Why Do you fish?

Post Reply
jemoon27
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:28 pm

Why Do you fish?

Post by jemoon27 »

It doesn't matter what you fish for -even though it should be bass ... :) I am writing a research paper on the topic of why people fish? If anyone could just write a sentence or two about what fishing means to them or why they fish, I am really interested to know! example - I fish because it's an easy way to relieve stress, and explore the outdoors without getting poison oak (AND I'm still working on that double digit bass!)
"When you see a lake you think picnic, and i see a large mouth up under that log"
User avatar
calworks
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue Nov 07, 2006 8:22 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by calworks »

I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
WackySenko
Posts: 302
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 9:57 pm
Location: Antioch

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by WackySenko »

Ditto with above. when I am on the water I do not think about work, bills, honey-dos or anything. It is very relaxing. Sometimes it feels like the day lasts forever. Could be why I am always back about 2+ hours later than I planned. And the wife sometimes wets a line with me, so she understands and expects me to be late.
User avatar
Chaozu
Posts: 289
Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2008 7:15 pm
Location: San Jose

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Chaozu »

calworks wrote:I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
Pretty much said it all. Feeling that bite and then setting the hook is good times..... the hunt for a giant always keeps me coming back for more!
Ryan Margone
User avatar
tunaman
Posts: 4839
Joined: Thu Aug 31, 2006 12:26 pm
Location: Now in Henderson, NV

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by tunaman »

I FISH, THEREFORE I AM...

Roger
Tight lines forever!
http://www.tunaman.org

*DISCLAIMER* - This post is in no way meant to be offensive. If you feel it is, please re-read then PM me for an explanation if it still offends?
mark poulson
Posts: 10370
Joined: Sun May 08, 2005 4:16 am
Location: Antioch, CA

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by mark poulson »

calworks wrote:I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
+1

It is also a continuous thread that runs through my life, back to my childhood fishing Santa Monica Bay, and the Sierras, in the '50s.
Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
User avatar
JustinD
Posts: 940
Joined: Fri Jun 02, 2006 6:38 am
Location: Washington

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by JustinD »

I'm not sure you can put into words why we all fish......We all have different reasons. For me its the connection with nature and the allure of catching and releasing a wild animal not to mention the serene, beautiful landscapes.
LL South
meach
Posts: 80
Joined: Wed Nov 11, 2009 11:50 am
Location: walnut creek CA/milwaukee WI

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by meach »

If fish because: its the only sport you can still do well drunk...lol. j/k its a stress reliever for me, even if my line snaps in the middle of the fight w a fish, it just makes me laugh and think ill get em next time, its one of the few things in life that you can do where even if you dont catch anything or you fill the boat, you just feel happy that you were out there. It really becomes a passion as every time you go out there you are honing your skills and trying to improve constantly its a never ending learning experinece.
mac (Doyle McEwen)
Posts: 2755
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 9:39 am
Location: San Jose, CA

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by mac (Doyle McEwen) »

Simply put, for the pure enjoyment of it..It makes little difference if I catch anything, fishing is still fun..Of course as with most fun things to do, it is more fun if you are successful and actually catch some fish..The day it no longer is fun to fish, will be my last day doing so..

mac
Take a kid fishing, and don't forget about us older kids either..
User avatar
offduty
Posts: 668
Joined: Mon Dec 10, 2007 8:04 pm
Location: Oak View, Ca

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by offduty »

calworks wrote:I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
+1, I cant improve on that.
User avatar
buddy brown
Posts: 1430
Joined: Fri Aug 18, 2006 12:06 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by buddy brown »

Bluegill spleens are going for 4.35 each in swaziland. They are an aphrodisiac. As I hoist my bountiful stringer of bluegill toward the sky with a beastial wail, I know that I have satisfied an innate need, as a former hunter/gatherer. It is a genetic predisposition.. no one can change that...
biteme
Posts: 2476
Joined: Tue Feb 06, 2007 12:01 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by biteme »

calworks wrote:I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
Yes sir. This is why I dont fish Tournaments. I fished a Tournament about a year ago in a pro am. My pro told me he doesnt fish for fun he does it to make money. It was after that event I learned Tournaments are just not cut out for me. I like to have that peace that comes when Im on the water.
Melones_IS_Mine
Posts: 125
Joined: Sun Nov 16, 2008 11:22 am
Location: Stuck in Lodi

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Melones_IS_Mine »

I fish for a multitude of reasons. It is something I can do by myself. If my girl doesn't feel like going, or no buddies are available, I can still go fishing and have a great time.

I HATE the rat race and dealing with knuckleheads in my city(Crackton), so I head out east the second I'm able to. So that's my respite.

I also enjoy the nature aspect. I always experience something when fishing, and sometimes they are rare once in a lifetime occurrances.

I have to admit that I do get distracted from nature and sometimes get too focused on figuring out the fish. I tend to take bass fishing really seriously, but I am to the point where I don't mind not catching a fish-as long as I learn something from the trip. If for no other reason, it was nice to get out of the house.
User avatar
acm95301
Posts: 1029
Joined: Fri Apr 24, 2009 11:10 am
Location: Atascadero

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by acm95301 »

When I was a kid, My dad and brothers fished. We lived On the San Lorenzo River in the 70's when there was a salmon run and steelhead and trout.
Since then families shatter, storms and polution destroy fishing but I still have fond memories of diging in the sand, catching crawdads and occasionally catching a trout.
somewhere around 82-84 I remembergoing fishing by myself and caught a limit out of a creek nobody fished in...it was really exciting.

So maybe why I like to fish is one part serenity, one part the joy of catching something like when we were young, and one part a proof of competence..that we can do it...we can provide, outsmart, survive..whatever.
2009 Bass tracker 175 TXW 60 hp
Lowrance HD7 with Lss-1.
Power Drive V2 70lb 24v Minnkota trolling Motor.
User avatar
TonyL
Posts: 375
Joined: Thu Jul 14, 2005 11:53 am
Location: San Jose

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by TonyL »

All of the above for sure , plus , I enjoy the hunt mostly , I think As men we're all genetically engineered , from way back in the caveman days , we just need to hunt ! :twisted:
biteme wrote:
calworks wrote:I fish because: When I'm on the lake, the world dosen't exist, I don't think of anything else except how to catch that next fish. I am in a peaceful environment that removes the stress of daily life. It is my link with nature.
Yes sir. This is why I dont fish Tournaments. I fished a Tournament about a year ago in a pro am. My pro told me he doesnt fish for fun he does it to make money. It was after that event I learned Tournaments are just not cut out for me. I like to have that peace that comes when Im on the water.
I agree with this , although I fish tourneys at a club level , and startin amatuer level because I believe the pressure of competition forces us to do better.If it wasn't for tourneys or prefishin , I'd prolly go out every weekend , liesurely enjoy the fun fishin even if the quality fish weren't there ! :lol: One last thing-I HAVE TOO MUCH INVESTED TO QUIT NOW !! :wink:
~ Tony
fishinman
Posts: 580
Joined: Wed May 11, 2005 11:52 am
Location: california

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by fishinman »

Its about relaxing and connecting with a unknown world. The movement of the bait, the bite and the reaction of the fish. It can be very exciting!
User avatar
Bill K
Posts: 1736
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 6:26 am
Location: susanville, ca (Lake Forest)

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Bill K »

I fish and hunt as it is in my genes. My forefathers did so and so must I. I enjoy the fresh and natural food it provides and I really enjoy the outdoor world. Smells, sights and fish and fowl life is just great and provided by our creator for us to enjoy and benefit from.
It also is a healthy life style to follow, just plain good for the body and soul. Bill K :)
Fun fishing the country, each and every week.
User avatar
Dom
Posts: 1309
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 3:21 am
Location: Delta Rat

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Dom »

I fish becuase: It's the adrinalin rush I get when I set the hook, you never know what you might have then if its a big ol hawg the excitment really gets going.... IT IS A RUSH FOR ME! :D :D :D


PS I fish for alot more reasons but if I had to pick one thats it the pure excitment!
Tight Lines Dom
Bayou Boy
Posts: 43
Joined: Fri Aug 26, 2005 4:38 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Bayou Boy »

Hate! I hate fish so much I want catch 'em all.........
jfross
Posts: 53
Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2008 7:57 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by jfross »

For me its all about the hunt, which includes a to z. But the best part of the hunt is that beautifull Green fish we all love so much simply, goes back home. That makes it all so perfect. We all love our home and so do they. Catch and Release. Jross
bigbass111
Posts: 609
Joined: Wed Jun 13, 2007 8:29 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by bigbass111 »

I fish for the girls, Ahh wait, I'm Married. :lol: :lol:
User avatar
Dom
Posts: 1309
Joined: Tue May 10, 2005 3:21 am
Location: Delta Rat

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Dom »

I am no writer and my spelling aint never been all that hot and I know you said a few sentences but I had to give you the longer version of why I fish.





Delta, it's 6:00am on a warmming morning in May, You back the boat into the water and climb aboard and fire the big motor. As you idle out of the marina you feel a slight breeze and see the baitfish flickering on top of a slightly rippled water surface. The tide is dropping, the birds are chirpping, off to the left you see the ducks up close to the weed line swimming and feeding. As you turn your attention back to the front of the boat you see the 5mph bouy you check your life jacket, then the kill switch. you get settled in feeling as if your in a rocket ship getting ready to blast off into the unknown. As you pass the bouy you give one last look in either direction looking for traffic, clear for take off!

As you press the throttle down you feel the acceleration alittle more throttle and trim up alittle more throttle and trim up.....Your head racing with thoughts which spot should I start at? What lure should I throw? Whats the water temp there? in no time your running 60mph skipping the surface of the water as if you were a stone just thrown across the top of the water. Your headed for a break back behind quinby island your head races with thought as you continue to evaluate the conditions.

You see the spot coming up so you gently pull the throttle back and the boat comes to an abrupt slowing slide till it stops. You jump up looking around and thinking there is alittle more wind here the current is good(not to much) the water is stained. You put the trolling motor down and you hear a big splash and think ok there chasing bait! You pick up your rod and reel that you have the 9" white lunker Punker tied on you get settled in and troll into position you fire that bait out pass and over the break. You know there is a toad using that break she just came off the spawn and shes hungry but wants a big easy meal becuase she wore out. The Lure hits the water and you just let it sit there for a min. then you give it one sharp yank and the lure darts to the right, again you let it sit there, then give it another yank the lure starts to go left......... BAM! You see the fish just destroy your lure you reel down and set the hook the fish dives and tries to head back to deep water you loosen the drag and gently pull up on the rod the fish wants free and you want it in the boat. Your thinking this is a toad, your blood is pumping and your heart is racing, You think its a 4 no feels bigger then that maybe a 5 all of a sudden you see your line headed for the top of the water the fish is coming up to jump and shake the lure free so you get on your knees and dip your rod in the water as you pull and reel to get the fish to go back down, it works!

the fight does not last that long the fish tires but your blood is still pumping and she surfaces beside the boat and you see it and its a bigun! You reach down to lip it and victory is yours. Your still shaking but you manage to get the scale, she goes 7lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After a quick photo you thank her and release her thinking man when she was full of eggs she would have went 9lbs or better . You are filled with so much emotion Happy,proud,excited all rolled into one and you think .........There is a bigger one there and the quest begins all over again.
Man who wouldn't want to live that over and over again and this is why I fish!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D
Last edited by Dom on Fri Nov 20, 2009 3:23 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Tight Lines Dom
User avatar
Burke
Posts: 497
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 6:59 am
Location: Woodland, CA

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Burke »

Dom,

You described it perfectly (except for the smoking).

My wife knows that this is my time away from the serious issues (e.g., family, financial, job, etc.) in our lives that all of us have to deal with on an every day basis. When I'm on the water, these are my some of my issues: "How can I outsmart that bass (or striper)?"; "When does the tide change?"; "Damn, my line broke and I another lure. I 'll have to stop by the tackle shop on the way home to buy a few more".

If I'm able to catch a fish, I'm happy. If I don't catch a fish, I'm happy.
jemoon27
Posts: 19
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2008 11:28 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by jemoon27 »

I think why I fish was answered in about every way possible in these responses. I think I'll also add: I continue to fish because, even though my dad taught me to fish, he still can't judge how to sneak up on a good spot, and never closes the compartments quietly.

"Come on dad there's a hawg right next to the boat"

Response - "How is it last time I brought 10 pairs of clippers in the boat and I now they're all gone! Its like they grew legs and jumped into the water!"

I fish for these moments lol
"When you see a lake you think picnic, and i see a large mouth up under that log"
bassinDerek
Posts: 100
Joined: Wed Sep 23, 2009 5:30 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by bassinDerek »

i agree with calworks thats the same reason i fish and its fun to
FISH TO LIVE LIVE TO FISH
Derek Jantz
Guy Williams
Posts: 1965
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 7:11 am
Location: Menifee

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Guy Williams »

It's my church.
Guy Williams
You know it's going to hell when the best rapper out there is white and the best golfer is black.
Charles Barkley
14tommyd
Posts: 45
Joined: Sat Mar 03, 2007 5:20 am
Location: Willows

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by 14tommyd »

I've fished and hunted for 50 years. I no longer hunt, the pleasure attained by watching my adversary swim off, so we can possibly do it again, overrides everything.

I find it sad that so many of the tourney fishermen, the one's that cut you off and dare you to say anything, will never understand the true quality of a day of bass fishing for what it is.
User avatar
g-man
Posts: 3206
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:59 pm
Location: Cooch's Dock "LL"

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by g-man »

I fish cause you never know whats gonna come up on the other end of the line! Sure I target bass, but we all know odd stuff shows up on your line often!

Its the thrill of figuring out how to make them bite. Its the thrill of catching a DD! Its relaxing, and exciting!! Plus it helped me stay outta trouble.. :lol:

And I love fishing tourneys, I love the competition.
100% LL
Fishitifyoucan
Posts: 145
Joined: Fri May 11, 2007 7:51 am
Location: Lodi

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Fishitifyoucan »

Simple.......

FISH=FISHING IS SIMPLY HEAVEN!

End of story. :D
allbelac
Posts: 129
Joined: Tue Oct 25, 2005 4:51 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by allbelac »

Why???
As long as I can remember, I fished...My dad taught me to fish, trout mostly. I am teaching my kids to fish. It helps put into perspective what its all about, teachable and memorable moments.

Memorial Day 2009...My daughter and I fished a tournament the entire day fish after fish the sparkle that she had every time one went in the well, the excitement she had when she got to help carry the bag to the scales...oh yeah the ideas she had for spending her share of the winning check!

All those reasons plus many more...That is why I fish.
User avatar
bahlzar
Posts: 821
Joined: Thu Jan 19, 2006 9:10 pm
Location: Lincoln Hillbilly

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by bahlzar »

i fish so i can belong to a nice pleasant forum like this one.. :D :D
_______________________
ken
Posts: 141
Joined: Wed May 25, 2005 4:38 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by ken »

It is a great challenge to outsmart a green fish in their world and never gets boring. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but you always look forwards to next good time on the water.
Dan Pollard

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Dan Pollard »

I fish for many of the same reason that have all ready been shared,
because I love Nature, being apart of it, is very important, that I can lose myself while fishing, remove myself from the problems of every day life. I like the thrill and the challenge of the chase, the thill of catching the green fish. I also like the challenge and competion of Tournament fishing. Spending quality time with family and friends, while experiencing and being a part of Nature. Of all those reasons sharred the number one reason is being one with Nature, Being a part of it, experience it and do no harm when we release that beautiful fish.
hippie
Posts: 1878
Joined: Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:35 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by hippie »

so i can rib people on western bass
User avatar
MIKE TREMONT
Posts: 1562
Joined: Tue Sep 06, 2005 3:50 pm
Location: FAIR OAKS

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by MIKE TREMONT »

So I can match wits with something that has a brain the size of a pea!

They usually win.

Then I can't wait to do it all over again.

Why, very good question?
I had to come back...I know...
Brian Linehan
Posts: 3410
Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 2:19 pm
Location: Huntington Beach

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Brian Linehan »

Cuz it turns me on
STEWART
Posts: 8
Joined: Thu Jun 05, 2008 3:24 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by STEWART »

ESCAPE FROM REALITY!!!!!!!!!!!!
davet.
Posts: 602
Joined: Mon May 09, 2005 1:33 pm
Location: Sacramento
Contact:

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by davet. »

This question sounds familiar.....didn't you write this paper last year??
User avatar
drrakruz
Posts: 294
Joined: Sat Feb 17, 2007 9:43 pm
Location: Rocklin

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by drrakruz »

g-man wrote:I fish cause you never know whats gonna come up on the other end of the line!
Or, you know EXACTLY what is on the other end of the line, your partner is waiting to net the beast, and it gets off without any explanation (except for "USER ERROR"), like at the Clearlake WRL TOC, day 1, right? :lol: :shock: :x
Sponsors:
M & M Marine, Lincoln, CA
[img]http://www.evolutionmarine.net/images/mercury.logo.gif[/img]
PLAY HARD AND FLOOR IT!!
crazychuy
Posts: 114
Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2007 8:31 pm
Location: So Cal

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by crazychuy »

The following is an excerpt from "coochsfishing.com" with a slight alteration to apply to me. But these words best describe why I fish. Thank you COOCH for having this on your website.

I am a fisherman for life,
I will always be a fisherman
It is not something I do,
It is who I am
Fishing is not an escape,
It is where I belong,
Where I am supposed to be
It is not a place,
But a lifelong journey
It is a passage my Father showed me,
And one that I will show others.
Keep A Tight Line!


Thanks,
CHUY
Oldschool
Posts: 1508
Joined: Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:29 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Oldschool »

Intriging quesion.
For me it's the quest of catching fish. I enjoy being outdoors and have always appreciated natures gifts, but that is not the reason I fish. Relaxation doesn't come close to why I fish. It doesn't matter if I'm fly fishing for golden's or marlin fishing in Mexico. I'm usually intense in my quest to catch fish.
Bass fishing combines the desire to catch bass with the state of the art toys to achieve that goal.
Over 60 years ago a cane pole and a bobber satified the goal of catching fish under my parents dock for about a day. Born to fish? For me it's more like driven to catch fish and still enjoy the quest every time out on the water.
Tom
Gumpa
Posts: 94
Joined: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:11 pm
Location: At the lake or the ballpark
Contact:

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by Gumpa »

For me it's relaxing from life's stress. And the compatition! Every time I look at the plaque's on the wall. It remined's me that on that day, I was the best at what I love to do. Fish!
Grandkids. Fishing. What could be better? Watching them catch a big 1 Or hitting 1 out of the park. "Never give up" for the love of the game!
User avatar
snapitoff2002
Posts: 515
Joined: Sun Oct 01, 2006 5:48 pm
Location: Northern California
Contact:

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by snapitoff2002 »

I fish because I like to compete...

And I also fish cause I like to be broke all the time. :(
Josh Palmer

"Champions keep playing till they get it right"
LimitedOut
Posts: 115
Joined: Thu Jan 18, 2007 11:29 am

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by LimitedOut »

There's nothing quite like fishing...
User avatar
sTony
Posts: 4574
Joined: Sat May 07, 2005 10:07 pm
Location: Oakley, CA

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by sTony »

I fish because I can. I fish because it's part of my nature to do so. I turn into a different person when I haven't fished recently. I fish because I feel good when I do. I haven't found many things that make me feel as alive as when I'm fishing. Fishing is a part of me I can't deny.

sTony
basstrophy
Posts: 320
Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 6:35 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by basstrophy »

To me Fishing is free time, the good Lord does not take fishing time as used time from this world.

"A Fisherman's Prayer"

God, grant that I may live to fish until my dying day.
And when it come to my last cast
I then most humbly pray.
When in the Lord's safe landing net.
I'm peacefully asleep.
That in His mercy I be judged as big enough to keep


John
SPIKE
Posts: 82
Joined: Tue Feb 14, 2006 2:56 pm

Re: Why Do you fish?

Post by SPIKE »

My relife from an insane world. and keeps me sane.
Post Reply