When fishing alone?

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

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I fish by myself 99% of the time (about 138 of 140,  8 to 12 hour trips each year), and MUCH prefer it that way.

Main reason for me is, I just can't get "in the zone" if I have somebody distracting me.... or should I say, if I'm distracting myself by socializing with them.

Then, on those rare times when I do have somebody with me, it just absolutely kills me if they make the tiniest bump on the boat, or shift one way or the other. I mean, I don't say anything (cuz I wouldn't want to sound like an arse) but I sit there thinking to myself, "I can't wait to get back out here by myself, so I can "really fish".

So anyway, don't get me wrong, stop me at the boat dock, and I'm liable to talk fish with you, until you have a headache ! Same thing on the phone. But when I have a pole in my hand, please give me my space, so I can do my thing ! :-)

BTW Michbass, you asked > What are you guys fishing alone doing to stay sane? <

When did you ever get the impression that I was sane ? ;-)

Peace,

Fish

PS, I talk to myself a little bit I guess..... But more often, I talk to the fish. Especially when they come up to the side of the boat to say hey :-)

uh-oh,....Fish, I'll be there in Sept, I totally understand your mindset.  Plan on Robert and myself taking his boat.  I still plan on filming a bunch and would like a short stint on your boat for a quickie interview for the folks here if that's ok though.

As far as what we are doing to stay sane,....CATCHING FISH!!  NOT BEING AT WORK, ETC

IF you go alone, some key points

1. PFD'S, A MUST

2. Action plan, TELL someone where you are and when you expect to be back, if you stray, call and inform said person.

3. Cell phone

[Bankbeater]

If I'm in a boat I would prefer to fish alone.  

[VABasser]

Last summer I went alone more times then with someone else.  Like everybody else said, most people aren't into it as much as I am and taking them along is just a liability when I want to fish.  Being by yourself can be great, just you and the water and you can do whatever you feel like, leave when you want, fish where you want, etc.  Despite all this, I would rather go with someone for the majority of the trips as long as they know what they're doing and can contribute something.  This is all in relation to when I take my boat out, which I consider serious fishing.  Whenever I'm out shore fishing just killing some time I always try to bring somebody along.  More people to share some laughs and good times with.  

[SWIFF]

Try fishing with a 230# troll who used to hawl-seine in the Cheasapeake Bay on a 42' trawler and still thinks he 's on one when in my little 16' boat. It's like fishing with someone in a 4' chop. Slamming lids, hanging  up so I gotta back up to save a lure, boat barely gets up on plane with HIS fat arse aboard, forgets he can't sidearm cast without hitting ME, can't afford to buy even his own tackle, baits, hooks, etc. I could go on, but bottom line, his company ain't worth the aggravation and I' going to start fishing a LOT more by myself. Saves gas too, which he also can't afford to help out with....phew! A leech, and

more. Thanks for letting me rant.  

[Catt]

It doesn't really matter to me, I like fishing alone, with a friend, or someone new

Im very good at blocking out distractions, just ask my wife  

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I always talk to myself why should it be any different whan Im fishing

[JiggaMan512]

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BTW Michbass, you asked > What are you guys fishing alone doing to stay sane? <

When did you ever get the impression that I was sane ? ;-)

Peace,

Fish

PS, I talk to myself a little bit I guess..... But more often, I talk to the fish. Especially when they come up to the side of the boat to say hey :-)

HAHA FC, love the response. I fish alone about 99% of the time also. I think once you REALLY get addicted to bass fishing, you lose a nice chunk of your sanity anyways.  

[Bass Smacker]

 I fish alone to stay sane!!!  I have ridden my bike 10 miles out into no where and fished all day with out seeing a sole. Best fishing ever..... I can clear my mind and talk to the fish. With out any one looking at me like I'm nuts....  But I know how you feel. It dose get lonly out here some times.

Use to be I wouldnt go without  some one. But after some time it got anoying haveing some one wine that they want to tri this or go there or they need to be home by.  I still take my brother and some times my old fishing buddy. I love fishing with my son but he's not that much into it. He would rather hunt clam shells and shinny rocks than fish :'(      

[Something1]

i'd say 99% of my time on the water is by myself. My schedule is way to busy to plan a time to bring a buddy. I most definitely talk to myself especially when a fish is on! And definitely NO MUSIC for me unless i'm singing it, who cares? No one can hear me anyway!

There is much to be said about time to yourself when everything else is demanding your attention. Nature is the only way the calm the soul.

[Fendercaster]

I like fishing both alone and with a buddy. If I'm fishing a lake I'm not familiar with I definitely prefer to have someone with me. If I'm just fishing a small pond with my cartopper, fishing alone is fine. I'll always have first choice of spots to cast to and can concentrate on the fishing. Still, it's always nice to have someone to chat with, especially if the fish aren't hitting!

[NJfishinGuy]

i like it at times but my father always bothers me if i go alone with the

" your gonna slip, hit your head, fall in the water and die and nobody will know "

i just tell him oh well life a birch or you marry one lol

[Bassboy15]

I have only fished by myself...kinda wierd....I know, but none of my friends fish?...

[Diablos]

I have a brother who is 3 years older and a best friend of 16 years(i'm 32). They like to fish but don't care about the scientific side of it just to spend the day on the water. If I'm not with them I'm alone and happy.

[Nicky Greece]

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If i am in my boat, I am alone 98% of the time unless i am fishing a tournament. Everytime I take someone, It reminds me of why i fish alone...

Couldnt have put it better myself.  Most of my GOOD friends arent exactly the best of fisherman, and theres nothing i hate more than having to tie someone's knot for them, or showing them how to throw a certain rig.  Think fishing alone is the one thing that keeps me sane.  Of course i always have the good ol Turkey 101 with me..  (not a boat fisherman, in no way shape or form do i condone drinking and boating!

[Fisher of Men]

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I like it both ways, but I can say this: The largest bass I've caught have been when fishing alone. Probably all ten of my top ten have been caught when fishing alone. ;D

Oh, yes. . . I'm sure my biggest have ALWAYS come when I was alone. . . and, darn, that camera just happened to be left at home. . . uh,huh!!   ;D  JK

I'm like you Ceph.  I like to go by myself so I can really focus and learn, but I do enjoy the company and fellowship that come with fishing with a partner.  

But, as far as being bummed about it or being bored?  If you feel that way about it, maybe you need to fish somewhere else.

[jdw174]

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Fishing alone is great unless you do not have a camera on the boat when you catch that monster bass.

I always leave a Float Plan with my wife so she will know where I will be. She also calls me or I call her on the cell phone during the day so she knows where I am and that I am alive and well.

Be sure to be double careful and always use your safety laynard when underway. There is no other person to throw you a seat cushion if you fall out of the boat when you are by yourself.

Now, for the reasons to fish alone.

1. You can go to the bathroom off any part of the boat any time you want.

2. You can eat what you want, including candy and potato chips, etc., without sharing.

3. You can drink any type of soft drink or flavored water that you want.

4. You can fish anyway you want, even with a Rooster Tail, and not be embarrassed.

5. You can take a nap.

6. You can read the newspaper or a book and enjoy the breeze and shade and not have to keep moving all day long.

7. You can mess up launching the boat and no one knows.

8. You can mess up trailoring the boat and no one knows.

9. You can get lost and then find your way back to the ramp and no one will know.

10. You can get hung up in the bushes, trees, docks, piers, etc. and no one will know.

Maybe the guys will add to this list.

I love fishing by myself. It is relaxing and you can do what you want, when you want and how you want.

+1 for everything Sam said.  When I go by myself (which is almost all the time), I can go WHEN I want, quit WHEN I want, fish the WAY I want and I don't have to worry about accidentally frontending someone.

[Cajun1977]

i love to fish alone,but sometimes it's nice to have someone go and fetch the truck.    but the reason i usually fish alone is that i can;t find a decent fishing partner.

[bpm2000]

alone 85% of the time, but i think that has more to do with my friends not being into the fishing thing.

[youngangler13]

i wouldnt mind fishing alone but i have a fishing buddy dj its not the same fishin without my friend hes the catfish expert and im the bass expert

[armesjr]

I personally enjoy doing both, and i think an equal balance is nice.  Fishing alone is good, because there is nothing more relaxing and peaceful than sitting on a lake or on a bank and fishing in complete silence.  Its nice and peaceful, and a great opportunity just to think about what is going on in your life.   However, sitting in a boat with a bunch of guys, drinking beer, and telling stories cant be beat.  Plus it is a lot of fun to talk trash when your catching fish and your friends arent.  

[michbass]

It does seem I always catch more when I am alone. Then when you do take someone and tell them about hott it has been you cant get on anything. I take my dog sometimes but all he does is sleep. I know when he starts talking to me though it is time to go in  ;D

[WhiteMike1018]

I enjoy both fishing alone and with a partner. Most of the people above me already replied with the good and bads.

But one thing is for sure, I always do catch more when i'm alone.

[jacksize]

i go fishing everyday and most of the time it's just me and my two poles. of course some friendly competition with friend(s) is always fun, but hey, the chance to hook up with miss bucketmouth keeps me focused on the fights.

then again you ever notice that alot of people say they like to go fishing, but don't for whatever reasons. as for me, i go everyday cause i like to fish for bass.

[Rattlinrogue]

I fish alone quite a bit.There are some advantages.I always feel like I have to produce fish for someone that I take fishing,and it doesn't always work out.The guys I generally fish with are Alpha male types that want to dictate when,where,and how we fish.As I'm also an Alpha male,it can be an unenjoyable trip.I like to be the "captain" of my ship.Also,I fish some crazy hours,especially in the summer(3-4 AM until).Not very many folks like those hours.

[nboucher]

I'm a loner by nature, so fish alone most of the time. I can honestly say that I have never been bored for a minute while fishing, alone or not. Like Fish Chris, I love the intensity and focus of fishing alone. Yes, I'm particularly conscious of safety when I'm out alone, but, without sounding too morbid, dying while fishing, or anyplace in nature, sure beats dying in a hospital room or on an interstate mashed in a twisted bunch of metalas long as the dying doesn't happen too soon.

My second favorite to fishing alone is fishing with a kid who's never caught a fish before.