Why Do (YOU) Fish?

[Dwednuts]

I know that I have asked this question before but with all the new members I figured I could ask again.
I for one fish because it is one of the only ways for me to relax and let go of everyday problems. I get to enjoy be outdoors and comune with my more natural surroundings.

[BullDaddy]

I fish because I love the outdoors, it is how I was raised. I am teaching my son to hunt and fish as well. I was always yold that a kid who hunts and fish doesn't get in serious troble. It worked for me. LOL

[bull_head]

I fish for the love of the outdoors .... to spend time with my nephews , teaching them how to fish is the greatest feeling in the world ... and to provide food for the family ... after all since i cant work I cant think of a
better way I would want to spend my time

mike

[teaysvalleyguy]

I fish to relax, with haveing to deal with irate customers in their homes sometimes I just need to sit back with a cold barly pop and enjoy the water. It helps me put things into perspective alot of the time.

[duxsrus]

Same here, It's all about relaxing and having fun.

[rodpod]

I fish to relax and to get outside, i spend all day in an office. Ive been fishing my whole life and i dont plan on quitting.

[flaboy]

I fish to relax, enjoy the outdoors and the challenge that I might finally catch something! :p

[wolfman]

My father took me fishing all the time when I was a youngster. As a young kid in the outdoors, fishing got to be a challenge for me to out fish the old man and my friends. I didnt sit at home in front of the TV in my spare time, I would walk to the nearest creek and pond to catch what ever was biting. Fishing became my favorite hobby or past time. Now days its a get-a-way from the everyday hassells and stress that life hands out.

[tanner]

i fish mostly for the rush i get when reeling in the fish, wondering what's on the other line. plus it really gives you time to just sit and shoot the breeze with friends and remenisce. that's why i fish.

[teaysvalleyguy]

Oh, I forgot. To get away from the wife, she is not on here yet so I can say that. LMAO

[crazy]

I been fishing since i could walk. It's a nice way to relax but I do enjoy the fight .

[shania]

I can't wait for the weekend - after a hard week of working - there's nothing like 48 hours (or more :) ) of fishing.

That's why I go fishing

Bert

[brian sax]

i have just always liked being outside and its a good feeling when you see your line go and not know whats on the other end.

[vacatfish]

[I]Why i fish is it's my way of life. i am 31 years old and been catfishing over 25 years of that 31.

I suffer from bad nerves high stress and depression. so i also use catfishing to help me better deal with everyday life and the 3 things i deal with everyday.

So i guess you can say catfishing is a tool to me and away of life it's the tool i use to help better deal with things. and it has been my way life over 25 years now.

[Cataholic]

Why do I fish?
Things that make you go Hummmmmmmmmm!
Why do I eat? :D

[BIG-G]

I fish for the relaxation and enjoyment of bein outdoors. Also its the annticipation of what is gonna make that clicker scream today. All this and there is no place better to take a nap. LOL!

[craddock1]

i fish because it is the most relaxing and enjoyable exercise i have found.

[upsmanrichie]

I like to go fishing to relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life. I like going around sundown, I take a little radio with me that usually has Pink Floyd in it. When I fish, I can forget about everything else, with a clear sky and bright stars, Floyd in the background and the cats to keep me company, I am off in a world where nothing or no one can bother me. Fishing for me is more than a hobby. I really can't explain the relaxation I get when fishing, when I was having some personal problems about 2-3 yrs. ago, fishing was the only time I fealt 'normal' again. I would have to say that fishing was one of the main reasons I am still here today, with my life being better than I have ever dreamed of. Fishing really kept me together in times when I thought that nothing could go right in my life. I could go on forever, I think you guys get the point. I just know that fishing is more than a sport, hobby, etc.. It is a way of life. I'm sorry for rambling, but I really wish I had a better way with words. :)

[Catbird]

Why do I fish? Because there is nothing better to do...lol I have plenty more things that need to be done and should be doing...but they can wait. :)

[ryang]

The adventure of possibly catching a biggun, its fun and relaxing at the same time, reminds me of going out fishing with my Dad before he died, good fun for the family

[Kittycatcher]

Well I see that everybody has got the same idea's about fishing. I fish because there is no better place to comune with our Lord than be on the water, watching the gorgest landscape that he has created. The relaxation of the brease that is moving through the leaves in the trees, the sound of his creation that is all about us. And when you caught a fish that is a bonus to the trip. Well as you can see I love to be outdoors in the woods, lakes, rivers, and the mountains. So lets take care of the gift that he has givin us to harvest from.

[solomon]

I fish cuz I have to. I like deer season, duck season, squirrel, rabbit, dove, etc. They all open and close. I grew up in the back of the 80 acre field across the road from the other 80 acre field. Could take my pick of 10 ponds to walk to. So I fished a lot. Used to go with my grandmother, who still fishes to this day. She taught me how to fish. I was, for the most part a good kid. That was my entertainment. We'd fish, or ride bikes through the woods or stand in the field and see who could get the cattle close enought to em to touch. I can't imagine not fishing. Now, I havn't necessarily always stayed out of trouble. There's been times I'd have been a lot better off had I been fishing, and times I'd have much rather been fishing than where I was. In my life I've figured out there are some things I can and can't do. I'm just glad (and my wife is too) one of the things I enjoy most don't require a cover charge. I don't care if it's 100 degrees or 10 degrees, I like to fish. It's relaxing, even when it's work. It's rewarding, even when you come up empty. You can always learn more about it or from it, or teach it to somebody else. It gives me great satisfaction. I don't know why everybody dosen't fish.

[Socal-Mike]

Because im addicted to it...........really :eek:

[s_self88]

I also fish because i am addicted. i think about it all day.

[ohiohawghunter45067]

well cant say any real reason why i fish besides the fact that what i enjoy doing and not to mention how peaceful it can be

[RMXmitch]

Because there is nothing like the feeling of a big fish on the other end of your rod!

[Individualist]

It seems that most of us fish to relax, I think I need to change that old swivel seat on my boat, then maybe I can relax too. No really, I grew up in the mountians of Wyoming and my father took us kids trout fishing all the time. That's when I got hooked, it became what I do, the love of catfishing came when he was promoted in his job which meant a move to Kansas. I couldn't imagine a better place to be than right here in the middle where the fish are huge and the people are friendly. I started getting better at cattin when I stumbled onto the BOC, this place is great and the people are better, it is an example of how the whole country should be.

[MUDHOLE KID]

WHY KNOTTIt was my first love,I still love it,I'll die loving it,and I hope there's a great lake in the heavens loaded with huge Flatheads. :D

[master_cat]

y i fish is that rush u get weather its 1 pound or 100 pounds the feel of that fish on yer line just makes u fell i dont know how to explaine it 10 mins of fighting a monster feels like 1 when u get it in u feel better about yer self u feel accomplished then when u take a pic and release the fish u dream about catching it it agin thats wat fishing is to me

[DRC]

i fish mainly for enjoyment of an outdoor activity that my sons and i can all participate in and have something in common.
occasionally i will harvest a few fish but mainly cpr or cr if its little fish.
fishin is fun and its fun to be fishin J.W. thats why ! :) LOL

[Nate]

I've been fishing since I was old enough to hold a bamboo pole back in WV. It's something i could do nonstop for days on end, with or without anyone to keep me company.

[cuttingout69]

I grew up in the out doors. My dad did not hunt or fish though, so I can't say I was taught to do it, I taught myself. It has been a way of life for me for so long now, I don't know what I would do if I didn't fish. I bought my own first boat two weeks after I got my drivers license and have been doing every since. I don't carry if I am fishing or just running the river, I love it out there.

[griz]

I've always loved to fish either by my self, enjoying the solitude or with some friends, enjoying good company. Fishing is the best stress reliever there is. My son and I try to go at least once a week, sometimes it's the only thing that gets us through the work week.

[TDawgNOk]

I fish to relax, and have fun. Also to for dinner occasionally.

[cat4life]

I love the water and its just a way for me to get out of the house and my mom dosent mind it because it keeps me out of troubble. lol

[txharley]

Well i fish because i enjoy getting out there with my family and spending time.. I work hard all week and dont get to see the kids much so when sunday comes its time for family day.. my kids ( 9 yr old boy, 5 yr old girl, and 3 yr old boy) love to go fishing!! and let me say the oldest can almost out fish me!! my wife comes and we all sit down and have some fun seeing what we can catch for dinner!! its always fun to see the kids faces when they hook into something!! doesnt matter what they catch they could catch a 2 inch perch and they are happy!! Plus i love the thrill of catching that big cat!! nothing in the worl is more exhilerating sp? than catching a big cat!! thats why i fish!

[Southernraised84]

I fish cuase they are there ....lol just kidding.I have been fishing every since i was a lil boy, there isent nothing like it in the world.I love getting out there on my boat and sitten there on the river with good freinds or family talking about old times and everything inbetween.Plus its hard to beat that feeling you get when you got that big'un on your line and your fightin to get him to your but and you finally do, then you have to sit down take a deep breath and try to get your hands to stop shakeing cuase your adrenaline is pumping so hard. Thats why i fish

[NANNER]

Great post Richie. I fish for the relaxation, the enjoyment of the outdoors, and the undying thought that the next bite just might be a 150 pound fish. Fishing gives us all great satisfaction and we owe it to our children to preserve this heritage. Practice CPR Catch, Photo, and Release of all the Big Cats. Good Luck Fishin!!!

[Creteus]

I fish because I just plain love it. Gets me out of the house, away from the BS we all have to deal with from day to day. Wish I could go more often

[Markfishmd]

I fish, cause it is the best way for me to recharge, my mental batteries. And it is a wonderful way to spend time with my 6 year old grandson.

[gacat]

I fish for the freedom. When I am fishing, I feel as though I am out of reach an in a place where no one can distrub me. In fact, it isnt so but hey, it feels good! :rolleyes:

[vnvnrb]

I fish because it gets me out with Ma.Latley she has been putting out some beautiful light shows.Also it lets me commune with her,at inner peace with self and I love Catfishin

[Casper]

I fish because it's cheaper than going to a psychiatrist. Added bonus is that it puts food on the table (hopefully). :grin-big:

[peewee williams]

I fish every chance I get,for the same reason that I breathe.I realy believe this.Fishing is a part of me,a part of my life.When I get to fish,I am allways hungry,thirsty,overheated,in pain and frustrated.I am also,very,very happy.I go every time I get the chance and my body will let me.I spend much of my time fishing on the BOC here,with each and every one of you.It,s great,but the water is better.I don;t sit by the window,looking out,waiting to die.When I sit by the window,my mind is out there on the water.I,m fishing,and watching you fish.I am there.I have lived a good life.I am old,and they tell me I am dying,BUT I AM HAPPY.

[hookeye]

Fishing has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My entire family loves to fish so I was fortunate to go a lot as I grew up. It is one of the most enjoyable relaxing ways to spend any free time I can find.

[Dwednuts]

From the time I was a kid of 3years old my dad would take me fishing with him and we would sit and talk the hours away,these were happy times for us. My grandfathers were both fishermen and would both take me fishing with them.
My moms Dad (grandpa Snapper from Florida) took me fishing in the Indian river as a child which taught me about salt water fishin' and how to have fun doin' it. He was a commercial fisherman in the 50's and 60's and he could sure tell some good stories,LOL!!! We made some fond memories together.
My Dads father (Granpa Doc from Illinois) Was one of the founders of the Whitehall Ill. Sportsmans Club and an avid fisherman. We shared many hours fishing together and talking about the things that my dad got in trouble for when he was a kid,LOL!!! All in all we had a blast together.
I miss them both as they are no longer with us.
My Dad is the main reason I love fishing. He taught me the patients to sit still and watch that rod. He would out of the blue decide to go fishing and ask me "do you want to go?" with a bolt I was in the car and waiting on him to get in,LOL!!! My Dad and I have shared many many hours at the fishing hole and I will never forget the good times we have had. We don't get to fish together that much anymore (He lives in Fla. and I live in Ky.) but I still think about the good times fishing together.
So to answer my own question; I fish because it gives me a chance to fish with both of my Grandfathers and my Dad at the same time by remembering them and reveling in the thoughts of them sitting there beside me rooting me on while enjoying what nature has to offer. I like sharing the stories told to me by all of them with a friend as we sit there watching those rods.
I love taking my son with me even if we don't catch anything it is still fun to shoot the breeze with each other,LOL!!! My wife also loves fishing, which is a bonus in it's self.

So in the event that I do go fishing alone , I am not realy alone at all, because I have them with me in my memories.

[FishMan]

just because I can

[LilRyjoe04]

I like most of you work all week and on the weekends I need a relaxing time to sit back and fish. It's funny because before I joined this site, I would hardly ever catch any fish and if we did it was a bonus. I would just go out fishing to get away from the hectic week that I had. Good Luck Fishin Brothers!! ;)

-Later

[Cataholic]

JW, Good times and Memories of Family departed or still here make fishing an excellent bonding agent. Great post!

[scout]

I just love fishing and being out on the water. It really relaxes me and clears my head, not that there was that much to clear up there to begin with. :rolleyes:

[Gator]

I fish because it allows me to relax and thing about things beside work, but the best part of it all and one of the most important reason’s is the people you get to know. I have meet some great people at the local fishing hole and bait shops. The chance to meat new people and relax as well as have some peace and quite and then add in the fun part, man what is there not to love about fishing.

[muskie_hunter]

i've always loved to go fishing and now i'm getting my 5 year old son into it... he's a natural!

[srjones]

:D I fish mostly to spend time with my two sons, Don't get me wrong I love to fish, grew up doing it. But in these days people get so Tied up with work, bills and what else going on, that they forget to spend good quality time with their kids. Then before you know it they're moving out on there own. So I do it mostly to spend some good ole, peaceful quality time with my boys, where we can talk about what ever is on their mind. And I love to see the look on there faces when one of them reels in a fish.

[Redtick]

Why do I fish? That is like asking Hank Williams Jr. why he drinks, rolls smoke, ect, ect. It is a Family Tradition :cool: . I imagion ole Hank loves to catch a fish or 2.

[catfishGANGSTER]

i fish cause it is relaxing and takes away from the everyday frustations(except when the hook just wont set right..lol.)..Now that my son is 3 years old, i took him fishing for the first time last week and he caught his first fish..it was about a 6 inch bream..i had it mounted for him. The taxidermist thought i was crazy when i carried that litte fish into the his shop.Then he realized why.lol
Anyway...its fun to watch my son fight the little fish.

[lunkerman]

Because you never know what will happen. The thrill of a lunker is the best.

[centralcalcat]

I personally grew up fishing and hunting, in a much slower quiter place then where I am now. I think that fishing is the only place I have to get away and relax where life slows down again adn all that matters is me adn the fish.

[Coloman]

As long as I can remember I have always loved fishing! I grew up trout fishing, but when we could not get to the trout waters we would fish for what ever we could ride bikes to or walk to. I love catfishing because I don't have to spend all my time casting to a fish. I let the kittys come to me.

[abilene]

I know this will make me sound like a simpleton but I fish because I want to. If I didn't want to, I wouldn't go. I go when I want to and if I don't want to, I don't go.
The reason I want to fish is because my Dad use to take me when I was a kid. It don't take long for a kid to learn to love fishing, once they get a certain age. If we never learned to love to fish, just think of all we would have missed. Teach your children well.
As I grew older, my reasons changed some. I still want to catch fish, but I'm not as dissapointed when I don't. If I caught fish all the time, it would be too easy and I might get tired of it. It ain't all about catching fish.

[Dwednuts]

That doesn't make you sound like a simplton, it makes you sound like you know what you want to do in life. And there ain't nothing wrong with that at all.
Well said!!!

[barbel]

JW, those are my reasons exactly that you have up there. For another thing it is also a good way for me to get away from people, who seem to be bent on irritating the #$%! out of me where I live, lol.

[Dave53]

I fish so I can unwind and be the other person I want to be. What I mean is all week long I have to deal with other people's problems and when I get out on the river I can let that all go and just relax and enjoy the river. There have been times when nothing seemed to go right on the river but somehow I still felt better when I was leaving than when I got there. Catching fish has always been a bonus to me.

[stickthrower]

I fish because I grew up on Possum Kingdom Lake in TX with the greatest man that ever lived as far as I'm concerned. My Uncle Pat started taking me fishing with him when I was 4 years old. He has passed on to his reward, but when I fish he is still with me. He was like a Dad to me, taught me to fish, hunt, and enjoy the simple things in life. He spent time with me when my own dad wouldn't, taught me to love the outdoors, hunt deer, was his bird dog in latter years when his legs gave out on him. He used to swipe me out of the yard without telling my mom (boy would she get pissed) and take me with him. We hunted & fished as he taught me what being a man and a father was without even seeming to be teaching. He wipped me when I needed it, loved me no matter what, but most of all was just himself.

I now have a four year old son & twelve year old daughter & since I retired about a year ago, we have spent many a happy day together just sitting on the bank fishing. We get to talk, play games when he wants, but mainly we are together. I get the pleasure of watching their faces light up when they catch a fish, doesn't matter the size or type to them. Hopefully they are building as good a store of memories like I am.

We get to enjoys God's creation without the hustle & stress that we all live with day to day.

Hopefully I am teaching them about nature and being a good person like my Uncle taught me. And most importantly I am hopefully teaching them a way to relax, not take life so seriously, and take time to enjoy their families when the grow up and have their own families.

But the best reason is we are together, enjoying life together, and catching BIG FISH! :grin-big:

[ozarksnick]

I fish to eat. If I didn't eat the fish I caught, I wouldn't fish.

That said, it sure is a nice way to blow off stress.

There've been a handful of times when I've gone out and baited my hooks with something that I knew wouldn't catch much (if any) fish, just so that I could be out there.

[Skrod]

Well, I work on IT stuff for the USMC and Navy on the weekends (used to be all week), and I'm on the phone listening to other folks problems all the time in a pretty hectic, noisy environment.

I always used to love fishing when I was younger, but had gotten away from it about ten years ago, until this Spring a friend of mine turned me back on to it.

Now, I like it (catfishing especially, but I like to catch anything that swims) to bring a bit more peace and balance and sanity (most times) into my life -- and it beats the heck out of spending time on the couch watching stupid things on TV or time taking up space in a bar.

So, I'm a natural born night owl, and catfishing suits me.

Kevin ~~~ >-<)))>;

[Desperado]

I do it to relax and catch a few to eat. Also if you get a partner it's great to bs about things and laugh. :cool:

[Rainman4u2]

Sometimes it's for the peace and the solitude, others it's for the commraderie.
Sometimes it's for the food, others it's to get the heck out of her way!!!LOL!!!

Ray

[brinley45cal]

Ive been hunting and fishing as long as i can remember.I love the outdoors espcialy fishing.Also its relaxing and its good theropy,i have heart disease and with the type i have it makes my heart beat really fast, so fishing is a good way to just get outdoors where its quiet and calm and just relax and have fun.Theres nothing like fishing.

[willisjj]

I grew up around Adair, Oklahoma and have fished since I was old enough to climb into the truck with Dad. My Dad is the one big reason I love fishing to this day. Thinking back on all of those great memories of our fishing trips together, it kills me that I am stuck 1500 miles away from him here in Phoenix. Theres nothing I can do about that at the moment (working on it!), but I have 3 kids of my own now and any time that I can get out of this city and out to the lake with my kids to fish, I do it. I hope I can pass on to them what my Dad passed on to me all those years ago. That is the reason that I fish or should I say, one of the major reasons. A few of the other reasons are stress relief, fresh air, and fresh fish on the table! I have a lot of hobbys and none of them are cheap, but fishing is something that you can do with a minimum of equipment as long as you stay away from the fishing isle and the bass pro catalog, lol. It sure gives you a lot of time to think too and the world would be a lot better place in my opinion, if more people fished on a regular basis.

[Sean]

:wub: I fish to eat.

Plus I like getting out of the house and all that, and the thrill of the hunt. Something about reeling them in just does it for me, must be the adrenaline.

[Bosshawg]

I get that question alot from the ole lady... It is my time. It's my therapy. It keeps me from going off the deep end. And even if everything in "life" is great, I just down right love it! I know most of you have probably heard "the fishing song" by Brad Paisley... My sentiments exactly!

Bosshawg

Lord give me the grace to catch a fish so large that even I, in talking about it afterwards may never need to lie again!

[CJ21]

I fish to relax, and for dinner!

[speedy1_36]

I am new here but i just love fishing of any kind. I like trot lining,jug fishing and using a rod and reel. Just fun to me and my 13 year old son. Maybe keep us both out of trouble.

[Sentry Dog Man]

I fish for the challenge, relaxation, tinkering with the gear, experimenting with different terminal rigs, maintaining or catching bait, thrill of the catch, communing with nature and dreaming of the big fish I will someday catch. Or, the rude 150 to 200 pound jet skier, boater/fisherman or skier that I might one day snag with a Paternoster rig, when they come into my small, peaceful coves, intentionally running over my lines and showing no common courtesy.

[mudcat_xpress]

I fish because I think it is the greatest relaxation method of mankind. It is always fun, memoriable, and not 1, 2 things ever happen alike. So, to try to explain this in the shortest and most honest way possible " I LOVE IT, IT IS MY LIFE."

[omots2]

I fish because ,solitude,relax,peace.enjoy,fun,famley,Istay because the fish are bitting or not bitting it realy doesnot matter.Yhe lord does not take from a man the time he spends fishing. tight lines to all :) :) :)

[elphaba7]

I fish for a few different reasons...to relax... to take my son, who outfishes me everytime :rolleyes:... Because it makes me think of going with my dad when I was little... to not think about anything but catching fish... to take them home and eat them... to try to outsmart the fish-which usually doesn't happen :glare: ...To be still, and quiet, and alone, and then get that bite that says, I'm really not alone...because I'm addicted...

[cats4uandme]

well ive done it since i was a lil kid. it was one of the only forms of fun with a reward when i was little around this small town. nothing else to do.

it is great to get away and enjoy the scenery. only prob with clinton now is if ya want to see beautiful scenery ya can't go near the bank with all the littering bumbs leaving liver containers and worm boxes. but i enjoy getting outdoors most. i hate being in the house.

plus food. i eat prob 50% of what i catch. nothing like a fillet for supper and i have at least one fish fry a year for my pals to have a few beers and some fish and taters and slaw. as a matter of fact this weekend were frying up a few #'s and hopfully some dove breasts. gonna watch the night race outside on the deck.

enjoy the great outdoors, just respect it too. ;)

[roofermike]

I fish because I like the challenge. I am not that great so it really is a challenge. It is relaxing and I get to spend time with my daughter, or dad or wife.

[SilverCross]

I fish because there is nothing else I would rather be doing. Very relaxing but also very challenging. Hey UPS, made a lot of sense to me.

[Netmanjack]

I'm still that little kid


He beckoned my soul just like Moby Dick,
So I tied me a line to a hook and a stick.

I waited for hours in the water near shore,
To catch this big fish that I saw once before.

Yes I was young and didn't know much back then,
Like tying the best knot or counting the rays of a fin.

Yet still I got hooked and had but one fleeting wish,
As I yearned for the time I would catch that big fish.

Now I'm older and wiser with all kinds of gear,
And I try all the new stuff year after year.

I watch TV shows read books and join clubs,
My baits include liver live Bluegill and chubs.

I now fish from boats or just sit on the bank,
For my hours of pleasure I cast and I crank,

So when someone ask why the truth can't be hid,
The answer is clear I'm still that little kid!

Netmanjack

[nuthinlikeacat]

Fishing is just a way of life.....what would life be without fishing??? It doesnt matter what, if anything, I catch. I love it and damn it, NOONE can ever take it away from me!! :rolleyes:

Words cant describe the feeling from sittin out on the lake....

[Larry]

Been Fishing for over 30 years, Though just Started Catfishing this summer Could not imagine life with out it. More importantly I cant wait till next summer when I can take my Boy out and show him one of lifes most exciting pleasures.

[Catcaller]

I fish because I always have since a young child and I have always been amazed by the way it makes time stall out and commands your entire attention. It doesnt matter if you're only fishing a pond where you have the fish named or in the river or lake where the big boys roam...you're glued to the end of the rod. I've fished since before I can even remember, and it never changes...everytime you feel a strike, theres that...there he is! As soon as the hookset is done and you feel the fish surging against your rod...you ask yourself....how big is it? Then the guessing begins. But the best part is when you cant judge the fish because he's pulling so hard. The adrenaline is flowing...oh what a feeling!
Fishing to me is my medicine, I have been through some ups and downs during my life thus far...as everybody does...some of them were good...some worse than others....but I havent found a trouble yet that wasnt soothed by spending some time outdoors and taking the time to take in your surroundings and allowing yourself to revert to a more basic mindset and approach to your style. If you're asking me...I feel closer to god when I'm outdoors fishing, hunting, training my labs, or watching a beautiful fall sunset out on the river or in the duck blind than I do sitting in any church.

[elphaba7]

Fishing to me is my medicine, .
There is another forum I belong to, and one of the members'profile name is "who needs therapywhen you've got fishing"

Pretty long, but he get's his point across :)

[three_rivers]

Depends on what i'm fishing for mainly. I fish for catfish for the rush of hooking into a good one. Looking for that elusive trophy fish. It gets the blood a flowin just like seeing a good buck coming towards you when that pole jerks down real hard and lets back up.

Being out on the river in a place you can call your own as your the only one for as far as you can see. Peace and quiet with all the wildlife goin about there daily routine. What more could you ask for?

[Dwednuts]

These are all great reasons and thank you for your responses.

[Mutt]

I grew up with a pole in my hand. My dad and i would hike all over the river flyfishing for trout. Have a ton of great memories of fishing with him. It has been a part of my life since i grew up and would exchange it for anything. My wife loves to fish as much as I do and it makes for great memories for the both of us. Helps for relaxation now days and to get away from the hustle and bustle of normal everyday life.

[HOPPY4]

It is a part of my Life that is Very Important to me. I have done it since I was able to hold my own cane pole in my hands. It allows me to go back to nature and that is a Healty thing for anyone. This asspect of my life has provided many hours of Joy and the Memories are too numerious to count. While here in Germany, it is my way to relax after the Stress of the job has taken it's toal over the week. Fishing is my Hobby for the MIND! Racquetball is my sport for the Body and my Soul is taken care of by the Lord God in Heaven. JMHO!!!!!!!!!!!!

HOPPY4

[Whistler]

I guess I fish because I grew up with it. My dad started me fishing when I was about 5 years old. First real trip I remember we went to a place in California called Salton Sea and we(he) were fishing for Corvina at a place called Salt Creek State Park. I haven't been there in years but back then it was really not much more than a place to park a camper and fish. We parked and he loaded up with all of the stuff he wanted to take with us and we set off on a walk to where he wanted to fish about a mile down the beach(away from everyone else). When we got there he set everything up and casted his rod and mine out. I remember him catching some nice fish too. I caught some as well, but he actually did the casting and catching. But they were most definately mine as far as I was concerned. LOL Not long after we got there he sent me back to the pickup for something he'd forgot. I nearly ran all the way there and back. This stands out so clearly because it was the first time I ever remember him giving me a dad's praise for doing something so well. We fish all night and in the morning we went home with a limit of fish for him and a few for me too. LOL I guess I got hooked on that trip for some reason. My dad and I were best friends as long as he was alive. I have a love of the outdoors, wildlife and fishing because of him. I guess I fish for the relaxation and because in my heart my dad's always with me while I'm fishing. Something I hope to pass on to my grandkids soon.

[Believer]

I too started fishing as a young boy with my dad & grandpa. It's funny the things you can remember. One small thing that sticks out in my mind is dad always stopping at this little market for some fresh sliced lunch meat before we headed out! :)
As an adult i'm having fun fishing with my kids. Heck I enjoy fishing with just about anyone! I don't necessarily catch a lot, but I sure have fun just hanging out enjoying the company & admiring God's creation! :)

Eric

[flathunter]

I fish for the thrill of catching fish, hopefully big fish.

[RIVER-RAT]

I fish because it's a disease!....I'm ADDICTED :D :D

[tncatfishing]

Have fished for many reasons over the years. Fished here in tn with my dad as a kid, just to be with my dad and have fun. In new jersey it was the thing to do and fun when a bunch of kids go fishing, get into all kinds of things. I fish now cause it is something enjoyable to do and like the way catfish tastes. Oh and when I can I enjoy taking my daughter fishing. All in all it is for the memories and time shared together, and big catfish can't leave that out. :)

[fourteenfootcat]

Robert Travers' quote frequently comes to mind:

"I fish because I love to, because I live the environs where [catfish] are found, which are invariably beautiful."

[T-Bone]

Why I Fish: I'm like most all ya'll, grew up on it, raised my kids on it, love it. It's more than just a sport to me. It cleans my mind out. I am one with nature. Good friends that I very much enjoy being with. Watching my son catch a huge Bass, bigger than any thing I had caught before. Competing with my son on who can catch a bigger one( I'm ahead) so he still wants to fish with me and beat me ( he's almost 19 and still hangs out with the ol'man). Remembering my Granddad, it seems as if he is fishing with me. The memories all flash before me every time I go. Just knowing : This Time, I Will Catch The Fish Of A Life Time ! Even if I don't catch that fish of a life time, I know I have a chance next time. The smells of nature. Getting away from everyday life stuff. My attitude gets better. My wife gets a break from me (and I her) when she doesn't go. I enjoy trying to trick bass into biting my plastic worm. Or catfishing for some dinner.

I fish because I can !

[nosnag]

I have been fishing since I was about four years old. My Dad and Uncle always had the time and patience to teach and guide me about the importance of being in touch with the natural world.They are gone now but when I'm on the water they return to my side. I've kept up the tradition with my own kids and grandkids, and I hope that I will be there with them as happy memories after I too am gone. I think that just being closer to natural things puts a persons perspective back in tune. We can wonder at how we are just a small part of the whole scheme of things. We put aside our problems and worries to become one with nature. How better is there a way to relax? The old addage that a day of fishing is always better than a day of work surely will always be true.

[capt.kirk]

I have been fishing most of my 65 years i enjoy it,i guess i grew up
outdoors.fishing is the most relaxing thing i do next to playing my keyboard,
music will sooth your soul. :)
KIRK

[Marshallmth]

I fish to let my mind relax, my body, and soak up the natural sounds.

[jim]

FISHING IS THE GREAT ERASER.No matter what is written on your slate of life for any given day ,watching your line to see if that crappie is carrying your minnow sideways removes it from your conscious thought process.My Dad,Godfather and Uncles gave me that gift.My father fought in WWll,North Africa,Sicily, Italy.After surviving that he fought in Korea.Fishing was his escape from the day to day rigors of Army life.All across the south where ever he was stationed we fished for whatever was available.He always had time to take me and to this day he is still my role model,idol and hero.No man born of woman will ever replace him in those roles.Yes he is still alive and I never fail to tell him he is my hero not so much for his wartime exploits but simply because he always had time to take me and the wonderful patience of a saint to re-rig when I broke off or unsnarl the backlashes or rebait the hooks etc.Never heard him say a harsh word or criticize my casting technique.I passed that on to my sons and the granchildren are coming of age now also.So fishing is also the great inheritance that we pass on.We might not have much worldly goods but in giving our kids the gift of fishing we have helped them cope with the hard realities of life and provided a means of escape that simply can't be purchased with mere money.Never had to worry about them either nor did my parents ever worry about me because they knew every spare moment I had I was fishing for something.I'm sure medical science will probably prove one day that people that fish live longer or at least have happier lives.SO WHY are you hitting the keyboard??????Go Fishing!!!!!!!!!