That was then, but this is now...

[Bob]

As a neophyte bass fisherman, I would like to ask you some questions:

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start?

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements?

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)?

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa?

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

[ring fry]

As a neophyte bass fisherman, I would like to ask you some questions:

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start?

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements?

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)?

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa?

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

Wow, sounds like the beginning of a novel. But here's my 2 cents.

When I started bass fishing, my dad and grandparents had pretty good equipment for the time. Johnson spin cast reels, fiber glass rods, a couple of lazy ikes, hula poppers, spoons, and pre-rigged worms with two or three small hooks and a little spinner on the front. I was probably around 3 or 4 when I got 'hooked'.

I've gone from the Johnsons, to zebco spincasts, to 1310 mgs, to high dollar shimanos.

I think technology has definately increased my ability to catch fish. Flashers to gps/fish finders. Wimpy fiberglass rods to composite. Castability and drags on reels. Cotton line to whatever you want line. Fishing forums instead of learning from one or two people. Trolling motors instead of oars.

Fishing has a definate impact on my life. 90% of my vacation time is spent fishing, mainly in Texas. I live on an old mining strip pit with my boat dock 23 steps from my back door. I own three boats and two tow vehicles. (Wife won't let me put a hitch on hers) I used to play golf 5 to 6 times a week, now maybe once a week. Two thirds of my internet time is spent on fishing stuff. Our storm shelter is "Jon's tackle shop".

I used to fish a lot of tournaments, but now mainly just enjoy getting out. Fished for two years "professionally", but got tired of sleeping in the camper shell of my truck half the time. LOL

I think in general fishing has improved. However, with all the idiots any more, finding new ponds or tanks to fish has become practically impossible.

I believe fishing has improved my quality of life. I can get away and not think about any thing but trying to fool a bass into biting. My wife loves to fish now, which gives us quality time without doing other things men hate to do! My daughter in law has gotten into it as well as one of my grand daughters.

I guess I am grateful that my dad and grand parents started taking me fishing at an early age. There are values to be taught, quality time with family and nature, and a break from the stresses of work and life in general.

I hope this is what you wanted. Like I said, I think you could write a book on these questions, and I'll be interested to see what other responses you get.

SE Kansas grass grower

[Triton21]

As a neophyte bass fisherman, I would like to ask you some questions:

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start?

I started in 1947 at the age of 3yrs.  I started with a willow pole, a bent straight pin and sewing thread.  The fishing is much better than then.

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements?

I have upgraded.

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

Electronics has done more to improve my fishing more than anything else.  Trolling motors has maide my fishing easier.  I started out sculling.

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)?

Fishing has been a HUGE part of my life for 61yrs.  I have always fished and will fish till I die.

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa?

Much differently.  I started on a small mountian stream.  Now I seldom fish flowing water.  Ck out my user name and that should give you a clue as to my different style of fishing.  I still fish from the shore at times mostly in ponds.

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

I am still doing the tournament thing but that will change in the future.  Most of my fishing is pre-fishing for tournaments.  When I feel that I can no longer be competive I will quit tournaments.

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

I have vastly improved over the years.  I still learn something every time I fish.  Hopefully I am still improving from the new knowledge I aquire.

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

Both!!  10 minutes on the water is better than a handful of valiums for me.  It has caused some difficultlies, ie, lost girlfriends and a wife, also jobs, but with all the difficulities I would not have changed a thing.  As I stated, "I WILL FISH TILL I DIE".

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

It is better now than when I started.  I have more knowledge and catch more and better fish.

Kelley

[Bass Smacker]

   I fish there for I am

Fishing is the best thing that ever happend to me. My dad started fishing with  me when I was young.

Now I  fish with my son and 2 girls.    Has fishing changed my life?? No my life has always been about fishing and the outdoors. I can not picter my life with out it.

 The methods have changed but the passion is still the same.

       

[senko_77]

What a great post!  I can't wait to see some of the replies.

I started fishing about 3 or 4 years ago.  The biggest change I've seen is the transition from the majority of the bass world power-fishing, to mostly finesse fishing.  I went through the same change.  

I've definately upgraded my gear.  Not so much tackle, but more rods and reels.  I basically stick with the same tackle so that I always get better at that tenchique and I dont have to get to caught up in lure selection and colors and all that jazz.

Technology has helped, but the technology was already there, it just took me some time to learn how to use it to catch more fish.  By technology I'm talking about electronics and also about using the internet

Fishing hasn't changed who I am, but it has changed what I do.  I am who I am and I will always be, but I fish ALOT.  My weekends are taking up by tournaments and my weekdays are taken up by work and pre-fishing for the tournaments...basically, all my gf's hate me!  

I'm fishing way different then when I first started.  I have a boat now, and my whole arsenal of techniques has been fine-tuned to better suite the way I like to fish.  It used to be where I would chunk whatever lure looked but now I establish patterns and stick to my guns.

I consider myself a full-time tourmanet angler.  lol.  I absolutely love the thrill of tournaments but I also really appreciate the times on the water where I can relax and just have a good time.  My friends parents always ask me why I would wanna pay an entry fee to fish.....they just dont understand

Fishing becomes more fun everytime I go out.  Sure there are days on the water where I'm stressed because I cant find them, but everytime I come home from a trip, and I start thinking about the day, what I could have done, how I absolutely killed them, etc.  it just makes me wanna get back out on the water even more

Fishing has definately improved my life.  I have had some serious family hits in the last few years and fishing has always given me an outlet to just let my mind wander away from reality and to vent some things.  I dont know what I would do without being able to do that and I've also met some great people through fishing that have changed my life.  I'm very appreciative to god for allowing me to get involved with the sport.

When I first started, it was a hobby...now, it is a lifestyle

[Bob]

Cool! Thanks for the replies!

I find this of interest because I'm basically at "ground zero" of my bass fishing experience--I caught my first bass less than 1 month ago. I've learned a lot about bass fishing in the last month, most of which was learned right here at this site. Maybe you people can give me a small glimpse into my bass fishing future!   8-)

Keep 'em comin'!  

[RoLo]

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start?

> I began fishing around 1950 (catfish & bluegills), and by the mid 50s, I was heavy into bass fishing.

> I believe that bass fishing today is much better than it was back then, certainly in my experience.

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used?

> Though the years I've been guilty of staying abreast of every new fangled lure and apparatus.

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

> The depth sounder and Loran-C (now GPS) have improved my success immensely, and I would be lost without them.

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now?

> I've been very fortunate in finding a girl who enjoys fishing as much as myself. In 43 years of marriage,

> we've never gone on one vacation that wasn't a "fishing vacation", scouring Eastern United States and Canada.

> Owing to our love of angling, today we are retired in a lake shore community in central Florida.

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore?

> I started off in a 10-ft Appleby rowboat complete with oars. Later on I sprung for a 5-HP air-cooled Eska motor ($100).

> Throughout the years I've owned a host of boats that were all over the clock from 10 to 24 feet long. Very recently I downsized

> from a 16-ft center console to 14-ft aluminum side-console. Based on my age I doubt if there'll be anymore upsizing.

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

> I intentionally sidestepped tournament fishing and professional guiding for fear that monetary pressures would dilute

> my own fishing pleasure. In any case, I have the utmost respect for those who do, it's a very tough road to hoe!

> Take it slow? No never, the harder I work at fishing, the more I'm enjoying myself. The next time I hire a guide will be my first

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

> Fishing has always been a principle source of my enjoyment, but in all honesty I find angling the most fun

> in the early-going, when I'm struggling the most and learning the most. For this reason I have fished heavily

> in both freshwater and saltwater and have hopscotched through the species from Bluegills to Bluefin.

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

> When I first started fishing, dad outfitted me with a metal rod, a saltwater casting reel and nylon braid (I think it was).

> So yah, fishing has REALLY improved for me. I was fortunate in being able to watch the formation of the whole tournament scene

> (dad was gone by then). In the late 60s, the big names were Bill Dance, Ray Mursky (Bill's only threat) and M.J. Watkins.

> Since Ray Scott industrialized bass angling, state DNRs have gained enormous knowledge about fish managment

> and conservation. Though I'm very nostalgic about my past experiences, in my opinion the good ole day are here right now.

> This isn't the case with all species, for instance, northern pike and muskellunge, but is the case with largemouth bass.

> Naturally, we all have to take the good with the bad, and today I find myself sharing waters with large number of boats

> that I previously had practically to myself

Roger

[Matt Fly]

My first true bass fishing was with plugs  and started in the late 60's.    Then, you learned to decipher and read water with what was seen above water and what you felt under the water.    

Some changes that helped.       Theres a wealth of knowledge now  published in magazines, cable network and outdoor programing, and certain forums.

Easy to stay on top of fishing without being on the water when winter or foul weather days prevent actually being able to do so.

Technology has advanced, so has the tackle and terminal tackle used in a variety of ways to present a bait.

Outdoors has always been a passion, so vacations normally scheduled around outdoor events.

Learning to bank fish young has taught me how to appreciate owning a boat and the reponsibilty that goes with it.    

I owe a great deal of where I am today to My Dad.     He gave a boy with lots of enegry an outlet to put it to good use.      Fishing, and lots of catching.

Big lesson early.      Big fishiing trips cost money, then and now.     I learned that everyone can help pay their way.     Kids gathered wood, picked up all trash,  we carried water, we always had to perch fish for the trotline first.     Small chores let me earn my keep around camp.      Valuable lesson early in life that still holds true.

Birds of a feather flock together, and here we are, all on the forum discussing our passions within the fishing world.    Go figure!!

Hookem and take some one young fishing!!!!!!

Matt

[orey10m]

I'm surprised more people haven't replied to this yet. Its a good way to tell your whole story. Anyway, I started fishing when I was tiny, I'm only 16 now but whatever. I think I caught my first bass when I was probably around 3 or 4, and my first Striper was probably when I was about 10.  SO as you can see, I've been fishing all my life. In that regards, I don't think fishing has really changed my life, because it has and always will be there.

Fortunately, fishing remains fun to me...nothing more. I fish an occasional tournament here and there but I enjoy the adventures, stories, and rewards, like friendships. As a matter of fact, that guy senko77, you might've heard of him, was mainly introduced to Largemouth fishing by my father and I. Go figure. The friendships I have with Ryan and my other fishing buddies are unique and thats what makes them great. Not that I have an incredibly stressful life, but I like to fish to relax. Senko77 and my Dad will account for the statement that I just "don't care." I know the post count doesn't show it, but don't get me wrong, I am a very experienced fisherman.

I honestly don't keep up with too many trends and news in fishing. I do think that technology and other advancements in tackle, boating etc. have improved my fishing abilities, but I'm definitely not the first one to hear about something new.

k thats about it....

[burleytog]

The price of dynamite has increased greatly.   :'(

[Catt]

When did you start?  For bass 1962

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started?

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used?

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now? Nope

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore?

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything? During the 70s & 80s I fished tournaments weekly, now I pick & chose which tournaments I want to fish. I also target double digit bass more now than ever

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be? Still crazy about it after all these years!

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now? What I did then is what I do now

[Guest avid]

I finally learned how to T-rig a plastic worm  

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I learned a new word in Japanese from Roadwarrior::::SHIMANO

[roadwarrior]

;D ;D Mook! ;D ;D

The biggest thing that has changed for me over the years is attitude. When I was younger and up until about ten years ago, when I went fishing, I "hoped" to catch a couple of fish. Now I "expect" to catch big fish.

PLEASE, don't turn this into another Senko thread, but I have to tell you that this lure changed my fishing completely. I have become somewhat proficient with a variety of lures, baits and techniques over the years; found a curious interest in tackle and become obsessed with some of "the science" that applies to fishing for various species. BUT...This is all a result of being very successful at catching bass, especially bigger bass than I might otherwise imagine. It wasn't because I suddenly became a better fisherman, it was the the Senko. This was a "Magic Bait" in 1997 and for me, still is today.

As my passion grew, I had the good fortune to meet and fish with some outstanding fisherman, to whom I owe a huge debt. I learned a great deal from several guys that took me under their wing. My fishing partner (6 years) and a number of guides, many who over the years have become my friends, were instumental in moving me up the learning curve. Now it's my turn to give a little back.

[Taliesin]

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start

Wow... My first fishing memory was in Italy when I first outfished my dad. That was in '73 and I was 5 years old. I'm told that my mom and dad started taking my fishing when I was 2 months old.

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements

Well... since I have been fishing for so long, I have done some upgrading, but I don't keep up with the latest.

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

Not much really. The biggest difference is better depth finders.

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)?

Since I have been fishing since I was a baby, there hasn't been any change. A few changes in what kind of fish I target (bass to catfish to northern pike to catfish back to bass, but always going for "bream" and bass in "spare" time).

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa?

Big change here for me. I just got my first boat in the beginning of May. Very rarely have I fished from a boat before. It's taking some getting used to. Another change is the size of the water I fish. It used to be almost all 4 to 8 acre ponds, but now most of my fishing is in a 55,000 acre lake.

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

I am a "just for fun" fisher, but I do compete in a small tourney here.

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

The only way fishing has improved for me is that it used to be "I'm not in school" and now it is "I'm not at work". ;D

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

Has it improved my life? I hope so. It is the main reason I have a great respect for nature. Created some personal difficulties? Yeah... one of the reasons I am divorced is that I only went fishing about a dozen times in the 7 years I was married. Without stress relief I did end up in the Mental Health Clinic.

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

It's changed a little bit. Fishing has always been my way to get away from the world. Now I am thinking about taking it more seriously with tourneys.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I am 56 , I caught my first LMB when I was about 10 or 11 in Greenwood Lake NY; Rod : Ted Williams Apporved from Sears,Reel:Mitchell300;Lure:Original Floating Rapala. Coming from Brooklyn, only got to fresh water fish when we were away for the summer.

Picked it up again in college Same Reel, Shakespeare Fibergalss rod and Mann's Jelly worms and Rapala . I went to GW Lake and Harriman state park.

Then a lot of years passed and fishing was not on my mind.Then about a little over 15 years ago I got to go back to Greenwood lake with yet another Mitchell 300 and a few Rapalas and I got the fever again big time. I have fished every chance i could get

I moved to PA 12 years ago and in the last 6 years I bought a small alluminum boat that i keep on a small Electric Motoer only lake and expanded a little to Topwaters a a very few Cranks. I got some Pflueger President reels( just my own personal fav) and Fenwick Rods

Over a year ago I found htese forums and I have learned so much and my equipment has changed

Thanks to RW and LBH I finally got off my stubborn butt and got my first Senko type baits and it really changed from their. I have to focus on using other methods because they worked so well. I now only have one spinning rig and have since learned to baitcast. I have varied equipment, all bought either on sale or at the flea market board here.

I use a lot of the above named soft plastics, 7inch ribbontail worms( Green and Pumpkin) and still have some Jelly Worms although they will probablly fade out as I use them up

Rapla Baits, still my favorite hard baits and I love the Spittin Image top waters. I throw cranks also. LBH<Avid and Catt have been helping me get my jig thing togeths, Gman even poured some great Jigs!

I fish literally every chance I get, my girlfriend lives in Brooklyn so at this point it is not an issue.

I get too wrapped up in trying to buy "better" stuff I don't need and I get into too many discussions about whats best LIKE I KNOW SOMETHING, compared to the guys aroud here.

The biggest enjoyment comes with working with guys who are coming from complete destiution, from drug addiction and now living a clean life. Sticking a rod iin their hands and taking them out fishing IT IS THE SINGLE BEST GIFT THIS SPORT HAS GIVEN ME. It is VERY SPECIAL , when they leave the 1/2 way houses,jails and stuff They stay clean and call me up a few years later and ask HEY WANNA GO FISHING, and I am filled with gratitude to be part of their clean lives

I hope that Answers what you asked

[grimlin]

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start?

Started when i was around 7 or 8,went to a camp,everybody was swimming and i couldn't swim so i walked over to this shed where this old guy was handing out fishing rods/reels and gave me a pack of worms with them.Loved it so much i begged my parents for a combo.

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements?

Nope,my equipment was over 10 years old...i needed some new stuff badly

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how?

Nope,still the same old shorefisher looking for weeds,trees and humps.Don't have a boat either.  

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)?

I have to say yes,I'm more relaxed when i come home from a fishing trip.Yes i

do plan if i'm taking a vacation to let's say my parents house down in TX i'm gonna try to get in a fishing day as well.Nobody in my family or my friends fish besides me...so it's gonna be a challenge to get people to try and fish with me for a day while i'm visiting.

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa?

with lures yes(don't use live bait much anymore)...otherwise

nope...but i've been back in fishing heavily the last 3 years...maybe down the road if i can ever afford it and get over my fear of drowning i might get a boat one day.

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything?

i do this for fun only...i never want to be a tournament chaser.For the simply fact whatever i make money on i began to hate it.I don't want fishing to turn into a job.maybe it's just me but that's how i feel.

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be?

Improved...all i want to do now is fish.Learning all kinds of new tricks and the fact you never know what you are gonna catch.

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

Definely improved...i'm more relaxed again.

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now?

I was fishing off and on from 7-18yrs old and when i fished i seem to be at peace...once i turned 18 i sorta just forgot about fishing and got myself into all sorta trouble.Through those ten years i think i've turned into a bitter person.I moved here finding my soulmate and just passed by some lake one day and it just hit me how i used to fish for bass down in TX...i was alway at peace and at home.I couldn't be happier.now i just have to try and figure out how to get my girl to go with me and teach my son to fish...he's gonna be raised like a fisherman. 8-)

[David P]

As a neophyte bass fisherman, I would like to ask you some questions:

How has fishing for bass changed for you since you first started? When did you start? I started when I was around 10, I'm 19 now, so a ton has changed. I've gained so much knowledge and such a better understanding of bass alone it's incredible.

Have you been plugging along (no pun intended) with the same gear you've always used, or have you upgraded always with an eye out for the latest gear improvements? For a while, I just used whatever line, whatever plastics and what not. Lately, I have upgraded to my first very nice spinning combo, and I love fishing Senkos and all that good stuff!)

Has technology increased your ability to catch fish, and if so, how? I don't use electronics, seeing as that I don't have a boat. Maybe flourocarbon has helped?

Has bass fishing changed YOU in any way? Are you a "different person" because of it? Do you live your life differently now, perhaps substituting a few days fishing on the lake as a vacation instead of, say, a few rounds of golf at your favorite course (or some other recreational/vacation activity)? It's helped me become more of a relaxed, less on edge person. Fishing has been my escape from all the issues and worries of every day life.

Are you fishing differently than you did when you first started, maybe using a boat now instead of fishing from shore, or vice-versa? Still not using a boat, but I am definitely more aware of where bass are located, how I'm going to present whatever lure it is I'm throwing, and so on.

Are you a tournament chaser now, as opposed to being a "just for fun" fisherman, or has competing lost it's appeal to you and you'd now rather just take it slow, without trying to win anything? Still no tournaments, although someday I would love to

In general, has fishing improved for you, or is it not as good or as much fun as it used to be? I went from catching 0 bass on almost every outing when I was younger, now I catch 3-10 decent bass an outing. ITS A TON MORE FUN!

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties? My girlfriend hates when I fish, so in the sense of difficulties, yes. But all and all, it has improved my life. For a while drugs were my "getaway" but now fishing is and I've been drug free for 2 years.

Basically, how was this whole "bass fishing" thing for you when you first started, and how is it for you now? A MILLION TIMES MORE FUN NOW! Who wouldn't have fun going from years of being skunked to catching a decent amount of 2-5lb bass on any given outing!

Great thread, my answers are in bold.

[Red]

Has fishing improved your life, or has it created some personal difficulties?

when i was a teenager i got into some trouble with the law...i was put on a court ordered curfew...9pm on school night and 10pm on weekends, my parents were very strict about this and enforced it...if i broke the curfew i went to jail...so what was i to do? couldnt go out and party and raise hell, and my folks had a nice place on one of the finger lakes in upstate NY...so i started fishing...didnt know what i was doing really...dad bought me a diawa reel and a shimano rod...and some assorted lures....i have to say after landing my first smallmouth bass, that was all she wrote, i was a fisherman for sure, and havent been able to stop since...in NY i mostly fished for smallies and other panfish, in MN i fished for walleye,pike,and muskie...now i am in TX and LMB is my target....in my senior year of high school there was one day all the seniors skipped(senior skip day) school and went to a party..well i did skip school, but i went to the lake, on the weekends my friends would be headed to a kegger in the woods, i went to the lake....for my graduation my dad got me a 1952 14' aluminum row boat....it had a big dent in it and a hole in the bottom, he pounded out the dent, and repaired the hole, put on a 7.5 hp merc, painted it red...thats when the "The Red Torpedo" was born...so to answer the above question..has fishing improved my life....yes. ;D

Cliff

[FIN-S-R]

My grandfather got it started, and though my wife thought highly of him in many respects, she probably would spit on his grave for that. I have been a serious adict since early in life(5-6ys old). Started with whatever was willing to bite fishing, and have in recent years become an intense competitive tournamant fisherman. Funny though, I hold myself to a much higher standard when taking my son fishing than when fishing for money. PAPA started all us grandkids out with solid zebco rigs in the late eightys, and though ive upgraded considerably, and i do keep up with current equipment advancements, I generally tend toward only those which compliment my style of fishing (ex. florocarbon). Im on my 3rd boat, a 20ft w/ 200 optimax, and will certainly upgrade if god permits me the time on earth. My techniques have in later years moved more toward meshing with the fish, as opposed to attempting to make the fish cooperate. bass fishing has greatly improved the enjoyment factor in life for me, the wife would not concur, and has provided a platform for my son and I to really stay close and achieve a common ground I hope we will always share. I was trained as a scientist in various institutions of higher learning, and now bass fishing has become a big research project for me. I document and analyze every detail of every moment spent on the water in hopes of finally "figuring it out" though Im sure this wont happen. In the past i would fish till noon, and that would be a day on the lake, now, I can go from before sun-up till the last rays of light are gone without ever thinking of the time spent. A good day or bad makes me want it more one way or another. Ive moved away from powerfishing, and find myself with a spinning rod in my hand probably 75% of the time now. I catch a lot more and a lot bigger now. I tolerate weekends without fishing trips, and schedule my calendar around fishing trips and tourneys.

[Mobydick]

I started fishing when I was about 5 or 6( i'm 15 now). I started fishing seriously for bass when I was 13. But even in those 9 or 10 years a lot has changed. I have a bass pro shops fishing master catalog from 1998. I compared the equipment from then to what is available now, it's amazing.

When I started fishing, I had 2 packs of zoom worms, and some hooks, and an old spinning setup. I have upgraded to 7 rods, and a MUCH larger selection of baits. I use my knowledge about bass fishing, of wich 85% of I learned from this site, to help me catch more fish. I used to catch a few, and I mean a few, fish when I started fishing, but know I catch some decent ones almost every outing.

I learned how to read topographical maps, and use fish finders, to help me find fish. Although I rarely use them.

Bass fishing has changed my life a lot. If I would have never got into it, who knows what I would be doing. I think it has made me a better person all together. I think it has kept me away from drugs, alcohol, etc. If I still fished today like I did 8 years ago, I would be bored out of my mind. Back then, it was more of a once in a great while I went fishing. Now I will fish whenever I have some free time. I often go fishing to just get away from the world for a day.

When I started fishing, we used an old jon boat. Now we have a nice aluminum bass tracker. I still fish from shore 50% of the time.  

I plan on fishing some local tournaments soon. I wish to turn pro one if these years. I really think that if I put my mind to it, it can be done. I am trying to learn as much as possible right now, fishing in all kinds of conditions to learn how to catch fish in them conditions.

Bass fishing for me is way more fun than it used to be. I learned more scince then, so now I catch more fish.

Fishing has improved my life in some ways. It keeps me fit. It also lets me escape from the world, so to speak.

Bass fishing used to be a hobby. Now it is a must. I AM HOOKED. I would die if I couldn't fish.

 

I can't finish this post without saying how much bassresource has helped me. It is so awesome that there is a place where fishermen from all around the world can talk about the thing they love the most. When I caught my first musky, it was posted on here. I got the sites name from basser89, so I went on and checked it out. I was amazed at all the stuff I learned in the first few hours of searching this site. When I told my buddy about it, he became a member to( caneraisincountryboy).

I hope I answered all the questions. I think this is a great thread.

   

[Rattlinrogue]

Years ago I got by with basically a Rapala silver original floater and T-rigged plastic worms.Caught lots of bass that way.Probably as much as I catch now.I've become a more versatle angler.Partly learning from others and to be honest partly from reading posts on this forum.AS an example,I learned much of what I know about drop shotting from reading you guys posts about the subject.It is a go to technique for me now when things aren't going so well.