I'm not sure which thread this should be in...but just wanted to get your deep thoughts. I am currently a middle aged working dad who longs for quiet, peaceful days on the water. But unfortunately those don't happen too often. I often find myself looking forward to retirement and being able to fish alot more. But it got me thinking that will I be happy and satisfied when I get to fish everyday. I know there are lots of other factors that go into this (family/relationships, spiritual fulfillment, financial peace...) but just looking at the fishing aspect of it, at what point have you received the most fun out of fishing? Is it fishing every day, fishing tournaments, fishing random weekends when you were working...? Just curious how it feels when you are retired and get to fish alot more. I assume it's heaven on earth And please don't make this too serious and negative...I'm not looking for life lessons. I treasure the days I have right now with my kids and love the stage of life I am at...but I still wish I could fish a little more Tight Lines

All things in moderation. I can fish when I want. My kids are all grown and have their own lives. My wife has her job as a teacher in a private school and loves it and is a homebody in the summer. I usually fish on average 4-5 days a week, sometimes more, sometimes less all year. Depending on the weather or what water I want to fish. Personally I like smaller bodies of water, under 100 ac. Gnarly is my cup of tea over open water. Standing timber, stumps, lay-downs, pads, lots of pads. grass, feeding flats. I hunt for bass in their lair. The presentation for me is the fun thing; to have a bass slam a frog on the pads or next to that lay-down that you just know a bass is hunkered under and to get him to commit. That explosion of water on a big Whopper Plopper or that subtle 'tic" on a wacky. Age dictates time on the water coupled with productivity. After about 3 or 4 hours the pain starts, how much pain I put up with depends on how the fish are responding so bring pain killers. On a good day I can put up with a lot of pain. Used to stand most of the time now I sit most of the time. Now it hurts to do either so I switch. You can not enjoy fishing if you are preoccupied with worrying about personal things, family, health, or anything that is constantly on your mind. It will eventually pass and you'll know when it's time to hit the water again. A break can be a good thing and there's always something to do around the house that fishing has kept you from doing. I really don't have another "hobby" at this time but I do enjoy physical work over mind exercises when I am not fishing.