On my tenth Birthday I was taken to Old Ma' Bennet's tackle shop (that had the wonderful aroma of linseed oil on the nets and maggot amonia prevalent) and given my first proper rod, reel and tackle. In the ensuing 50 years I can honestly say that my enthusiasm has only waned once, when I was living and working in the USA and Canada and just couldn't be bothered flinging large lumps of metal after small Bass. However, in Canada I rediscovered the art of Fly Fishing which eased the boredom a lot.
Whilst my enthusiasm for actually fishing is as strong now as it was in my tender years I am really disenchanted with the politics that now surround our hobby.
Nonetheless as I approach the time when I am considering retiring I am now searching for a new property that has river frontage and either a lake, or the possibility of building one, from where I can fish for the rest of my days and the politicians, close season abolishonists etc., can go and kiss my lilly white backside.
So yes, I am still very enthusiastic but somewhat disillusioned at the same time.