Just wanted to thank everyone for this forum

[plawren53202]

I just wanted to drop a quick note to thank everyone for their contributions to this forum. I know a lot of people who don't fish have no clue of how important it can be in our lives and think it's just kind of a silly activity. Of course most of us on here know how wrong that is.

 

For me, the last couple of years have been rough. Last year I had surgery to remove a brain tumor and a couple of follow up brain surgeries after that. Had some disappointments with my job situation. Some rough stuff financially. All of that puts lots of strain on a marriage and family. Just kind of one kick in the knees after another. I don't say all that as a boo hoo sob story, because I know everyone has to deal with a lot of crap in life, especially seems like these days. But doesn't make it any easier for any of us.

 

Fishing has been my one refuge through all of this. Again I know some non-anglers would think that is silly. But getting out on the water (especially when I can be somewhere alone) and successfully doing something that can be really tough to do--trick a bass into biting and then catching it--there's just a peace in that which I can't find much elsewhere in life right now. Or being able to use fishing as a way to get my 17 year old to spend time with me at a stage in life when family isn't exactly top priority. Or being able to use fishing as a shared interest with my dad as he gets back into the sport. It has literally been a lifesaver.

 

So obviously with a job, real life responsibilities, none of us get to fish as much as we would like. That's where this forum comes in. Not the same as being out on the water, but still getting on here and talking baits, rods and reels, tactics with all of you is the next best thing, and is similarly a way to disengage my brain from all of the other stuff in life for a little while. Of all of the hobbies I've been involved in throughout the years, I've found fishermen (and fisherwomen) to be the best folks. And consequently, this forum to be a step above others in other hobbies. So thanks to each of you for playing a little part in that and thanks to the moderators and others who put in work to make this forum what it is.

[jimmyjoe]

  If I didn't know any better, I'd say you put that very well.  Very well indeed.

  And as you probably suspect, you're not the only one who feels this way.   ???    jj

[plawren53202]

4 minutes ago, jimmyjoe said:

And as you probably suspect, you're not the only one who feels this way.   ???    jj

I strongly suspected that was the case.

 

I used to race dirt track stock cars. People in racing always say, "Racing isn't what I do, it's who I am." I find that to be much more the case with people who are serious about fishing.

[jimmyjoe]

9 minutes ago, plawren53202 said:

People in racing always say, "Racing isn't what I do, it's who I am."

 

   I don't know about that. I think if that were true, the world would be half full of proctologists.  ??   jj

[Log Catcher]

We all go through tough times. Fishing is a great stress reliever at least for me anyway. Hope everything gets better for you.

[BrianMDTX]

I thought I learned a lot and improved my deer hunting (especially bowhunting) on hunting forums. 

 

I’ve learned more on BR since I joined in May 2020 than I have in decades. The wealth of knowledge passed on to others on this site is incalculable. 

 

To the OP: you are as right about fishing as I’ve always felt about bowhunting. It’s not “what I do”, it’s “what I am”. 

[Oregon Native]

Not an easy walk...stage four gleoblastoma ...(spelled wrong I'm sure)  Brain cancer...Everyday an adventure....Good luck to ya...fishing is good....

Thank the good Lord he still lets me get out

[whitwolf]

This is incredibly well said. I used to visit here multiple times a day. In the last two years it has been 4-5 times a week. Each time I visit now there are more times than not that when I leave I come out with something that is useful in one way or another. This is the type of post that reinforces my belief that Bassresource and it's members are reason enough to get here more often!

 

I thank you for posting your story sir!

[N Florida Mike]

Im glad it’s about the only site I can go to where I dont have politics and agendas crammed down my throat. Thanks , Glenn!!! 

[soflabasser]

This is the best fishing forum I have visited. Most members here enjoy helping others and it shows.