How to turn wife into bass junky??

[BigEbass]

This is a very interesting topic. I am retired and willingly do a lot with my wife. When we travel, it is my wife who suggests I stop at Cabelas or Bass Pro. I suggest to her we stop at certain antique stores. She does not really fish but I have made my 14' Lund "woman-friendly" for her with a comfortable beach-type chair. She usually just reads while I fish (our boat is the "book 'n hook") but will take up a rod if they are biting or if I have one on, she may take the rod and bring it in. I think it best not to push the issue but make the opportunity for her an easy and enjoyable shared experience.

Now this is likely what will happen with my wife if I had to totally guess - we can do some swimming, she can read if she wants and lay out, but pick up a pole if she is interested - again, I will not pressure her, you cannot force someone to like something anyway  :-/

Having said this, If she doesnt take much to the fishing component on the boat, she probably will not want to be out for more than 4-6 hours I am guessing....we will see.

Regarding people asking me to fish for easier species...I do not frankly know all that many tactics for say bluegill or crappie in my area - besides a simple worm/hook/bobber from the docks type of fishing.  She has actually done some bank fishing with me once and caught 4-5 bluegill off a worm and sinker (no bobber!) - I was impressed - her first time fishing and she did better bottome fishing!  I think the hardest part for her regarding bass fishing will be casting....

[Long Mike]

I'm with Rhino on this one.  My wife doesn't like to fish or want to fish.  She's a CPA, so the Spring time of year demands all of her time and, lucky for me, she's glad to get rid of me.  This is the time of year when I plan all of my out-of-state fishing trips.  Lucky me!   ;D

[BigEbass]

I think that every relationship, every person is just different, that is evident based on these responses - some are passionate in fishing with their bass junky wives, some just fish with em casually, some not at all - but whatever works is all good with me.

[Fishing Cowgirl]

I was introduced into fishing by my family, and come from a long ling of outdoors -oriented people. Starting from the cane pole and bobber then moving on to sitting my my pony, knee deep in Shingle creek with my Zebco and a creme worm. Lastly siting in a john boat as about 13 yrs old with my 11 yr old brother, flinging a Rebel hard bait around and hooking into a lunker so close to the boat, we were both soaked when it started head slinging and jumping!

When I met my husband, he was "boatless" at the time, and expressed an interest in getting back into fishing. That led to a boat purchase and him showing me a larger assortment of soft plastics, and how to texas rig a toad or fluke.

After the first top water bite on a toad, I was hooked! You've got lot's o great advice.

We both have government jobs and fishing is our quiet, relaxing, and fun time.  I suggest a local "couples tournament" in your area. We are in one that is maybe 5-8 boats, with exemptions, leave at safe light and end at noon, pay out then everyone go out to lunch together. No real pressure, but ton's of fun and fellowship after. other ladies and a common interest.

[BigEbass]

I work for the VA too so I know what you mean - fishing is my escape! (although I like my job well enough).

Soft plastics changed my life too - I was originally introduced into fishing as a kid by my own family, but they were mainly bank fisherman - my one brother got into some bass fishing, but he really failed to inspire me at first when I fished with him from a canoe - he couldnt catch them as regularly....met my neighbor who is 68 and a bass junky and went with him - boy that was a different experience - finally introduced truly to how to use soft plastics myself - I too love to fish em - down here my fav. is either a plastic frog or a trick worm fished weightless on top - the worm never fails when those bass are active.

Anyway - my confidence in my own abilities are beginning to grow (this winter has been a setback on my confidence though) - hopefully with this, I can guide my wife well enough to make it enjoyable - I will be doing some pre-fishing by myself this spring to make sure it will not be a flop - most of the times so far I have tagged along with my neighbor and that has been sort of a crutch for me at times as I am not forced to analyze spots, structure, etc...I am doing that much more now...

I like the tournament idea - probably wont start with that, but if she takes to us fishing a bit, it would be a great way to meet people and socialize - thanks for the advice.

[FishinTN]

Don't let her get to into it, then she'll see how much all those "neccessities" cost...

[K_Mac]

I think anyone interested in getting their wife into fishing should read A-Jay and his wife Lynn's post a couple of times. His patience in getting her involved, inviting her input, and preparing her to be successful is a fine example for all of us IMHO. A-Jay you are the man.

My wife and I have fished together regularly for years. She is a better fishing partner than most of the guys I fish with. If bottom-bouncing plastics are the order of the day, I better bring my A-game or she will out-fish me. She often does. Fishing is a chance for us to spend time together doing something we both love. It has helped us to grow together as a couple.

I understand the need to have alone time, and time with the guys. Fishing allows me to do that. It also allows me to spend time with my wife away from the challenges and distractions of daily life. It's all good. 8-)

[BigEbass]

heh heh - good point 

However, we follow a very strict budget.....everthing I purchase that is relative to fishing or hobbies comes out of my spending portion of my personal income (5% - about 240 bucks a month) - when I bought my boat my budget didnt justify the purchase so I work an extra day a month to pay for the boat.

If my wife gets into it, she will have to spend money out of her spending funds (about the same amt as mine, our income is the same) and she never spends any money, I think she has liek 1200 bucks in her spending at the moment - I keep trying to get her to transfer some of that into my spending  ;D

[BigEbass]

I think anyone interested in getting their wife into fishing should read A-Jay and his wife Lynn's post a couple of times. His patience in getting her involved, inviting her input, and preparing her to be successful is a fine example for all of us IMHO. A-Jay you are the man.

My wife and I have fished together regularly for years. She is a better fishing partner than most of the guys I fish with. If bottom-bouncing plastics are the order of the day, I better bring my A-game or she will out-fish me. She often does. Fishing is a chance for us to spend time together doing something we both love. It has helped us to grow together as a couple.

I understand the need to have alone time, and time with the guys. Fishing allows me to do that. It also allows me to spend time with my wife away from the challenges and distractions of daily life. It's all good. 8-)

This is exactly what I am looking for - it would be a nice arrangement just as it is for you and for A-jay 

[roadwarrior]

Man, this thread is classic!

                         

[CAdeltaLipRipper]

Catching alot seems to hook alot of people.

Target easy species while they are easy. Crappie, white bass, hybrids, stripers, all easy fish to target year around.

White bass will or should be in full run up rivers and creeks in NE Tx. Thats an easy day to catch 100 fish in short work.

Idk if id want my spouse to be "hooked" on it lol

[nboucher]

This is a very interesting topic. I am retired and willingly do a lot with my wife. When we travel, it is my wife who suggests I stop at Cabelas or Bass Pro. I suggest to her we stop at certain antique stores. She does not really fish but I have made my 14' Lund "woman-friendly" for her with a comfortable beach-type chair. She usually just reads while I fish (our boat is the "book 'n hook") but will take up a rod if they are biting or if I have one on, she may take the rod and bring it in. I think it best not to push the issue but make the opportunity for her an easy and enjoyable shared experience.

Now this is likely what will happen with my wife if I had to totally guess - we can do some swimming, she can read if she wants and lay out, but pick up a pole if she is interested - again, I will not pressure her, you cannot force someone to like something anyway :-/

Having said this, If she doesnt take much to the fishing component on the boat, she probably will not want to be out for more than 4-6 hours I am guessing....we will see.

Regarding people asking me to fish for easier species...I do not frankly know all that many tactics for say bluegill or crappie in my area - besides a simple worm/hook/bobber from the docks type of fishing. She has actually done some bank fishing with me once and caught 4-5 bluegill off a worm and sinker (no bobber!) - I was impressed - her first time fishing and she did better bottome fishing! I think the hardest part for her regarding bass fishing will be casting....

I think this is really wise. No one knows your wife better than you, so I'm sure you know best what'll work. I think it's good to ask what you're after. Do you want someone to fish with, or do you want to spend some time with your wife?

I've spent quality time on the water with my wife, but I fish while she suns, reads, naps, etc. It's a couple hours to get away from the chaos of the house and talk. Maybe it's not serious fishing time, but it's pretty special nonetheless.

[BigEbass]

"I've spent quality time on the water with my wife, but I fish while she suns, reads, naps, etc. It's a couple hours to get away from the chaos of the house and talk. Maybe it's not serious fishing time, but it's pretty special nonetheless. "

This will likely be what we will do if she doesnt take to the fishing aspect much....and I would be fine with that - in the end as long as we could spend some time out there and enjoy it, it would be cool - if she takes to it to become a fisherwoma, then all the more bonus IMO...we will see

[little_stephen]

marry your own Pam Martin-Wells. lol JK

or dont get married........

just kidding. i get my fiance to go fishing with me. and if i can keep her going about once every two weeks, by the end of the summer ive got her asking me to go once a week!

But i dont know if id call that a bass junky!?

The one thing ive learned is that as long as im hooking her crawlers, unhooking her fish..... and always applauding her, shes happy. (that is for about two hours, then shes bored...lol)    The thing i think is key, is to let her enjoy the time at the lake regardless. My sweetheart takes a book and a lawn chair along alot to just sit back and relax once shes done with fishing.

So u might say my strategy is to slowly train her, slowly build up her tolerance levels, almost like training a pup!     (Did I just say that!? Dont tell the Mrs!)

Here, have a look at how happy she is.........

[little_stephen]

*Note the PINK rod...... that helped alot too!    Even if its fishing, it has to be fashionable or she wont use it. lol I even bought her a pack of pink trick worms to play with when im fishing isolated spots, and she actually landed a little dink bass on one of them!

[SBM-RL]

catch fish! thats how to get em hooked start with giving her something simple like a senko, spinnerbait, or jitterbug. I had a girlfriend that loved to fish she even bought her own lures and stuff it was awesome!

[Jaben]

I just took mine and that was it.

[BigEbass]

I am happy to say we just got back from cruising around lay lake this morning - it was 60+ degress baby (water temp still 44-46 though) - blue bird skies.  The Mrs rode along and read a book - we didnt pack a lunch cause we had to be back home anyway to meet some friends, but it was promising - she didnt fish yet - I didnt really want her to start fishing in such conditions - tough bite right now, plus she has not yet got her license yet.  I brought a lawn chair and she brought a book and chilled out - I fished a few spots for 30-40 minutes - then we motored back and had lunch - it was fun - we will start doing a bit of fishing perhaps once spring hits for real  8-)

PS - I use a pink trick worm for topwater A TON down her in alabama - it is actually my favorite topwater choice alot of times

Thanks for advice so far everyone.

Another question - AJays wife mentioned this, but what suggestions do people have about the wife needing to pee in the boat - I offered her today either to stop somewhere to go behind a tree or to bring a bucket in the boat.....I wonder if there is a product for such that wil make this easier - I simply hang it out there off the boat and go but for the women folk, doesnt exactly work does it 

[BigEbass]

marry your own Pam Martin-Wells. lol JK

or dont get married........

just kidding. i get my fiance to go fishing with me. and if i can keep her going about once every two weeks, by the end of the summer ive got her asking me to go once a week!

But i dont know if id call that a bass junky!?

The one thing ive learned is that as long as im hooking her crawlers, unhooking her fish..... and always applauding her, shes happy. (that is for about two hours, then shes bored...lol) The thing i think is key, is to let her enjoy the time at the lake regardless. My sweetheart takes a book and a lawn chair along alot to just sit back and relax once shes done with fishing.

So u might say my strategy is to slowly train her, slowly build up her tolerance levels, almost like training a pup! (Did I just say that!? Dont tell the Mrs!)

Here, have a look at how happy she is.........

That is a nice bass she has there

Thanks for the advice - and like I said, I am a big fan of the pink trick worm, but only when used weedless as topwater - not sure if it will work in your neck of the woods necessarily....

[little_stephen]

That day she outfished me...... lemme think back... oh thats right......

3 Cat Fish, 5 Bass (Including that one which is our 2nd biggest weve cought there), 4 Bluegill, 2 Crappie, 2 Box Turtles, & A Snapping Turtle

to my 2 dinks.........     or something like that!

My trick is to just make sure she has something to keep her busy when we go fishing!     Its worked a number of times!     One time i actually got her to go fishing with me on the lake, we rented a jonboat with a trolling motor, and i had her steer me around the lake while i fished, shed read, id just call out, left, more left, right......... ect. lol     She was studying for her Nursing Theory Final. and she got an A on it!  ;D

Sadly she graduate........ :-?     (Maybe not sadly, she pays the bills)    And now i cant pull the old, "Hey, wanna go to the lake and 'Study?'"   Trick!   

[Fishing Doug]

Luckily, my old lady wants nothing to do with fishing, hunting, or the golf course and I intend to keep it that way.

[BigEbass]

Whatever works for you doug - I am sure you spend other quality time with the Mrs

[mrbassky]

How about subliminal messages on the Lifetime channel.

[BigEbass]

How about subliminal messages on the Lifetime channel.

Good idea - perhaps I will play some tapes or fishing videos while she is asleep....

[Chaz Hickcox]

After nearly 45 years of marriage, I'll offer this bit from experience. Things which might seem ideal on the surface can become the source of stress in a relationship.

If you can get your wife interested in fishing, great. But if not, don't force the issue. Be thankful she doesn't mind you going fishing.

My wife is not interested in fishing because she does not like the thought of hurting the fish. Maybe that stems from her nursing background.

She doesn't remember the time she went striper fishing with me in '73 and caught a 17 pounder. She thought it was great at the time, but it apparently had no life altering affect on her.

It's good to do things together, but it's also good to have personal time as well. "Familiarity breeds contempt" and all that stuff.

I'll play golf with my wife, and go fishing by myself or with a buddy.

My wife can go to T J Maxx without me. In fact, I prefer it that way.

Question: What if I get my wife into fishing with me?  The whole familiarity thing would not necessarily apply as I am usually gone 7 months out of the year (Unless the President decides for us to lose our day jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan).  I took her out this weekend, before we left she was asking for the quintessential, "Just one more cast, please."  Also, I told her before we went out that the water is far too cold for the fishing to be great.  Yeah with a slow presentation and a good location we would have done alright, but too much slowness to be able to teach her well.