it is unlikely I'd get back into it again if that happens.  The only reason I haven't already quit is the thousands of dollars sitting in my basement.  Ten years worth of accumulation.  Would I sell my gear?  Hate that idea.

 

I'd be in seventh heaven if I could afford to retire and live on a lake near my relation in Florida.  Don't see that happening.

Where are you fishing that is so terrible?  I didn't think it could get much worse than Eastern Pa.

[new2BC4bass]

4 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Where are you fishing that is so terrible?  I didn't think it could get much worse than Eastern Pa.

That is where I am fishing.  Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area.  Nearest lake to me is a 30/35 minute drive.  Lake Nochamixon public fishing area sucks.  Lake Minsi dam is still in repair.  Public fishing areas there suck.  For longer drives Beltzville Lake sucks everywhere during the day (boat or no boat).  Used to live by a guy who left his apartment about 8 P.M. for Beltzville Lake and fished throughout the night.  He had good luck then.  Of course he is now divorced.  Don't know if I should consider that as sucking or not.    His wife was a pretty girl.  I like Leaser Lake....but the areas I can reach from shore all suck.  Plus Rt 22 (which I have to take to get there) is being worked on and there is often a spot going down to one lane with major backup.  That sucks too so I haven't been going there this year.

 

Not much for fishing rivers, but have fished the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.  Areas I can reach from shore suck, but I've actually caught more fish out of the Lehigh River than anywhere else.  Public area I've been to on the Delaware is a lure catching magnet.  No fish caught there.  It is where I learned how stretchy fluorocarbon line is. 

 

I came from northern Bradford County just south of the NY/PA border.  Had good fishing up there.  Company I worked for up there closed down after 102 years of being in business.  That sucked too.    Wow!  Seems to be a reoccurring theme here. 

[JediAmoeba]

4 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

That is where I am fishing.  Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton area.  Nearest lake to me is a 30/35 minute drive.  Lake Nochamixon public fishing area sucks.  Lake Minsi dam is still in repair.  Public fishing areas there suck.  For longer drives Beltzville Lake sucks everywhere during the day (boat or no boat).  Used to live by a guy who left his apartment about 8 P.M. for Beltzville Lake and fished throughout the night.  He had good luck then.  Of course he is now divorced.  Don't know if I should consider that as sucking or not.    His wife was a pretty girl.  I like Leaser Lake....but the areas I can reach from shore all suck.  Plus Rt 22 (which I have to take to get there) is being worked on and there is often a spot going down to one lane with major backup.  That sucks too so I haven't been going there this year.

 

Not much for fishing rivers, but have fished the Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.  Areas I can reach from shore suck, but I've actually caught more fish out of the Lehigh River than anywhere else.  Public area I've been to on the Delaware is a lure catching magnet.  No fish caught there.  It is where I learned how stretchy fluorocarbon line is. 

 

I came from northern Bradford County just south of the NY/PA border.  Had good fishing up there.  Company I worked for up there closed down after 102 years of being in business.  That sucked too.    Wow!  Seems to be a reoccurring theme here. 

Wow, very similar story for me.  I was actually born in Bradford, Pa and grew up near Titusville Pa - we had great fishing opportunities!  I left the area because the family business closed shop when my great uncle died and the family sold it off.

 

Now I live just north of you in Albrightsville (20 minutes from Beltzville) and the fishing on this whole side of the state sucks.  The people that fish around here keep everything they catch regardless of the regulations and almost everything is private due to developers and communities.  It's tough fishing and pickerel are the rue of the land.  

[new2BC4bass]

3 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Wow, very similar story for me.  I was actually born in Bradford, Pa and grew up near Titusville Pa - we had great fishing opportunities!  I left the area because the family business closed shop when my great uncle died and the family sold it off.

 

Now I live just north of you in Albrightsville (20 minutes from Beltzville) and the fishing on this whole side of the state sucks.  The people that fish around here keep everything they catch regardless of the regulations and almost everything is private due to developers and communities.  It's tough fishing and pickerel are the rue of the land.  

I lived in Bradford County just across the border from Elmira, NY (where I was born cuz it has the closest hospital).

[Alex from GA]

I have a friend that sold all his stuff and quit when he had a boating accident that almost claimed his life.  He's back into it somewhat again after 3 years out.  I'm an old fart, late 70s, and fish several times a week either on a lake or with a kayak on local rivers.  I've been fishing ever since my parents friend took me to the Santa Monica pier when I was 6. 

[whitwolf]

On 7/16/2019 at 7:15 PM, Raul said:

I haven't fished in something like 4 years, the only time I touched my rods in that time was to move them from the bathroom to the service room like a year ago when remodeling of the bathroom took place. My wife told me to sell all stuff since I'm not using it, but that ain't happening. Why ? My mother's health and my business take all my time. When will I go back ? Who knows but it don't matter, I'll be back.

Good to see you around Raul!

[Ratherbfishing]

There have been times when, if I put too much weight into the sport, it would "let me down" and I'd be tempted to hang it up for something which is more consistent (in terms of outcome) but, really, there would be a void in my life without it-and I'll be darned if someone else is going to get all my fishing gear.  So, until such time as it simply doesn't appeal to me or when my body finally says, "enough", I'll keep it up.

[cyclops2]

The older I get. The more I want............... Just 1 more good day.  ?

[Randy Price]

Like others have said.  Many of our hobbies have to take a back to seat to life at certain times.  In my '30's I really got into trap shooting and had several work friends that were just getting into it also.  After 3-5 years most of the guys had switched companies been fired etc... so I didn't have any friends to shoot with.  I also really enjoyed turkey hunting and archery deer hunting.  Did a lot of that in my 30's and 40's but now at 55 not so much.

[hawgenvy]

Back when we were dating my wife seemed to enjoy fishing with me. After we were married she admitted she never did like fishing, that it's boring until you catch a fish -- and then it's disgusting.  Obviously, she doesn't go anymore. I don't mind, really.