Avoiding fishing 'burnout'

[tesco value]

I’m sure pretty much every angler has, on the odd occasion, questioned what they are actually doing fishing when conditions or otherwise dictate they could (or should!) be spending time doing something more productive.
I’ve certainly felt pretty dejected after a run of blanks on a hard water or stubbornly going fishing when conditions just aren’t right and then struggling.

However, I’ve never really felt a real sense of burnout in relation to going fishing. Even after blanking in cold, wet conditions I can always muster fresh enthusiasm for the next trip.
One of the joys of angling for me is always trying new things. Getting to grips with a new venue, doing a bit of sea fishing even travelling to a venue in a new way (cycling) has kept my interest up throughout the years.

I’ve always been impressed by some of the ‘big names’ in the mags, bloggers and contributors on here that continue to write with genuine enthusiasm and interest for the sport, even after they’ve fished for years or even decades.
However you also sometimes see ‘instant’ anglers that appear on the scene in a blaze of glory only to disappear soon after.

Have you ever suffered fishing ‘burnout’?
What’s the key to continually enjoying your fishing?

 

[captain carrott]

the key is as you say variety, be it method, species, or venue.

though i am currently suffering from burnout with both carp and barbel.
barbel particularly i just can't find anything interesting about them at the moment, though this may be a reaction to the way that they are currently semi worshipped rather than the fish them selves.

 

[Steve Spiller]

Good post TV.

Yes I've had fishing burnout twice.

The first time followed a week at Anglers Paradise in Devon many years ago. Things went t*ts up and my two mates couldn't do the full week, so I ended up on my own for a couple of days. I fished it solid everyday and absolutely bagged up everyday, which isn't hard down there. I came home and chucked my gear in the garage and didn't look at it for about two months. My mates couldn't believe it, I just didn't want to go fishing.

The second time was two winter ago before Christmas I think, I was fishing four days a week trying to catch my 2lb roach. I'd finish work at 2pm and have the gear in the car, 45 minutes drive and fish into dark, usually until 9pm. Then 45 mins home, eat, wash, sleep and in work for 6am. It was unbelievable! I was totally drained, no energy and eventually no enthusiasm.

I've changed now and so has my fishing, diversification is the key I believe. Different venues, different species and tactics.

I know my 'roach head' will be on soon though, but not like before. When the enjoyment is gone, it's just not worth it.

 

[blankmeister]

I've been fishing now for more than fifty years and have just come back after a lay off of about nine months, the longest ever! I had so much work, the job and at home, I didn't have the energy or enthusiasm for anything, including fishing! Then a new fishery opened up quite close to home, so I gave it a try and that was it. I was like a kid again, I couldn't wait to get out again, sorting gear, making rigs (chatting on FM!).
I'm quite convinced that fishing is a disease for which there is no cure

 

[Stealph Viper]

This year i have fished about only 3 times, i just can't be bothered with getting all my stuff ready and then picking a Venue and then lugging my lazy fat arse over to said Venue and well it goes on and on.

Don't ask me why, i haven't fell out of love with fishing itself, i just can't be bothered to go.
I think work and the weather and money are all contributing factors but they're not the only factors.
I have no intentions to go fishing in the near future either, but you never know i might go this weekend ............

 

[dezza]

Fishing "burn-out" has happened to quite a few of my old friends, a few of them don't go fishing any more.

Personally I think "burn out" happens most to those who don't go fishing for the true pleasure fishing provides. They are looking to gain something else, maybe fame and fortune from the sport, and when they don't achieve that they give up in frustration and disillusionment.

Anyone trying to achieve some sort of fame or status from their angling is on a bloody sticky wicket, make no mistake about that. I have met in my life some of the world's most famous anglers and with the exception of two of them, they have all had other jobs and means of making a living.

And I'm not talking about people in the tackle trade.

 

[quickcedo]

Each year or so I tend to have a bit of a change. Because of my obsessive personality I tend to set realistic goals ie species of fish or method of catching them. To this end the avoidance of "burn out" for me, more than anything else has been the change of method part. The last year was devoted to fishing as many venues as possible using a centre pin both lake and river. I'm sure this has cost me alot of fish but the enjoyment is through the roof.
Next season is already sorted in my mind. Float fishing. I HATE float fishing, probably because I suck at it. So the whole of next season will be using a float as much as poss.

 

[Jim Crosskey 2]

Personally I like to avoid any risk of burnout by varying the fishing I do - particularly with regards to the seasons. In an ideal world, I'd fish for carp, tench and crucians with a float on lakes in the summer, with the odd river overnighter for bream thrown in for good measure.... then the rivers get more attention in the Autumn, some pike fishing and general "pleasure" fishing - say maggot feeder on the thames just trying to see how many different species you can get through... in Winter, it's all about chub (with an occasional pike trip) and then in the Spring I have to confess I won't do a lot of fishing, if any.... which guarantees that by the time the summer comes round I'm chomping at the bit again!

 

[johnnyfby]

I nearly hit it this year on the tidal trent, After catching more than a Hundred Barbel using just the one rod off a section of the TT in four shortish sessions, i couldnt bear to do it again for a good three weeks. So out came the float rod, which i really enjoyed; there is not a better feeling barbelling on the float. I also got myself down to some intimate fishing on my local rivers, which also brought me some variety catching the odd chub and barbel. Next saturday is a memorial match for an old friend on my local res, and i will be there. Variety and the challenge keeps you going, too much of a good thing results in burnout IMO. I really dont know how Steve Ringer does it, i think his anglers elbow, in which he had to stop fishing for a while may have been an excuse for burnout.

Jon

 

[chub_on_the_block]

I think you can get burnout from incessant bagging at the same water, especially if it is the same method and target fish each time. Haven't had too much experience of that - as i would usually try something different (unless i was taking a mate over) after a successful day or two. I am probably more likely to get burnout from relentless blanking though. The meticulous packing and loading of gear for a session can be a stumbling block. Theres always so many essentials to worry about ...and even travelling light means getting everything sorted beforehand.

 

[Steve Handley]

A good post and some interesting comments

I've always believed it's about enjoying your fishing and not catching at any cost and as been mentioned before, variety is the spice of life whether that be species, venues, methods etc. Although saying that I always prefer to float fish even though I know there are times when I know I could probably catch more/bigger fish on the ledger, but then it's not always about what you catch but how you catch it!

 

[Philip]

What a good set of replies on this thread and it does seem variety is indeed the spice of life.

I want to touch on one point in particular which I really liked…Tesco Values comment about not just changing the style of fishing but perhaps changing some other aspects to add a new angle, for example the way you get there. He mentioned try going by push bike …yes ! …something I have started to do more and more…it may seem totally ridiculous to those used to piling the car full but there is a certain sense of satisfaction getting on your bike going to a venue under your own steam and catching a fish. It also forces you to look at what you’re taking. I was amazed how much I can actually load onto a push bike and I do mean ON the bike, not on a trolley dragged behind it, although I have to confess I started to load so much that I just recently attached a granny style shopping trolley to the back of my bike and towed that along….worked a treat too although you look like a complete plonker...

The other advantage I did not realize about a push bike is that far off swims are no longer far off! …just ride the bike to them! …you can even negotiate the odd style or fence if you really want to. It really has opened up a whole world of opportunities for me. I have even started to contemplate buying a fold up bike to take with me in the car…its become my “barrow” if you like but so much more versatile !

Honestly, if you’re getting a bit fed up and put off going just by LOOKING at the mountain of kit your gonna have to load and unload into the car and push round the lake then try the bike thing…it might just surprise you.

 

[cg74]

I know not exactly the same but went about two years barely fishing in my early twenties, not a imposed exile rather a victim of to much to do and to little time to do it..... Choice, a week end on the bank or clubbing, birds and copious quantities of lager
And the evening sessions bankside replaced with late finishes at work and/or socialising in a pub
But life changes and so the rods came out and my fishing is done with a new vigour.

TBH I think a lot of the thoughts/feelings felt by many come as a result of the anglers taking this sport to seriously and losing sight of what 'angling' means; fishing for pleasure.

Essentially what keeps the interest of any/everyone is variety, to much of the 'same old' leads inevitably to boredom.
I was starting to get itchy feet after a long period of lake fishing for carp, tench and bream.
After recent rain I took the opportunity to get down my local river to sneak a few nice fish and yesterday a long days fishing on the rivers Severn and Teme.
All served to maintain my keeness to return to the lakes as the rivers will be better in a month (hopefuly) as the lake sport tales off.

 

[tigger]

One of the joys of angling for me is always trying new things. Getting to grips with a new venue, doing a bit of sea fishing even travelling to a venue in a new way (cycling) has kept my interest up throughout the years.

I've recently started to pogo stick to a venue to keep up my interest in fishing but my rucksack is a nuisance bouncing up and down on my back.
When I get fed up with the pogo I'm gonna get some roller blades :w

 

[dezza]

The other advantage I did not realize about a push bike is that far off swims are no longer far off! …just ride the bike to them! …you can even negotiate the odd style or fence if you really want to. It really has opened up a whole world of opportunities for me. I have even started to contemplate buying a fold up bike to take with me in the car…its become my “barrow” if you like but so much more versatile !

Both **** Walker and Peter Stone caught most of their best fish by getting there on a push bike. Stoney only lived a mile or so from one of the best stretches of the Thames and must have cycled hundreds of miles in his search for big Thames bream and chub.

For many years, Walker couldn't afford to run his own car. He did help out with a couple of Pete Thomas' old bangers, and even Peter had to rely on Walker's input for petrol most of the time.

Just prior to my leaving Warwick, I was organising a decent mountain bike to get to work on as well as a special rack on my car to put the bike.

 

[Fred Bonney]

It certainly happened to me, last year and was specific to a stretch of water.
Although it was exclusive, it was the same old, same old, you could almost guarantee what size fish you were going to catch.
I fished it at every opportunity before last year. at the cost of any attempt to fish for other species.
So,I stopped my ticket for this season, and have gone looking for variety.
Not as easy, but now more fun!

 

[tesco value]

Some great responses here guys, very interesting reading. It definately seems to be the case that for many that variety is indeed the spice of life. What’s interesting is that people often feel that catching a certain species or in a particular way can be as dull as blanking.

I spent two seasons on the Fishers Green stretch of the Lea and failed to land a single barbel or big chub during my time fishing there. I found it really hard going. However, I still feel like I'd like to go back for another go, and I may do so next year. In comparision, I was recently introduced to a commercial/carp fishery by a friend of a friend. One afternoon and countless carp later, I have no intention of ever going back!

Great to hear from Philip who also enjoys a bit of cycling. I live in London and I must say I used to loathe getting to venues by public transport, especially using the tube on a Friday night! I now simply travel by mainline rail and/or bike, and as long as you avoid rush hour, it’s a real pleasure. Travel light, time for a coffee on the train then a bit of exercise the other end, perfect.

 

[will spencer]

this is currently happening to myself,but,not just with fishing.i am starting to dislike my job,which pays me 700 quid a week.i havent fished since the spring bank holiday week.i have an operationcoming up on the 21st of this month and that requires 4 months off work,maybe the spark will reignite.

 

[Steve Spiller]

Good luck With the operation Will, fingers crossed while you're laid-up you can come up with a plan to re-ignite the light. It never goes away mate, it just fades sometimes.

 

[will spencer]

thanx steve.only a hernia op but,its time away from work to re-charge the batteries,and re-evaluate where i'm going.i keep going into my local tackle shops and buying tackle but haven't got the get up and go.i will go to a local venue after my op that doesn't require much tackle carrying.