Does fishing make you happy?

[DTro]

For most of us, the passion we have for fishing is a major part of our life, for others it is a hobby or past time. I’m sure we can all agree that we do it because it makes us happy.

As my ever evolving attitude towards fishing changes, I am coming to realize that it always comes down to the sharing of stories, the sharing of experiences, and the sharing of knowledge that makes this thing we call fishing enjoyable.

At one time, my thought was that all I need is my gear, a fishing spot, and time. With those items I could live happily ever after.

After recently watching the movie “Into the Wild” (a movie about a College graduate who takes himself “off the grid” and lives in complete isolation in Alaska for a couple of years) I found myself relating to the main character and being envious of him and his voyage of disconnection.

I found myself nodding in agreement with the quote “You don't need human relationships to be happy, God has placed it all around us.”

I won’t spoil the movie, but the whole idea came to a screeching halt one day when he wrote in his diary, “TRUE HAPPINESS CAN ONLY BE SHARED”

So I ask of you.

What really makes you happy? Is it really the fishing? Or is it the sharing of the fishing that makes you happy.

Let’s say you were placed on the greatest fishery in the world with all the needed equipment, food, etc in exchange for never speaking to another soul.

Would fishing still be fun???????

Think about how quickly you would be to invite a total stranger to fish in “your spot"

[Larry FlatCaster]

Interesting thoughts to consider......

I would have to say the sharing. I get as much satisfaction seeing someone else get excited catching a fish.

I do like catching them also and at times I will fish by my self. But I would have so say that the company does make the experience, especially when you open your self up to fishing with new people.

[genegodawa]

I do not like fishing alone for long periods, but on any given afternoon I really relax best when alone. I went out alone one evening till almost 1:30 am and that was scary/spooky.

I think it is best to have a fishing partner who is also an all-around good friend. Those shared experiences really make a bond. My buddy and I still talk about stuff that happened 30 yrs ago.

[Shack]

Dtro and LFC,

Great words.

Fishing alone, catching a fish of a life time and not sharing it with others would get old very quick.

I think going out fishing, getting skunked with a friend would be more fun than fishing alone and have a fishing trip of a life time.

[SDbowhunter]

Well that depends if i could never talk to anyone ever again no matter what I would have to pass. Besides I already have a couple secret little spots (My personal Greatest Fisheries)that myself and close friends fish.

But, I find it is a bit of both. I like anytime on the water by myself but enjoy it more with someone else. When it comes to hunting; I find deer hunting, something I do on my own most of the time, to be a great time for self reflection and enjoy the solitude. But for the exact opposite reason I like bird hunting; sitting in the blind or walking a field with my friends and family. I guess I never really go fishing by myself I always have my four legged fishing partner with me. Now if i could only teach him to run the camera and a net.

[riverrat56]

Well, I have done a few things knowing the chance for success was little, but the potentional for a great story afterwards was high, so I guess telling the stories makes me happy.

But in the same breath I'm the first guy to head out to the lake by myself when there is no one else who wants to go, I really enjoy the solitude and the challenge of going out on your own, it's just you and the fish.

[sparcebag]

NOTHIN MAKES ME HAPPY OH WAIT I bought a GPS unit from a FMer and I think he left his HOT HONEY HOLES on the Mn. River in its memory Oh well to far to boat for me,well now I'm unhappy again

[Tyler Holm]

This one is easy for me. It's all about the sharing. I've been know to fish alone (and I enjoy doing so on occasion), but afterwards I can't wait to share my experiences/pictures with others that are interested. Without posting/sharing stories, photos, experiences, tips, techniques, etc FM wouldn't appeal to any of us. In fact I'm not sure FM would exist at all.

1.3x million posts on here suggest many of us love to share. Great topic dtro.

[davesfriend]

I would have to say that it is not the same by yourself. I have fished alone and caught great fish but I don't remember them aswell as the ones I caught with buddies. Then you can all ways say "Hey, remember that one time". It also helps when everything seems to head south on you, you have help. I gotta take someone with...

[IFallsRon]

Being on the water anytime is great. Catching fish is a bonus.

[fishorgolf]

I read the book "into the wild" and really liked it so when the movie came out I was excited to see it. I watched the first 10 min and could not stand it any longer! The book was about the poor decisions he made and how they effected him (I will not spoil the movie either) but what I saw of the movie it was more of a glorification of his stupidity. Has anyone else read the book and watched the WHOLE movie that can tell me if I am correct or did I give up to quick on the movie and not give it a chance?

[walleyewild]

I am Happy fishing alone in the morning watching the sun rise. But it is a far better experience sharing that time with friends and loved ones.

Life is too short not to share some of the great moments with others. Like the time we were out ice fishing... I'll let you fill in the rest.

My buddy caught a personal best walleye last year 25.5" not a wall hanger by any stretch of the imagination, but the smile on his face and the joy knowing he caught it in my boat trying a new spot on a lake we have been fishing for a few yearswill last longer then if I would have caught a 30" fish by my self.

[fishorgolf]

Yes fishing makes me happy. It is a little like golf to me in that both are enjoyed on some of the most beautiful places there are. Nothing like a beautiful northwoods lake or a deep green fairway. AHHHHH.

[walleyewild]

Great post by the way DTRO.

[Eric Wettschreck]

The Sturgeon Excursion was just what the doctor ordered for me. I had the opportunity to forget the hassles of life, work, etc and experience good times on the lake with people who I can consider family.

As an added bonus, we all caught some really big fish.

Does fishing make me happy??? Yes. Do I go alone?? Yes. Would I rather have a fishing partener with me? Yes. Do I enjoy sharing the experience? Yes.

[Jakesbuds]

Fishing is the only thing I look forward to doing in the summer (I also Ice fish too, but summer fishing is king in my book).

Sure mowing the grass, BBQ's, getting a tan, watching the ladies and such is all fun, but there's nothing like hitting the lake in the wee hours of a weekday morning after calling in sick to work and feeling that first hit of the day. There is just nothing that compares to that in my book. If I could fish as a job that would be BETTER than winning the lottery to me.

One thing I dont like is the glasses marks around the eyes after a sunny day. I mean if you're into the coon look, that's your deal, but I personally have to take them off at least 10 minutes out of every hour.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I enjoy both! If I want to go fishing Ill see if anyone wants to tag along but like RiverRat said if no one can go Im not about to sit around Ill go out and enjoy my fishing even if Im on my own.

[Nick Kuhn]

I find it relaxing and I'll go by myself once and a while. Usually though I like to fish with my brothers/dad (even my sisters/mom but they hardly ever go). Nothing like just chatting about whatever, while still having a little biggest/most fish competition.

[setterguy]

Does alone mean without a dog?

[slipperybob]

It's therapy for me...doctor's order!

LOL's

[EYESTALKER]

I think that just by being an FMer and posting opinions for all to read identifies most of us as being outgoing and extrovertial. I think those types of personalities enjoy the company of others. I would bet that the majority of FMers really enjoy fishing with others (even though fishing alone is also quite acceptable)... For me, when I have others to talk to, net fish for, etc, it takes my mind off of boat control, rerigging a hundred times, etc... So, I'm for fishing w/others.

[eyepatrol]

For me it has to be both worlds....catching fish with friends and family. No other substitute for it. I still enjoy being out there with friends and family, but I really want to catch fish (even if just one) also.

I do enjoy fishing by myself from time to time. Leaves me to my own thoughts, peace and solitude. But if it came down to "forever", no question it would be with family or friends. Gotta have that interaction.

[BoxMN]

 Originally Posted By: slipperybob

It's therapy for me...doctor's order!

LOL's

Ha! Right on. My Dad always said, "You won't find any fishermen in a shrink's office." Meaning being out on the lake is the therapy many need, and get to stay healthy.

Whether hunting or fishing, it is a better experience when it can be shared, but is still better to go alone than not at all. And with my Dad in ICU right now, I hope he will be the subject of more fishing stories with him catching fish yet this year.

[UdeLakeTom]

Geno..we agree on something other that not liking the Sox. I have several good spots to go fishing, but since my son-in-law moved, I just don't want to go there alone. They are down by the river and I don't like the thought of slipping and nobody else being there. The same with deer hunting, I have to have somebody around. Yes, I am clumsy.

But, some of the best times fishing in along the shore of Vadnais lake, and watching everything else, BSing with the group and occasionally watching serveral deer play in the water across the lake, especially on extra warm summer nites. And yet, I do not have anything in common with these people other than liking to fish.

[fishgutz77]

Down right bleep'in happy both ways. I pre fish a lot alone and

still love it. others are just a big fat bonus.

It's hard to get photo's alone.

If I'm fishing with freinds I like the ones with the most experience because it elevates the humor to another level.

On the other hand it's great to fish with my kids or other kids cause you never know what will come out of the mouths of kids.

Bottom line is if you love it, you'll do it anywhere anytime for any speices. Those that know me will tell you it doesn't matter if it's carp or little sunnies or bullheads, their just as much fun sometimes as any other game fish.