I'm going to work some exercise into my fishing.

[schplurg]

The last bit was kind of a joke. I fish with a camera on my head, two pink (salmon!) Lady President reels that I got at 66% discount, I rarely shave and my Mom dresses me funny. I don't care what most people think about me.  

 

But there's nothing wrong with additional pressure or encouragement. Most people quit diets and exercise. I've hit a trail a couple of times and thought to myself "just go home and relax", but I haven't. I've never put myself through any kind of physical training. 

 

Sometimes on the trail I'll pass someone and we encourage each other. I was looking tired once and someone said, "Keep it up!" and it felt like I got a boost, and I said it back. 

 

I also hope my hiking encourages others that i know that need it far worse than me.

[schplurg]

I don't think fishing is usually much of a workout even on the banks. I hiked 5 miles along a local creek through bushes and rocks and didn't feel I had a "workout". It was spread out over several hours. My feet were sore, my legs a little tired, but it ain't the same as a good strenuous hike or other workout. I thought it was until I started hiking.

 

Pedaling the yak could be a workout but I don't go that far really, and not without stopping to fish. I've never come home from fishing feeling like I do after a decent hike. Tired, yes. 

 

Once it cools down tonight I'm gonna do 3 miles up the small mountains near my house. I've only street-walked the last few weeks due to a strain from work. Tonight I'll put on the bag with a small amount of weight.

 

I'm hiking so that I can hike and fish more remote locations.

[soflabasser]

I have ran marathons, done deep free diving, done century bike rides, lifted some seriously heavy weights, done obstacle courses while running long distances combined, and I still consider walking an excellent form of Cardiovascular exercise, in fact I would say it is the best form of exercise since it is something you need to do every day. If bank fishing is too easy for you then maybe you can consider long distance running if you are up to the challenge. You can start training for your first half marathon, and if you train well you might be able to run your first half marathon or full marathon in 1-2 years, maybe longer depending on other factors. Training for a marathon will test your will power and fitness level like nothing else has before, it will give you something to look forward to several times a week, and it will drastically increase your Cardiovascular fitness, along with muscular endurance. Make sure to not overtrain, eat healthy, get enough rest, and with time you will reach your fitness goals if you put in the time needed, just like fishing.

[throttleplate]

At the end of april after a long winter of hibernation besides going to the gym i weighed 183. Now that i am back to wading and bank fishing i am down to 172.

[Pixel Grinch]

A great method for exercise and working out is Float Tube Fishing.

 

About ten years ago I suffered a lower and upper Back injury. The future prospects didn't look good. I was fearful that this was the injury that would take away all of my outdoor activities!

 

At the time I incurred my Back injury I was already researching and contemplating taking up Float Tube fishing. After the injury I was doing all of the therapy stuff and working out to regain mobility. Pretty soon I was mobile again but with a lot of pain.

 

I wanted to go fishing and decided that bank fishing with some light hiking would be good therapy. Turns out that standing and fishing from the bank was painful. Once again, I felt that my outdoor activities were in danger of being nixed!

 

I decided it was time to move forward with the Float Tube fishing method.

 

It was the best thing that I could have done for my recovery! It's a very relaxing method of exercise. Sort of like sitting in a recliner and working out at the same time. After the first time Float Tube Fishing, I had more relief from back pain than any other therapeutic exercise provided!

 

Since I first started, I have lost over 70lbs, and I am a lean, mean fishing machine! My core strength is awesome. I feel thirty years younger.

 

If you take up Float Tube fishing, you'll quickly discover that it will open up all of those inaccessible fishing holes. I have a Float Tube with pack straps so I can hike into areas where that is the only way you're going to get there. In the past I was restricted to bank fishing at these types of locations. No longer! Nothing beats a Float Tube for access!

[ACGOG]

On 6/2/2022 at 4:48 PM, Darth-Baiter said:

I friend and coworker, same age as me is having health issues.  he will start dialysis soon.  I dont have any issues, but seeing him go thru it makes me want to take some steps towards exercise.  I have been occupying my time almost exclusively with kayak fishing.  it is not entirely a sedentary event, but I dont work up a sweat like I think I need to.  I thought about it last night and said to my wife, I am going to start climbing hills.  hiking!  then it struck me.  like lighting.  why dont I hike up to this lake and do some shore bass fishing?  it is a tough climb with some steep sections of switchbacks.  

 

I just dug out my 2-piece UL rod and my 1000 series reel.  10 lb braid with 6 lb flour leader.  I packed a few tiny bullet weights and finesse hooks.  a few samples of plastic.   water..I forgot water!  

 

I'll do it after work as often as I can.  it is the lake that actually compelled me to buy the kayak in the first place. 

 

I live close to a lake and I unfortunately don't own a boat (and with twins on the way, I probably never will ?) so I pretty much do nothing but shore fishing. I wake up at 5:30, generally get out of the house by 6:15 and try to get back a little before 8/9, depending on whether or not I have zoom meetings.

 

A couple of weeks ago I had someone tell me I had nice calves (lol) and asked if I was a biker, and another friend who I hadn't seen in awhile mentioned I was looking pretty fit.

 

I didn't think anything of it until I did the math and realized I was trekking anywhere from 2-3 miles every time I went fishing. This is while holding 3-rods and a loaded backpack, so I can tell you from experience it definitely helps a lot! I think I've shed anywhere from 20-25lbs since I started my morning routine.

 

Good luck!

[schplurg]

21 hours ago, soflabasser said:

I have ran marathons, done deep free diving, done century bike rides, lifted some seriously heavy weights, done obstacle courses while running long distances combined, and I still consider walking an excellent form of Cardiovascular exercise, in fact I would say it is the best form of exercise since it is something you need to do every day. If bank fishing is too easy for you then maybe you can consider long distance running if you are up to the challenge. You can start training for your first half marathon, and if you train well you might be able to run your first half marathon or full marathon in 1-2 years, maybe longer depending on other factors. Training for a marathon will test your will power and fitness level like nothing else has before, it will give you something to look forward to several times a week, and it will drastically increase your Cardiovascular fitness, along with muscular endurance. Make sure to not overtrain, eat healthy, get enough rest, and with time you will reach your fitness goals if you put in the time needed, just like fishing.

 

I don't know if this was meant for me but I can't run really, doctor's orders, unless I want to risk hurting my back. I never liked it anyways. My step-brother does ultra-marathons or whatever they're called. He's doing a 200 miler soon in Tahoe. He was a raging drunk until he started that and I'm glad for him.

 

Did my first decent hike since the ER yesterday with a light pack (12 pounds). 3.1 miles, maybe 700 feet elevation changes. Was really windy and kinda cold with a bit of "rain". Weird cuz it was 95 the day before. My back felt stronger than it has in a long time.

 

I'm training for my first overnight backpack fishing trip. It's only 7 miles round trip (one night), but kinda steep. I can easily make the hike, but I want to make sure I can do it with 25 pounds or more, so getting all the practice in that I can.

 

I have me meals pretty much figured out.

 

Edit to add:

I use the All Trails app to chart my progress. Free version. It's a good place to find trails too or get info on one you're interested. People review the trails, etc.

 

Last night:

 

The first step on this trail (counterclockwise) is uphill and is fairly steep for over 1/2 mile. Kicked my butt the first time, I was like "this is no way to start a hike!"  

[schplurg]

Learned a valuable lesson 2 days ago

 

I wanted to do a quick 3 mile hike up maybe 700 feet. A hike I do regularly. Same hike as the map in the previous post.

 

All I had to eat that day was an apple (hours earlier) and half a turkey sandwich (one thick turkey slice on one piece of folded bread, mustard). Not much at all.

 

Ya. So I get to the top of the big hill and I'm feeling more tired than usual.  I was also pushing it a little ...had no backpack so made it all the way up without stopping or resting. Wasn't easy.

 

Suddenly:

Legs to brain "We need more energy"

Brain "I see, how shall I let Mike know?"

Stomach "I got this"

 

My stomach suddenly gets this cavernous feeling, I recognize that warning sign, then BOOM! I'm out of energy, like right now. Done.

 

I'm sweating which is good, I have water with me. It's not hot out. But my head was just a little light headed, not even sure I'd say that, but I felt "weird". Might even be trying to get a headache.

 

I figure it's from lack of food. Duh. A guy and his wife that I had passed earlier asked if I was okay as I stood there hunched over. "Yes, thank you very much for asking" and I told him my situation.

 

This was also evening, not hot. So I let them pass on ahead. I rested then started walking again. The uphills were almost done. Turning around would have been no easier.

 

When I started going downhill I decided dude you need to eat right now. I didn't feel well. I had a half a peanut butter sandwich and some trail mix with me. Was smart enough to bring food, I always do. I ate some of the sandwich and felt a bit better.

 

I slowly followed the family all the way down and thanked them again at the bottom. Seemed like they looked back checking on me every now and then. I was fine really, no danger of passing out or anything, but I looked like crap (I often do).

 

So that's it. I had water and food and was safe (I always bring some kind of food), but I will never forget that. When I do my first overnighter I plan to bring an extra days food just in case. Might need it.

 

I have my meals planned in advance so I get the right protein, carbs, electrolytes and stuff. Did my research there.

 

Last practice hike I did I had a full pack. I could have survived three days or so if I had to even though I was only a mile from civilization.

 

Always have food with you!

[soflabasser]

On 6/13/2022 at 9:03 AM, Pixel Grinch said:

A great method for exercise and working out is Float Tube Fishing.

 

About ten years ago I suffered a lower and upper Back injury. The future prospects didn't look good. I was fearful that this was the injury that would take away all of my outdoor activities!

 

At the time I incurred my Back injury I was already researching and contemplating taking up Float Tube fishing. After the injury I was doing all of the therapy stuff and working out to regain mobility. Pretty soon I was mobile again but with a lot of pain.

 

I wanted to go fishing and decided that bank fishing with some light hiking would be good therapy. Turns out that standing and fishing from the bank was painful. Once again, I felt that my outdoor activities were in danger of being nixed!

 

I decided it was time to move forward with the Float Tube fishing method.

 

It was the best thing that I could have done for my recovery! It's a very relaxing method of exercise. Sort of like sitting in a recliner and working out at the same time. After the first time Float Tube Fishing, I had more relief from back pain than any other therapeutic exercise provided!

 

Since I first started, I have lost over 70lbs, and I am a lean, mean fishing machine! My core strength is awesome. I feel thirty years younger.

 

If you take up Float Tube fishing, you'll quickly discover that it will open up all of those inaccessible fishing holes. I have a Float Tube with pack straps so I can hike into areas where that is the only way you're going to get there. In the past I was restricted to bank fishing at these types of locations. No longer! Nothing beats a Float Tube for access!

Congratulations on losing 70 pounds and keeping it off. Only those who have done this know how difficult it is and how strong you have to be to keep it up. Float tube fishing is a great way to get a workout in places with no alligators, crocodiles, and other potentially dangerous wildlife.

On 6/12/2022 at 10:42 PM, throttleplate said:

At the end of april after a long winter of hibernation besides going to the gym i weighed 183. Now that i am back to wading and bank fishing i am down to 172.

I am not surprised you lost weight since you bank and wade fish, it is a great workout, especially wade fishing. The water resistance you encounter while wade fishing makes your muscles work harder, which helps build muscle, helps improve your balance, and lose weight from all the calories you are burning. You can easily burn 500 or more calories fishing this way.

[MassBass]

16 hours ago, schplurg said:

Learned a valuable lesson 2 days ago...

 

 

Always have food with you!

 

For sure man, and the more muscle mass you have, the more calories you will need to function optimally. I always have protein bars in my bag as a standard ration, don't always eat them but you never know when hunger will strike. 

[throttleplate]

On 6/29/2022 at 8:44 PM, soflabasser said:

. You can easily burn 500 or more calories fishing this way.

 

Here is my usual type of day when i go bank fishing, i will state that my stamina at 60 yrs old wouldnt be possible without doing planned cardio and weight training focasing on my upper, lower back and legs.

 

Went fishing yesterday wading and walking the steep rocky banks at the river yesterday. Started at 1 pm and finally took the waders off at 11:pm.

I drank lots of water but only ate a pb and jelly sandwich in 10 hrs.

I was cranking and jerking all day, fighting pike, carp, smallies, catfish and endless snags in the fast rocky current.

The only rest i took was when i sat on a rock to put a new leader on or new lure as i am a ways away from where the wife is setup so i carry all i need on me in my straped on packs around my waist.

 

The pike i caught in the current had me breathing heavy as i was having to reel in, pull the fish up and reel in again as this pike was pulling a tight drag all the while standing on wet algae river rocks trying to balance myself.

Same with the carp as i snagged it right along its side towards the tail fin so he had nothing in his mouth to turn him and he was like a submarine full steam ahead.

When i landed that carp his side was ripped pretty good from the trebble hook that was well into the flesh thanks to new bigger trebles that i put on the rip stop jerk bait the night before.

 

I was pretty tired out at 7pm but the sun was gettin lower so i got a second wind and by 9pm it was still light out especially after i took my sunglasses off. ?. After in a span of ten minutes catching a brownie, catfish, and a drum I called it quits and headed back to the car.

Arrived home at 12:30 am, after unloading the car, taking showers i got to bed at 3:am. Then the cramps in my groin set in. First time i ever had cramps in my groin both sides, i contribute this to the new groin stretches i started doing 7 days ago that are pretty intense and they were sore to begin with but the groin locked up like a bank at closing time.

[schplurg]

I have to bring food when I fish or I'll go home when I get hungry. 

 

Also when I'm not catching it's nice to have a snack. I can take a break and then fish more instead of leaving. My mood changes rapidly as I run out of energy.

 

Should be going on my first solo overnighter on Tuesday. If you guys don't hear from me by Thursday assume a polar bear or maybe an elephant got me. If I do survive I should have a cool video to share.

[Darth-Baiter]

wading and fishing is a lot of exercise.  pulling a kayak thru shallow water is brutal against a river current.  good times!!!

[throttleplate]

46 minutes ago, Darth-Baiter said:

wading and fishing is a lot of exercise.  pulling a kayak thru shallow water is brutal against a river current.  good times!!!

 

Good times indeed, portaging a 16 foot aluminum fishing boat,  15hp outboard, tackle boxes, anchor. 2 woman, 2 men pushing and dragging it 10 yds across grassy, branchy forest ground to get to a cove.

[schplurg]

Finished my overnight trip! Day 1 was a very difficult hike for me and the "trail" was really steep. Kicked my butt big-time, especially where the sun was on me. It was hard and doubt tried to creep into my mind in a few bad sections. Pushed through it though.

 

My pack was 30 pounds and I'd only practiced with up to 20. Doh! My legs felt the difference big time. I tried to lighten it but no joy. Now that I finished my first trip I learned some valuable lessons - one of them is don't bring so much food! I could have stayed two extra days!

 

Also, for anyone interested in this type of thing - I have a "bad back". Lower back issues here and there, and now some upper back stuff. Nothing really serious. The thing is your legs take almost all the weight, not your back. A proper fitted pack puts most of the weight on your hips.

 

I had back issues last week and I still made the hike with no issues. I'm probably stronger because of it. My doctor says hiking is good for the back. Not sure about a backpack, but like I said, my legs got the brunt of it.

 

This was at Henry Coe Park, I hiked to Frog Lake and I took the longest steepest trail to get there. Coe Park is notorious for tough hikes.

 

Got bites, lost a fish after it jumped, but no landed fish. Large pond with mostly small fish. Beautiful though. I was almost too tired to enjoy it.

 

But it was great! First time in the new tent, first time using new stove etc. I made a pillow with bags and stuff and it sucked. Didn't sleep a lot. Will buy an inflatable pillow.

 

According to my hiking app (AllTrails) I did 5 miles day 1 and burned over 2,100 calories. Don't know how accurate calories are, but they take into account your age, weight, height and the trail itself.

 

My legs were toast after day 1. Could barely hike 0.1 miles to the lake from my camp (uphill one way).

 

Day 2 I got my legs back thankfully. Was an easy and pleasant 3.5 miles through wooded areas with a lot of shade and light elevation changes.

 

Was so quiet up there. Really peaceful.

 

I'll post a vid in a few days. Maybe I should start another thread?

 

Here are some photos (screenshots from video)

 

My first real rest (taking off the pack)

 

Me laying down on the trail, exhausted. My legs were done. Trail was steep and hot. Laid here for maybe 15 minutes.

 

Better views will be in the video

 

Filtering water at a spring. The water here at Coe is safe to filter and drink. The website lists all the springs and water sources, and visitors can comment on their status, leave reviews. I knew this spring was dripping before I left on my trip. If it wasn't I'd have to use Frog lake, and that wouldn't taste so good. This water was excellent! Just scooped it out of the tub and filtered it.

 

Approaching Frog Lake. I looked up and there it was! So tired by now.

 

The reason for all of this.....fishing in solitude!

 

You want a good workout while fishing? Here ya go! I'm still tired today (got back yesterday).

[schplurg]

Haven't been around the forum lately but figured I'd post this. I learned a lot from this first trip. Long video.

 

 

 

[throttleplate]

4 hours ago, schplurg said:

Haven't been around the forum lately but figured I'd post this. I learned a lot from this first trip. Long video.

 

 

 

 

Are you not afraid of mountain lions stalking you and jumping out of a tree? I spent 5 years livin in south san fran and hiked many trails up and down the coast. I also mined for gold in the sierras and my biggest fear always was gettin jumped on from a big mountain lion.

I read the news and on local tv about all the people biking along the trails and they got jumped by a cat, a couple people died and others were able to fight the cat off usually if they had a person with them to actually beat it with their bike, rock or chunk of wood.

When mining i always packed my 6 shooter on my hip or if i was in the water dredging it was close by on some rocks.

I coudnt do what you did alone, i give you big props sleeping in a tent and going solo. I for sure would have brought some bear pepper spray and carried it on my hip. Good video, thanks for the hike.

[Deleted account]

I don't want to brag or anything, wait, yes I do...

Been off the bike for over 2 years, and just getting back, so monitoring for recovery after a hard ride Sunday Saturday, looks like I'll be riding tomorrow, It's all about the jeans, I like Wranglers...  

Edited July 18, 2022 by Deleted account
To correct day

[Gera]

On 6/13/2022 at 7:23 PM, schplurg said:

 

I don't know if this was meant for me but I can't run really, doctor's orders, unless I want to risk hurting my back. I never liked it anyways. My step-brother does ultra-marathons or whatever they're called. He's doing a 200 miler soon in Tahoe. He was a raging drunk until he started that and I'm glad for him.

 

Did my first decent hike since the ER yesterday with a light pack (12 pounds). 3.1 miles, maybe 700 feet elevation changes. Was really windy and kinda cold with a bit of "rain". Weird cuz it was 95 the day before. My back felt stronger than it has in a long time.

 

I'm training for my first overnight backpack fishing trip. It's only 7 miles round trip (one night), but kinda steep. I can easily make the hike, but I want to make sure I can do it with 25 pounds or more, so getting all the practice in that I can.

 

I have me meals pretty much figured out.

 

Edit to add:

I use the All Trails app to chart my progress. Free version. It's a good place to find trails too or get info on one you're interested. People review the trails, etc.

 

Last night:

 

The first step on this trail (counterclockwise) is uphill and is fairly steep for over 1/2 mile. Kicked my butt the first time, I was like "this is no way to start a hike!"  

how did you gain 574ft elevation on a lake???

[schplurg]

On 7/17/2022 at 8:35 PM, throttleplate said:

 

Are you not afraid of mountain lions stalking you and jumping out of a tree? I spent 5 years livin in south san fran and hiked many trails up and down the coast. I also mined for gold in the sierras and my biggest fear always was gettin jumped on from a big mountain lion.

I read the news and on local tv about all the people biking along the trails and they got jumped by a cat, a couple people died and others were able to fight the cat off usually if they had a person with them to actually beat it with their bike, rock or chunk of wood.

When mining i always packed my 6 shooter on my hip or if i was in the water dredging it was close by on some rocks.

I coudnt do what you did alone, i give you big props sleeping in a tent and going solo. I for sure would have brought some bear pepper spray and carried it on my hip. Good video, thanks for the hike.

 

 

 

I'm not afraid of mountain lions. Respect, yes. I have spray with me but it's a gel pepper spray. No bears here.

The lion attacks are super rare (see below). There are Mt Lions all over this area. If I fish the creek, local lakes or do any local hiking trails I am in Mt Lion country. Even paved bike paths next to golf courses.

 

I'm more likely to die driving down any California freeway (or simply living here) than hiking in the hills.  People are more dangerous in my opinion. In fact I was more concerned with someone stealing my gear than any animal messing with me.

 

I would be more nervous though in a more isolated spot, and in bear country. There was a picnic table here and outhouse and I'm sure that took a lot of the edge off, which was fine for my first trip. If I had to just pop up my tent at some random location I would have been a little less relaxed probably.

 

But then again, I wasn't worried hiking to the place.

 

I saw a coyote running around in a park I hiked up to last week. A park where people can picnic and all that. It was running around yipping, agitated about something (maybe a dog), but it kept its distance. First I'd seen one in daylight. Other people said it's common there.

 

Respect the animals, meaning know what animals are in the area, know/learn their behavior, don't sneak up on them (I make noise as I approach certain areas), and learn how to act if you encounter one. These cats don't stalk people, they will run if they know you are approaching. There are rare cases but as I said, I feel more worried walking down the sidewalk sometimes.

 

And finally, if I'm gonna die I'd rather it be out there than in a car accident or robbery. Unlike humans, most animals attack for good reason.

 

 

 

8 hours ago, Gera said:

how did you gain 574ft elevation on a lake???

 

I don't think I mentioned a lake. Maybe the map looks like a lake contour map? It's a small mountain  Otherwise....big wave!

 

 

 

Quote

Mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. There have been only 16 verified mountain lion attacks on humans in California since 1890, six of them fatal. The last documented attack occurred in January, 2007, in Humboldt County.

 

Quote

Statistically speaking, a person is one thousand times more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a mountain lion.

 

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd614410.pdf

 

Not worried  

 

EDIT:

I think there have been a few more attacks than this, but maybe they aren't "verified"? At any rate they are still extremely rare. Again, know your territory and research before going out there.

[schplurg]

I set my GoPro here for a minute. This guy stood alllllllmost motionless the whole time - I think he thought he was invisible. They got dinosaurs out here!

 

[TnRiver46]

We have mountain lions in Tennessee now, cat country is nearly nation wide 

 

for whatever reason I’ve never heard of one in the northeast, plenty of does for snacking up there 

[Darth-Baiter]

I'm currently in a meeting.  did you catch anything?  

[schplurg]

On 7/20/2022 at 8:44 AM, Darth-Baiter said:

I'm currently in a meeting.  did you catch anything?  

 

Me? No. Got bites and lost one when it jumped. I didn't really fish much though. Was tired.

[MontclairDave]

On 6/2/2022 at 9:01 PM, soflabasser said:

Your diet is by far the most important thing you need to improve on if your goal is to get lean, exercise is second. I lost a considerable amount of weight in the past 2 years, and I now have visible abs and visible veins along my arms, forearms, chest, thighs, and calves. I exercise, but most of my results came from eating a healthy diet. When it comes to fishing, I fish from the shore in freshwater, and wade fish in ocean, this type of fishing is a good workout, unlike bass fishing on a boat sitting on a chair drinking beers and eating junk food.

 

Understand that the first couple of months of eating healthy is the hardest time, after that you get used to it, and your body will thank you for it in the long run. The typical American diet is extremely unhealthy, loaded with fat, sugar, and highly processed foods, you need to eat very little of these foods, and focus on highly nutritious foods that are good for you. Stay away from fast food, sugar, highly processed foods, eat healthy, and exercise often, and with time you will achieve your goals.

Great advice! I noticed once I did this that I was food shopping “the edges” of my supermarket predominantly—fresh fruit and veggies, whole grain breads, etc—and not venturing into the aisles too much because all of that stuff is highly processed. Just one example: I eat gluten-free pasta but make my own simple sauce with canned organic tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. Because the bottled pasta sauce is LOADED with sugar. My model is Roland Martin, stlll fishing hard at 82 because he woke up about 10 years ago and realized if he wanted to fish another 10+ years he had to add daily exercise and a revamped diet to his fishing regimen. If it works for the GOAT it’s good enough for me.