Why go Fishing?

[Philip]

if it's no longer enjoyable, then I fail to understand those that persist.

As I mentioned before perhaps its because they see it as part of a bigger picture.

Why train to run a marathon ? ...cant be pleasant can it..but people do it ...why ? ...because they want to run a marathon in the end.

Why sit out in the wet and cold day after day by a lake ? ...because you want to catch that one fish.

I dont see a difference. Its about persistence and dedication towards a goal. Some might say a pointless goal but of course thats their perspective.

 

[sam vimes]

As I mentioned before perhaps its because they see it as part of a bigger picture.

Why train to run a marathon ? ...cant be pleasant can it..but people do it ...why ? ...because they want to run a marathon in the end.

Why sit out in the wet and cold day after day by a lake ? ...because you want to catch that one fish.

I dont see a difference. Its about persistence and dedication towards a goal. Some might say a pointless goal but of course thats their perspective.

I accept all that, been there in some aspects. I have run and trained for half marathons. I enjoyed it at the time. Once it started to hurt and was no longer enjoyable, I stopped doing it. Despite outward appearances, the majority of folks that run, and train hard, do so because they enjoy it. Those that don't enjoy it tend not to be able to keep at it.

However, I'll never really understand what compels people to do things they no longer enjoy. Different ball game when it's a job, or you are somehow obliged or committed. I don't really see how that might be the case for 99% of anglers though. I can admire the dedication of those that persist, but I also see a certain element of madness in it too.

 

[daniel121]

Chill your boots, Daniel. I wasn't accusing you of anything. However, I stand by what I said, there are people out there that use the term "pleasure angler" as a derogatory one. Because of that, I increasingly dislike the term. I'd suggest that more than the odd poster feels exactly the same way.



I understand it entirely. The difference for me was that when I realised that aspects of my fishing was becoming a chore, a test of endurance, or even war of attrition, I stopped doing whatever it was that made me feel that way. For me, life was just too short to feel that way.

You got an ice bucket I can stick em in? mg:

Sorry Sam if I bite you're head off, I'm going to fish a flooded trent now I just logged on, saw this and thought I'd write a quick reply, apologies again. I'll come back to this topic, after my session.

 

[108831]

I'm a pleasure angler,as against a match angler,I believe it's just a terminology issue,what are you meant to say,match angling is not a pleasure often,fishing pegs you wouldn't normally,facing wind,rain,hail and snow,in floods or icy water,I spent years fishing winter leagues struggling for ounces,great for team success,not much for personal enjoyment,I don't regret it,it was another piece of my angling life.

 

[103841]

I think when asked I will say what I’m not rather than what I think I am.

I am not a match angler, I am not a speci carp angler, call me what you like.

 

[Peter Jacobs]

I have fished for about 60 years now and to be honest when I was married I preferred to fish on my own, whereas in my single periods I like to fish with friends . . . . and the old FM Fish-Ins were great fun.

I fish for the challenge of me versus nature but these days seem to spend far more time with a fly rod in my hands than a match rod or carp rod as I find it more challenging.

I also still love to get a few nights in bivvy when I can, which it sadly not too often, but thoroughly enjoy the solitude and fending for myself.

 

[bracket]

I go fishing because I can. The pleasure for me is being alive and able to do it. Able to do something that satisfies a basic instinct. To do something that requires a degree of competence to achieve any success and satisfaction. Angling is as far removed from the treadmill of work and modern living as you can get. It is the most delightful form of escapism you can indulge in and one you can participate in almost from cradle to grave. I don't classify myself as anything other than someone who just goes fishing. That's good enough for me. Pete

 

[Keith M]

I fish for two different reasons; and mainly it’s for the pure pleasure of being out amongst all the solitude and the wildlife of the countryside, and catching quality sized fish (although not always essential) is just an extension to that, where I can pit my wits against my quarry and get great satisfaction from being able to merge into the background and fight and land any large fish that Ive been targeting and that I do manage to catch.

I dislike easy and often overcrowded and often un-naturally over stocked commercial fisheries; and I’ve fished a few of these in the past; but only when I’ve had to fish one during a team match series and therefore had very little choice.

I wouldn’t say that I’ve enjoyed all of the actual fishing in a match but Ive usually enjoyed the comradeship and banter and the challenge of helping our team to beat our opposition especially when I’ve managed to get one of the top weights.

Now I’m getting much older I just can’t be bothered with catching small fish unless they are particularly large for their species, and I would rather put my rod back in my car and have a wander than sit and catch thousands of stunted fish (unless I was in a team match).

So 90% of the time I’m fishing for the pure pleasure of being at one with all the fish and the other wildlife around me catching fish on a secluded water and the remaining 10% is for various club and match commitments with a bit of socialising thrown into the pot.

Keith

 

[mikench]

When asked " are you an angler" I frequently respond" I'm someone who goes fishing" Are they the same?

 

[Keith M]

When asked " are you an angler" I frequently respond" I'm someone who goes fishing" Are they the same?

If you fish with an ‘angle’ (a rod or a pole) then you are an ‘angler’ Mike

Keith

 

[rich66]

I go fishing for a number of reasons. I can’t think of anything I’ve ever enjoyed as much. I like the solitude, in fact some days in need it. My mind actually stops chattering away in the back ground and all I think about is the fish and my surroundings. Fish I love watching them swim off almost as much as catching them. Then there’s the wildlife from insects to the birds. Too much really to list. All told I’m a pleasure fisherman just happy to catch.

 

[nottskev]

I like the solitude, in fact some days in need it. My mind actually stops chattering away in the back ground and all I think about is the fish and my surroundings.

I can relate to that. Getting absorbed and lost in what you're doing is a big attraction. It's one big reason I avoid crowded waters where people shout out stuff to each other. Although I understand some people enjoy precisely that, and congregate at such places. It takes all sorts, and I'm glad I'm not one of them, as the saying goes.

 

[daniel121]

I'm a pleasure angler,as against a match angler,I believe it's just a terminology issue,what are you meant to say,match angling is not a pleasure often,fishing pegs you wouldn't normally,facing wind,rain,hail and snow,in floods or icy water,I spent years fishing winter leagues struggling for ounces,great for team success,not much for personal enjoyment,I don't regret it,it was another piece of my angling life.

Exactly mate, the same I'd do it all over again as well. I met some good people and made good friends

 

[daniel121]

Well today I fished.a flooded and rising trent. I found a slack fished over where I would normally sit/stand. I'll be honest I've not fished a flooded River for years, I just don't bother. But yesterday I fancied it. So 2 pints of maggots and half a castor and a pint of hemp went in the drink, I had 5lb 5oz of roach mainly, including two Tommy ruffle, I've not seen a Tommy for years.

I enjoyed today's fishing possibly more than any day so far this year, why? I don't know, I really don't know, maybe because it was different and triggered old times in my mind? Which brings me to this topic, Why go fishing because it makes me smile and keeps me active. Don't worry about what you do, just do whatever you fancy at the time, is my advice.

@sam vines I know exactly what you mean about the snobbery on fishing, sneering at the tent that's not a bivvy or the noddy with the water tank box not a frame box with a million legs. It angers me, but I'm sure you have read my rants about this in the past. Anyway I hope you accept my apology, I got the wrong end of the stick, it's not the first time and most certainly won't be the last mg:

Tight lines guys

 

[john step]

or the noddy with the water tank box not a frame box with a million legs.

Tight lines guys

I am a double whammy noddy. My plastic water tank box is falling apart.mg: I dont care though.

 

[daniel121]

I am a double whammy noddy. My plastic water tank box is falling apart.mg: I dont care though.

Naa just a poor noddy or a don't give a **** noddy