Is this normal ? Or, am I just getting old ?

[Fish Chris]

I find myself thinking about this, and repeating it more and more.....

But it just seems like, as each year goes by, I am  caring less and less about whether I catch anything, and more and more about just being out there, floating on beautiful clear lake, under a blue sky, surrounded by nature.

Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy catching a fish.... esapecially a BIG fish

But let me put it this way; I went out last Tuesday, for my first Bass fishing trip of the year, and I had such a great time ! The lake was just as beautiful as ever. The weather was awesome ! The birds, and other wildlife were active ! It all just made me feel so good (and blessed) to be alive.

Oh, so I did end up catching 1 fish. It was a beautiful, pre-spawn, 8.5 lb Northern strain football, of a bass. Nice fish, right ?

But honestly, given the choice of fishing for the 1 minute it took to catch that fish, OR the same exact full day I had, without the 8 1/2 lb'er, I'd take the latter. 

I'm 45 years old, and in a lot of ways, I'm still just a big kid

But I'm thinking that some of you that are my age, or older, might be able to relate to what I'm talking about here.....

Anybody ?

Peace,

Fish

[basspimple]

im only 18, but i dont mind not catching anything. Just getting outdoors, spending time and sharing laughs with freinds and family away from the hustle and bustle of everday life is the best excuse i can think of for getting out on the water!

[basscaster88]

Well i'm no where close to your age but just being out there doing what you love to do is something i can relate to. It's like that in all sports. I'm a preety avid golfer as well as a basketball player. Both of those sports have developed from a hobby or just something to do on the weekends to a love and a passion. I get caught up in the scenery during golf ALL THE TIME as well as fishing. Basketball, i just get caught in that good ol' high school atmosphere(nothing like it).

When i fish i just love the scenery especially on nice 70 degree day with a slight cool breeze. Some days the fish are just a bonus most days... not so much haha just cuz i'm young and competitive.

Hope that helps

I know i won't experience EXACTLY what your feeling but thats just what it relates to in my life.

[garland7]

I know exactly what your talking about. Not getting to worked up just to catch a fish, I prefer to relax, and just enjoy the outdoors.

[firefightn15]

Chris, it's just taking the time to smell the roses, everybody has their own reason for being out there.  Kinda like taking a drive on some backroad you've never been on or going for a walk in the woods with the 22 or your camera.  I don't tournament fish and all the power to them that do, but sittin' in a boat and just kickin' back, watching everything around you is awesome on a fishing trip.  Otters, eagles, fish rolling, deer walking the ridges, and thinking of the ones who aren't with you anymore.....it all makes for a great afternoon.

Don't go gittin' all old and stuff at 45, I'm 43 and have been feeling like this since I can remember.  Too many people don't take the time to notice who or what is around them and miss out on some great moments. 8-)

[frogtog]

That's the way it has always been for me. I just like being on the water. When I'm tournament fishing I think it's the before and after that means the most, just being with my friends and shooting bull.

[Grey Wolf]

I think of it as getting back with nature , the fishing is really secondary . There are some wonderous sights in the outdoors and I'm excited to be there to see them.

[Hooligan]

I think it's part of the natural progression.  It was put to me this way from a close friend:  When we start fishing, we're into the numbers game.  We eventually tire of that, and start seeking quality over quantity.  Eventually we figure out that there's true trophy fish out there, and we start learning everything we can about targeting those fish, and we try very hard to become successful at catching BIG fish.  Once we've accomplished that, we're quite content with continuing to do so, and content with constantly learning.  So much so, that the knowledge and skill becomes the chase, moreso than the fish itself.  In that latter stage, we also become able to appreciate and enjoy a day on the water as just that, a day on the water; it doesn't really matter anymore if we catch anything or not.  sure we'd like to, but it isn't the end all, be all.

I'm very much in that stage of learning to target big fish, when it comes to bass.  I spent so many years of my life guiding trout bums, and fishing muskies that bass has found a renewed passion.  I've fished tournaments and had a great time, I intend to fish a few this year again.  But I'd almost rather spend that time chasing the one fish on the lake that is a true monster, a giant among bass.

If I don't catch her, well, that's ok, too.  It gives me something to do tomorrow.

[slonezp]

I'm 40 and have felt this way for awhile now.Getting out on the water is good enough for me and catching fish just makes it better. My 70year old father is at the point where he throws his lines in the water and will either read a book or fall asleep, but will go fishing whenever the opportunity arises. In fact last year he decided to learn how to use a baitcaster, at the end of the day gave me his brand new combo and said he will stick to trolling or drifting. My 19 year old son gets frustrated and impatient when fishing slows. If we're fun fishing sometimes he just stops and sits in the boat. If we're tourney fishing his  competitive nature takes over and will fish til the bitter end.

So in answer to your questions:

Yes it is normal.

Yes you are getting old.

[Fish Chris]

Glad I'm not the only one

Also, I have to say this about you younger guys who love being out there, aside from just catching fish; You guys will likely be fishing all of your lives

On occasion, I meet younger people who are caught up in the "trophy bass" thing..... but I suspect they are not so much into the other aspects (nature). In other words, they are not really having fun "unless, they are catching fish"...

And honestly, I think those are the guys who will eventually get tired of it, and fall out of fishing.

But anyway, yea', about myself.... Sure, I've always loved being outdoors. Heck, as a kid, the only reason I was "indoors" was to sleep, or if I was on restriction {indoors was punishment LOL}

The thing is though, for a lot of years, especially from say 97' to 07', I was so caught up in the trophy bass thing, and was often so wound up, that I probably forgot to relax, and just enjoy myself. It was always like go, go, go, push, push, and finally Bam ! I'd catch a giant, and it would be like 5 days of joy, all crammed into a 5 minute period

Then, an hour later, I'd be right back to, go, go, go, push, push, push....

Anyway, I just can't wait to be on the water tomorrow And I guarantee you one thing; Fish, or no fish, it's going to beat the heck out of working today !

I'll remember my tripod tomorrow, and will try to bring back some photos for you guys.

Peace,

Fish

[A-Jay]

As long as I get to see this smile ~ Life is good.

A-Jay

[Paul Roberts]

NO question. It's the whole experience that makes the quality. But...nature knows no single pace.

I caught onto the concept of quality (or qualities) early on. I attribute this to my essentially Daoist father, and an artist, and a 70year old neighbor who I deer hunted with who slowed me down just by his calm and aware presence -and I learned to just "watch things unfold".

Now, counter that with my essentially "Confucion" mother, also an artist, and my incredible (some said hyper) energy, and I could be something of a power Daoist!  ;D

Nature has no single pace. Not being able to get outside yourself enough to recognize those paces, and your own, is part of it. It's easier to see more as you get older.

There was a time when I was more apt to be defined by what I did, and in fishing, what I caught. It's SO much bigger now.

[Branuss04]

Glad to see your back at it Chris.

It's wierd but when I bass fish, I tend to get caught up in the "I want to catch fish" idea and truly forget to step back and breathe in the fresh air. With that being said, I haven't gone bass fishing in 5 months (Not counting two trips simply to "wet a line"). Unless I'm with my dad and enjoying his company, bass fishing is more work than enjoyment.

But on the flip side, I got back into my roots and started trout fishing last year. Not the planted 8 inchers, but fish that I have to work for. Hiking into remote area's, fishing for rare species, etc. With this type of fishing you find yourself in prestine and remote areas with hardly any sign of human life. I have yet to find an area where I can bass fish that can show me the scenary I find in trout lakes. Many of the trout lakes I go to I find myself in complete aww of the scenary. To me I find it much more relaxing as I don't get caught in the hype of the "bass fishing world".

The picture is of a lake me and 4bizz hiked into for a couple days. This is a peak at 10,000 feet. In my opinion the view behind us was 10 times better. But chris I must say, living in California we do have some awesome lakes that provide us with a great fishery and a view to go with it.

[Popeye]

I have loved to fish ever since I first threw a hook and line into the water MANY years ago. I have fished with cane poles made from the cane poles that were used to roll carpeting on. I love being at or on a lake or stream or full fledged river. When fishing for certain types of fish where throwing a baited hook out and then just kicking back and relaxing until something bites, I tend to enjoy the immediate surroundings and peace and quiet more. However, when I'm after bass, I feel it's way more competitive and I just hate to come home "skunked". ONE bass and I'm happy as a lark. NO bass and I get a little bummed out BUT my enthusiasm for the next trip is NEVER diminished. I LOVE to fish and always will.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

Hell, I'm still young by most peoples standards (28), but I love just getting "out" fishing. Catching fish is a bonus. When my father and I were both younger we were excessively serious about our trolling. If we didn't come back with a boat full of dolphin it really was a shot day. Thats not to say that we didn't enjoy going out. But because we were fishing for fish to eat (we like eating), it was very disappointing to not load up the boat. Now that both of us are older it's more of an "cool, were out on the water" kind of thing. Thats not to say that we don't try as hard as we always have to catch fish, it's just not as important now. Hopefully I'll be able to instill that in my daughters at an early age. So far it seems to be working.

Here's to fishing...with a little catching mixed in....

[Fish Chris]

Thanks again for all the replies

And hey Branuss, that is an absolutely beautiful scene you posted !

But you have to admit, our trophy Smallie lake is about as beautiful as a trophy bass lake can be, also

Darn, today is going to be the longest day of work, in history !

.....but less than 24 hours from now.... whooo hooo ! 

Peace,

Fish

[burleytog]

If I'm not catching, it isn't fun.

[roadwarrior]

Not me...it's still all about catching big fish. Right

now it's both largemouth and smallmouth. In a few

weeks we will add striper to the equation.

I fish some beautiful water occasionally (Bull Shoals

and the White River), but mostly I'm a river rat!

The Tennessee River and reservoirs in the system

are commercial waterways. That doesn't bother me in

the least, I'm there to catch big fish.

8-)

[LAO162]

I get it

At 45 I'm looking to my 2-3 peaceful hours at the quarry every Saturday morning.  I'm back to my family life by 9:15 am.

Sometimes my Dad shows up at throws out a bobber.

Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised when my "casting" time was interrupted by the fattest 14 incher I every saw.     The rest of the time I just enjoyed using my new equipment

Leon

[stealthcaster]

I love catching bass, especially big ones, but I'll almost always have fun fishing even if it is really slow that particular day.  I actually enjoy the challenge of fishing for skittish bass that aren't easy to catch.

[SlateTundra]

I'm 28...I suppose a bit of it does come with age.  You become wiser with age and begin to appreciate what life has to offer.

I don't mind getting skunked...not that it happens much to me. 

[Buckeye1955]

I think you've got it figured out. It's about finding the peace and happiness that being out on the water brings. If I catch something, fine. But if not, I had a great day being out there anyway. As you get older you start realizing there are only so many days given to you. I like to think that a good day on the water with a rod in my hand is another one in the memory bank that I will enjoy when I can't do it anymore. There is something about messing with boats and throwing a few lures that just makes things right no matter what else is going on in my life. Almost makes you feel sorry for the folks that haven't figured it out.

[Fish Chris]

Hey Buckeye

As you get older you start realizing there are only so many days given to you.

Truer words have never been spoken !

Their is this one video by Nickleback (whether you lovem' or hatem') that I always say is the most important music video, ever created by anyone, anywhere, anytime It's called "Saving Me"... I'm sure you could find it on YouTube, if you hadn't seen it, but wanted to.

It basically shows everyone walking around, doing their daily life things, with a number that's clicking down over their heads. And that is just the most hard-core fact of life. Everyone of us has a number, and it won't ever stop, until it runs out.

That's why missing a day of fishing (or sometimes photography) is such a HUGE, negative thing to me. Sure, I can go tomorrow..... but that won't bring back TODAY ! Once today is gone, it's GONE ! 

So anyway, I know I'm going to have a great time tomorrow. But a few fish, especially a big one, would be some nice icing

Peace,

Fish

[Catt]

Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 KJV

Excellent video

[bigfruits]

catching fish is a bonus. i can have a great day floating around tossing a jig and being the crayfish