What’s wrong with me! No motivation to go fishing?

[Cgolf]

Reading this thread is interesting. I am not going through it with fishing, going as much if not more than before, but with other things in life. I wasn't like this early in the pandemic, but as things have been unlocking I have found my mental energy to do common tasks even ones I want to do isn't there. Most nights I end up on the couch watching TV with the wife saying I will do that tomorrow. Now my personal to do like is bigger than the honey do list;). I am trying ways to get myself to do stuff with moderate success, but it is just strange and I have no clue where it went sideways. I am just glad it didn't creep into my fishing.

[MAN]

I get the same thing from time to time especially when I am fishing the same holes. What cures it for me is targeting different species.  If I get burned out on bass, the next week I am out there with different gear trying to catch a nice sized gar, blue cat, tilapia or carp.  All require some different form of fishing. Eventually I'm wanting to target bass again..and the cycle continues.  I have a somewhat "unlucky" position of being in the fishing development industry and dealing with rods, reels and lures from 8-5, 40hrs  a week. So there is little to no excitement left from getting any sort of new equipment to cure the fishing burn out. I know that may come across a cocky but I truly do miss the days when I would get giddy as hell researching, prepping and purchasing a new reel or rod and then fishing with it.  I guess there are trade offs in everything. 

[Columbia Craw]

Fishing isn’t life.  It’s part of life.  Don’t press the issue.  Find something(s) that make you happy and give yourself time to re charge your personal battery.

[throttleplate]

2 hours ago, cgolf said:

Reading this thread is interesting. I am not going through it with fishing, going as much if not more than before, but with other things in life. I wasn't like this early in the pandemic, but as things have been unlocking I have found my mental energy to do common tasks even ones I want to do isn't there. Most nights I end up on the couch watching TV with the wife saying I will do that tomorrow. Now my personal to do like is bigger than the honey do list;). I am trying ways to get myself to do stuff with moderate success, but it is just strange and I have no clue where it went sideways. I am just glad it didn't creep into my fishing.

 

at this moment it is 3:30 pm tues and i am suppossed to be outside trimming the trees but i am on this website taking a break as i just finished working out, then had a late lunch and washed the dishes.

Wife just came in and asked me when i am going outside so this is it i am signing off till tonight or sooner.

[MidwestBassAttack]

Gotta know when to walk away for a bit. I go through this at times and when that happens don’t force it. In fact, happened to me just last weekend. Thought it would be a bass orgy of a weekend since it was Father’s Day. Woke up Saturday morning lazy as can be. Just couldn’t get myself to get up and go. Fast forward to this morning  one week later and I’m chomping at the bit to get going!

 

Side story. Early 20’s (before wife and kids) was a die-hard golfer. Range every day after work and 36-72 every weekend. Spent tons on equipment, then worked part-time at two ranges/courses.  As I got older (now very late 30’s, married, 4 kids) my interest died off. There were many times I didn’t feel like working or golfing but I pushed myself and practiced or played anyway. I started finding at the end of my shift at the range (worked Saturday and Sunday in addition to FT corp. gig during the week) instead of staying and hitting the range, I just wanted to get out of there.

 

Now……I haven’t hit a range ball in over 3 years and played one round in the past 4. Have no desire to ever go back to it. 
 

My advice…..don’t force it…..balance it.

[Boomstick]

I felt this way about a week ago. At that time, I was only able to make it out this year due to prior commitments and weather only twice but I was feeling little motivation to go fishing or do much of anything, maybe a little depressed even.

 

Come Sunday, I had booked a Sun - Sat trip at Fish Creek Pond. We tried to get up at 5am on Monday to morning fish but we were hit with heavy rain shortly after. The rain would die out for a while, but the winds were too strong to paddle against. Tuesday was really cold, so we went hiking to make the best of it and then made an early fire. On Wednesday I had to go out to buy more food and ice, so I did that and got some subs to take on the kayaks and came back and went out door the day and that all changed! We made it out Thursday and Friday, didn't get a lot of fish but had a lot of fun. And I'm a whole lot happier now than I've been all year.

 

I'm not gonna say forcing it like I did will work for you, but I can't wait for the next time I get out (I took Monday off as well since it's my youngest son's birthday and we're going to go fishing for his bday)

[Jaderose]

Sometimes you just need a break to recharge your enthusiasm and passion.  It happens.  I know at 53 I do not have the stamina I did at 33 or even 43.  I find the older I get, the more at peace I am with procrastination.  ESPECIALLY on things like fishing.  If I don't want to go, I don't go.  

[Smells like fish]

It’s like I told my brother when he wanted to stop drinking, nobody likes a quitter!! You need to invest in a new technique or lures and mix it up. Hit up new places. In all my hobbies I am constantly doin things for the first time. I have been a bow hunter killing deer for over 20 years and have never used the same equipment 2 years in a row. Mixing it up keeps it new and exciting for me. 

[schplurg]

It'd be easy to quit here. My creek just suddenly dried up a few days ago. The lakes are super low and very tough. You have to wanna fish to fish here.

 

I tramp through weeds, thorns, bugs just trying to find a golden spot to catch a few. I hiked three miles a few weeks ago and got a single bass, and I was fine with that.

 

I thought I had a point to make here but I guess I don't  I will move out of the Bay Area soon so I can fish properly (like maybe waaaay out of the bay Area).

[Junk Fisherman]

On 6/13/2021 at 5:50 AM, Sam said:

Keeper, I tell you what is interesting about your post:  it happens to all of us sooner or later.

 

Getting up at 3:00 AM to make it to the ramp for sunrise is no fun.  Fighting the crazies at the ramp at the end of your day also can pour cold water on fishing.

 

But...once you are on the water; once you see how beautiful Mother Nature can be; once you see the water and all of the targets; once you breath in some fresh air; once you catch your first fish; you will understand that pushing yourself out of the door and onto the water is worth every second.

 

So do yourself a favor:  get up and get out. Now! Get out of the house. Get your leash and go for a walk; and then get that kayak ready to rock and roll.

 

You will be rejuviated once you get that first bite.

 

Have fun and post pics of your catches.

 

This is great advice and what I actually did yesterday.  In another post, I talked about getting sick on a recent fishing trip.  That experience really depressed me since I lost out on my favorite trip of the year.  It was prespawn smallies in northern Michigan on waters I know well.  If I didn't catch several 5 lbers it would be a disappointment.  Losing out on that trip really put me in a funk.  Last week I was all set to go fishing twice.  I had everything rigged and went to bed planning on going but when I woke up I had no motivation.  When I am working and cannot fish, I am dying to get out but last week I just went back to bed.  I thought about the effort of going, launching, fighting all the fishing- basically I just came up with excuses not to go.  

 

Fast forward to yesterday.  I woke up before the alarm and gave serious thought to going back to bed but I forced myself to go.  After getting out on the water, I was so happy with my decision.  And the fish cooperated and I actually caught my PB smallie in the Chicagoland section of Lake Michigan.  Had a great day overall and am pumped about getting out again.  So I definitely suggest just forcing yourself to go.  If you are not enjoying yourself, leave and just take a break until the motivation comes back.

 

And it's very possible that the anniversaries of the losses you suffered are depressing you and making you lose the motivation.  I think back to the times I suffered loss and I completely lost interest in fishing.  When I went through a divorce I didn't fish for 2-3 months.  Once I started feeling better I got back out there and have been going ever since.  Good luck and thanks for sharing.   

[slonezp]

Priorities change.

Why are you upset about not having motivation to fish? Life happens when you've made other plans. 

 

My priorities and motivations have changed as have the people in my life. At this point in time, fishing is a priority but not at the top of the list. Exactly the opposite from just a few years ago. My father and my grandson are my motivation today. Dad's got a couple years left at best, and the grandson has no father and needs positive male influence. What I want means nothing right now and I'm good with that. Doesn't mean I like fishing any less, just my motivations have changed. 

[Koz]

I've got to say, I have actually lost motivation the past 3 or 4 weeks. Work has been taking up a lot of my time, and I'm either too tired after work or I have chores at home or shopping to get done.

 

But I will also say that even though I really like my kayak, I miss bank fishing in the lagoons back in SC. I could hop in my car or on my bike and have dozens of lagoons at my disposal all within minutes of home.

 

With the kayak I have to haul it down to the lake, and then it takes me 30-60 minutes to pedal to my fishing spots. That doesn't leave much time to fish after work. While I have more time on my days off, the recreational boaters and especially the jet skiers are in full force and I just don't feel like contending with that.

 

And then it seems like whenever I have the motivation we get a line of thunderstorms that come in. But I will try and break my funk this weekend.

[GTN-NY]

3 days ago was the 1 year anniv of my best friend Tammy passing. We spent the day doing little jobs around her farm and B&B. It was a tough but good day and we made it through. We ended the day with food and wine to celebrate her life. 
I still haven’t been out fishing. It’s been over a month since the kayak has been out and I still have no desire to go. NYKBF tournament this Sat on a lake 10 miles from home and I’ll make up excuses not to go. This sucks!

[throttleplate]

winter is coming soon ? in minn so thats motivation enough to get out now.

[GTN-NY]

1 hour ago, throttleplate said:

winter is coming soon ? in minn so thats motivation enough to get out now.

Yeah I was thinking of that today because once it becomes called I’ll be moaning About missing all the good weather

[schplurg]

13 hours ago, GTN-NY said:

3 days ago was the 1 year anniv of my best friend Tammy passing. We spent the day doing little jobs around her farm and B&B. It was a tough but good day and we made it through. We ended the day with food and wine to celebrate her life. 
I still haven’t been out fishing. It’s been over a month since the kayak has been out and I still have no desire to go. NYKBF tournament this Sat on a lake 10 miles from home and I’ll make up excuses not to go. This sucks!

 

Tell you what, if you go I'll go!

 

I've been in the funk again, partly because all my local spots have dried up. No water.

 

I'll make you a deal. Is there anyplace close you can go to get a line wet for an hour? Even a creek under a nearby road?

 

If you go tomorrow (or today still not too late for me) then I will also go. It's gonna be hot so I'd do it late evening or night. The creeks are dried up but I will drive 25 minutes to the lake.

 

Maybe that's a dumb idea but I wanna go, I just haven't. If you are in the same boat then that's my "challenge"!  

[GTN-NY]

40 minutes ago, schplurg said:

 

Tell you what, if you go I'll go!

 

I've been in the funk again, partly because all my local spots have dried up. No water.

 

I'll make you a deal. Is there anyplace close you can go to get a line wet for an hour? Even a creek under a nearby road?

 

If you go tomorrow (or today still not too late for me) then I will also go. It's gonna be hot so I'd do it late evening or night. The creeks are dried up but I will drive 25 minutes to the lake.

 

Maybe that's a dumb idea but I wanna go, I just haven't. If you are in the same boat then that's my "challenge"!  

Well it’s to late for today and tomorrow I have appointments all day but I was just talking to my wife about maybe I really need to go fish that tournament on Sat. 
Thank you for the offer

[Luke Barnes]

Ive been in a fishing funk the past two weeks. Last weekend my wife told me to go and I talked myself out of it. Yesterday after work I got the ok to go but fell asleep on the couch for two hours. Now I am home from work and could go fishing but I'm laying on the couch again and my eyes are getting heavy. 

 

To be honest though, I have depression triggered by PTSD from combat and I haven't been staying on top of my medication lately so that may be a part of it. 

[schplurg]

On 7/9/2021 at 3:28 PM, Luke Barnes said:

Ive been in a fishing funk the past two weeks. Last weekend my wife told me to go and I talked myself out of it. Yesterday after work I got the ok to go but fell asleep on the couch for two hours. Now I am home from work and could go fishing but I'm laying on the couch again and my eyes are getting heavy. 

 

To be honest though, I have depression triggered by PTSD from combat and I haven't been staying on top of my medication lately so that may be a part of it. 

 

That's very honest and understandable. I've had mild depression on and off my life, but I think Covid or something else triggered something. Either that or I had Covid and didn't know it.

 

I know that lack of energy and motivation is definitely a widespread "thing" since Covid. People in HR at work say it's common, pretty much everyone I've asked has had at least some of this type of effect.

 

So this thread is not surprising. Maybe even reassuring. I'm not the only one. None of us are - far from it guys.

 

I'm going to go fish right now. It's only low 80s today. Feels like I'm waiting for the planets to properly align before I go or something, but that ain't happening. So I'm going. Will report back!

[schplurg]

I'm back. One bite from a tiny bass. It's still early in the day though really.

 

I'm not upset about no fish, but I'm upset that the ponds are going down fast. The creek that connects/creates them is already dry. All the cover is gone (well it isn't cover now). All the places the fish like to hide.

 

My fishing "depression" stems from the creeks running dry, plus it's just a lousy area to fish. I want to fish, just not here. It used to be very good years ago so I hear, but lack of water plus lack of caring from the county means not only does the fishing suck but you can't even launch a kayak in all but two places. It's extremely frustrating living in Cali for me.

 

So yep I fished and that actually was good. I'm glad I made the effort. I mean if nothing else I got exercise. Walked a couple miles maybe. You know, go for a walk, but bring a rod just in case  

 

So now I'm not sure what to do for fishing. I will move from the Bay Area soon for sure. Always wanted to again anyways. It (everything) sucks here!

 

Just getting that nibble from that tiny fish was enough to get me going though...that was cool! I could see them watching my bait but they were too small. One tried.

 

I know it's not me now that's the problem with not wanting to fish, it's where I live. The creek was the only good place to catch, now that's gone. 

[GTN-NY]

25 minutes ago, schplurg said:

I'm back. One bite from a tiny bass. It's still early in the day though really.

 

I'm not upset about no fish, but I'm upset that the ponds are going down fast. The creek that connects/creates them is already dry. All the cover is gone (well it isn't cover now). All the places the fish like to hide.

 

My fishing "depression" stems from the creeks running dry, plus it's just a lousy area to fish. I want to fish, just not here. It used to be very good years ago so I hear, but lack of water plus lack of caring from the county means not only does the fishing suck but you can't even launch a kayak in all but two places. It's extremely frustrating living in Cali for me.

 

So yep I fished and that actually was good. I'm glad I made the effort. I mean if nothing else I got exercise. Walked a couple miles maybe. You know, go for a walk, but bring a rod just in case  

 

So now I'm not sure what to do for fishing. I will move from the Bay Area soon for sure. Always wanted to again anyways. It (everything) sucks here!

 

Just getting that nibble from that tiny fish was enough to get me going though...that was cool! I could see them watching my bait but they were too small. One tried.

 

I know it's not me now that's the problem with not wanting to fish, it's where I live. The creek was the only good place to catch, now that's gone. 

Good for you getting out

[GTN-NY]

On vacation this week. We rented a cottage on a close by Finger Lake. I’m only 5 miles from home. 
We’ve been here since Sat but took me till today to walk out the dock and make a few casts. No hits!

I have the kayaks with us but not in the water yet. 

[TnRiver46]

34 minutes ago, GTN-NY said:

On vacation this week. We rented a cottage on a close by Finger Lake. I’m only 5 miles from home. 
We’ve been here since Sat but took me till today to walk out the dock and make a few casts. No hits!

I have the kayaks with us but not in the water yet. 

Nice photo!!

[GTN-NY]

I went out! Look what I found

[TnRiver46]

1 minute ago, GTN-NY said:

I went out! Look what I found

Now you’re cooking with gas!!! That’s a nice one