Do You Guys Ever Need A Break From Fishing? 2024
RMcDuffee726 reply :
I've been going out a lot lately and when I have been on the water I've realized that I haven't been into it as much as I think I should. I'm not saying that I don't love fishing because fishing is my favorite thing in the world. I think I may need a break just to get some of my ambition and motivation back. Have you guys ever needed to take a break to "get back into it"? I'm curious to see everyone's take on this. Tight lines gentlemen! 
Todd2 reply :
I see a bunch of letters but I can't understand anything you just typed. 
RAMBLER reply :
I am in desperate need of a break from everything else that stops me from fishing.
At one time, quite a few years ago, I fished everyday for a couple of months. I never needed a break. Oh for those days.
Too answer your question; NO!!!!!
churchcc12 reply :
For my hands, yeah. Mentally not really. I've had to take breaks from hunting before because I got burned out. If you think a break would be a good idea, just stay off the water until you want to go and it should be fun again.
gardnerjigman reply :
Occasionally.... To eat, sleep and poop!
lo n slo reply :
Sometimes you do need to step away, especially if you're feeling burnt out or that you're just going thru the motions.
Fun4Me reply :
I heard there was a 20 pound bass, in that lake by your house. Still want to take a break?
Just kidding, sometimes a break is good for the soul.
Jar11591 reply :
Fishing is my break.
tomustang reply :
Only from people
A-Jay reply :
Sounds like it's time to do one of at least Two Things ~
1) Fish a totally new body of water.
2) Time to master a new technique or perhaps resurrect an old one . . .
I'll say that one or both of those have been very successful in helping me rekindle The Fire ~
That and a few Big Bass - that Always helps . . . .
A-Jay
NathanW reply :
I finally got back into an old hobby last fall (Mountain Biking) and had thoughts at times that I should sell some of my gear and even my boat. Lasted until about May when I decided that I shouldn't miss the springtime Yakima River bite, caught about 18 lbs of smallmouth and that was that! Head over heels back in love with fishing. My wife thought it was crazy that I wasn't fishing in March and April but I didn't miss it one bit.
I honestly think its a good idea to have something else, maybe something a little more active than fishing to go to during the off season or when you are feeling a little burnt out. I have fished less this year than many years in the past but have put up more 18lbs plus days this year than I ever have in the past. Time on the water definitely improves skill and technique but time away from the water could possibly improve drive by reigniting passion and removing you from your routines.
blckshirt98 reply :
On 8/1/2015 at 5:48 AM, A-Jay said:Sounds like it's time to do one of at least Two Things ~
1) Fish a totally new body of water.
2) Time to master a new technique or perhaps resurrect an old one . . .
I'll say that one or both of those have been very successful is helping me rekindle The Fire ~
That and a few Big Bass - that Always helps . . . .
A-Jay
Yup, spot on. When I start to get burned out I look for a completely new body of water to explore, or, pick some random tackle/lure from my hoard stash and experiment with it out on the water. My expectations that way aren't always to catch fish, but to learn something new. Of course there are days when you just want to lay down on the couch and watch a movie, which is perfectly fine.
BassinLou reply :
That thought has never entered my mind..... EVER!! Lol!!
Seriously speaking, if taking a break from fishing was my thought process I would re-evaluate what's going on and probably look into something else that might re-energize my passion. If it isn't fishing, it has to be something else. If there is isn't something else, then I would have to do some soul searching. Fortunately for me however I looooove bass fishing. 
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
I'm actually the opposite. If I don't fish I lose interest, the more I fish, the more I wanna be out on the water fishing.
Neil McCauley reply :
QuoteDo you guys ever need a break from fishing?
Nope.
Lunker Addict reply :
Every now and then I get a feeling like I need a break but mostly just to eat and sleep.
Dye99 reply :
Nope. I feel I need a break TO fish...
a1712 reply :
I haven't been on the water the last 2 days, first time off a day of fishing since May. I did shoot tons of worms, jig trailers and Chatterbait/Spinnerbait trailers though. I'll be back at it Monday, hopefully till Fall. Brian.
Senko lover reply :
Like the other dude said, fishing is my break. When I'm feeling sad, mad, depressed, you name it, I go fishing.
It's got some therapeutical qualities for me, I guess. It's good to get alone and think or pray.
Of course, I like fishing for catching fish, but it also has that calming effect on me
the reel ess reply :
I need a break from breaks from fishing.
ABW reply :
Only a break to check out bassresource.com.. then it's back to fishing
Cgrinder reply :
Yeah. Chasing enthusiast tackle is exhausting. November through March is my break. I don't shop much during hard water.
Ratherbfishing reply :
If it's hot and humid and/or the fish aren't cooperating, yes, I do need a break. And then I have an evening like tonight (some good fish on a super fluke and a moss mouse) and I'm revved up again. But except on special trips to Canada (or wherever) the most I prefer to fish is about every other day. Every day would wear me out physically and emotionally.
davecon reply :
Haven't needed a break so far, but then again I've only been doing this once or twice a week for 48 years ( with the exception of a few weeks here and there for major illnesses ).
I'll let you know!
zachb34 reply :
I used to go through this a lot and it was pretty bad timing. I would always fish hard through the summer or winter when the fishing was so slow. I mean really hard hours and hours a day just grinding to catch a fish with very little to show for my efforts. Once spring and fall came around I was so discouraged and sick of it I had to take a break. I've also taken breaks when I needed to make/save more money like buying my first car, new truck, new boat, etc.
WilliamMcCabe reply :
On 8/1/2015 at 5:28 AM, gardnerjigman said:Occasionally.... To eat, sleep and poop!
You don't sleep on the front deck, and just do #2 off the side? Haha
d-camarena reply :
I don't understand did i just read? I dont get it. I fish to take a break from life. Why would i take a break from fishing?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/1/2015 at 11:15 AM, WilliamMcCabe said:You don't sleep on the front deck, and just do #2 off the side? Haha
We call that shooting a roostertail.
I honestly don't think I could ever get tired of fishing, it's all that's on my brain all the time. Doesn't matter if I'm casting for bass, sitting on the river waiting for a big blue or flathead, pitching a tiny jig for bluegills and sunfish, it's all exciting to me and I hope that excitement never goes away.
Oregon Native reply :
Don't get tired of breathing either....so guess I'll keep at em both
GodfatherOfSeoul reply :
I wish I had more time to fish...lol. fishing is my me time away from the wife and kids. I keep a combo in the car in case I find an opportunity to fish. But I would prob need a break if I fished for 365 days straight for maybe a day....lol
cgolf reply :
Nope, I hit my local river 4-5 times a week for 25 minutes on my way to work. I love being on the water, it puts me in a good frame of mind for work. As for the break, that is when it is too cold or the river is iced up. Also in the spring waiting for the season to open. Guess what the break sucks and I get antsy and can't wait to get back on the river chasing smallies:)
RMcDuffee726 reply :
On 8/1/2015 at 10:34 AM, zachb34 said:I used to go through this a lot and it was pretty bad timing. I would always fish hard through the summer or winter when the fishing was so slow. I mean really hard hours and hours a day just grinding to catch a fish with very little to show for my efforts. Once spring and fall came around I was so discouraged and sick of it I had to take a break. I've also taken breaks when I needed to make/save more money like buying my first car, new truck, new boat, etc.
RMcDuffee726 reply :
That's how I feel right now. Just grinding to catch a fish after a 10 hour day doing labor in the sun 6 days a week. Hopefully I get back into when work slows down and the weather cools.
Trenton reply :
Only time I need a brake is after an 8 hour tournament when you go through all the stages of tournament fishing. Really wears on you specially if you get skunked. But other then that I'm headed to the river today then I'm heading to another tournament Saturday
Jaderose reply :
On 8/1/2015 at 5:48 AM, A-Jay said:Sounds like it's time to do one of at least Two Things ~
1) Fish a totally new body of water.
2) Time to master a new technique or perhaps resurrect an old one . . .
I'll say that one or both of those have been very successful is helping me rekindle The Fire ~
That and a few Big Bass - that Always helps . . . .
A-Jay
^^THIS^^^
Nashua Nev reply :
pretty much the same as most everyone else. fishing is the break from everything else. typically quiet , relaxing , enjoyable , catching or not.
I did go thru this with hockey, i had been playing so much for so long that it became no longer enjoyable. I took an almost 2 yr break from hockey, now i am back to playing 4 to 5 mornings a week and enjoying it again.
however , fishing has not come to the point where i get to do so much that i dont enjoy it.
for someone retired and nothing else to do fishing might eventually become not so enjoyable. in 20 yrs when i am 75, retired and nothing else to do i will let you know.
KyBassin reply :
shoot with 2 kids (one being an infant and one a 3 year old) i get to get out about 2 nights out of a month and i love every minute of it! kind of hard to get sick of it that way.
bigbill reply :
I take my fishing very serious. I was going everyday till I got burned out. I will be back soon(sick). Ill be in the fall hunt for big bass.
I'm hooked on fishing.
Do I need a break from fishing?
No not when I was in the groove of up at 3;30am everyday.
Kiss the misses goodbye, load the car.......
DogBone_384 reply :
Yes, every now and again I'll get into a slump and take a few weeks off. I work two jobs so time generally passes quickly enough i get reeled back into it.
whitwolf reply :
If you seriously want to take a break, simply buy an older home that needs some work, you'll get all the break you need. lol
I'm agree with AJ, try some new waters or a new technique. At this point It's all about a change, It will re-energize you like you won't believe!
flyfisher reply :
Not really. I do get tired of specific species or areas or techniques so i just switch it up. Some days i will go out with only the fly rod, other days i will chase smallies, other days i will go after sunnies etc...It has been a long time since i was able to fish more than a day or two a week so for me, life gets i noted way enough as it is that i don't need a break.
Scorchx1245 reply :
Winter is my break, lakes freeze up around November and thaw around March/april.
Catt reply :
Teach someone else to fish!
SirSnookalot reply :
I normally fish saltwater every morning and fresh water every afternoon, never get tired of it. I haven't fish in almost 3 weeks due to a medical condition and I'm going nuts.
ww2farmer reply :
Yes, and lucky for me it comes at just the right time............Mid/late November- Late March/Early April, or , as we like to call it here............Winter.
Bankbeater reply :
I stopped fishing for a few weeks a couple of years ago. It was cold in the mornings and hot in the afternoon, and the bass fishing was terrible. I started fishing again when the weather changed. That was the last time I took a break from fishing.
kcdinkerz reply :
Only when then weather gets to crazy,
wisconsin heat reply :
There are times of the year where fishing is tough for example a month or so ago, it seemed I could only scrap together a few small bass per outing by fishing a wacky rig, they wouldn't hit anything else. I took a break from that body of water and fished others a little bit. I also like to take relatives out to fish for panfish or sometimes trout, those can be good ways to break up "the fishing rut" that can sometimes happen.
Scott F reply :
A lot of my fishing is done on road trips that last 3 days to 17 days in a row. Going hard 10 to 12 hours a day wears me out. On the longer trips, bad weather usually gives me the break I need. I just got back from 5 days of float trips and I needed a break when I got home. I was just worn out,
Basspro3106 reply :
I need a break from this thread:)
I sometimes need a break from tourney bass fishing so I sneak off to my local trout stream and try my luck with a fly haha.
tnt2671 reply :
I let Mother Nature dictate my breaks from fishing if the weather is bad I'll usually take the day off which usually gets me a couple days off every few weeks during the season. If I go more than that I start getting the itch bad. Winter time well that's a different story and I think I can speak for most of us northeaster anglers it's straight up torture!
masterbass reply :
I fish when I feel like it which so far is all the time. I don't know anyone that is as obsessed as I am except maybe some of you guys.
StratDude reply :
Do You Guys Ever Need A Break From Fishing?
Yes.. My break involves going hunting!!!!
BW208 reply :
Lately ive been getting frustrated with the heavy pressure and tough summer bite but usually only lasts a couple days before I have to head back out lol.
CFS reply :
Some of my students....... man, they would really like to sneak out of school to fish.
mnbassman23 reply :
We have one built in up here called winter. I'm itching to go come May and by the time winter rolls around again it seems like the time goes to fast.
Dennis1972 reply :
i am fishing hard because i know my break is coming. dove season starts on sept 1st and i will be done fishing for the year for the most part, right after dove season then deer season starts and that is my REAL passion in life. but yeah, i even have to take a break from deer hunting sometimes, if i have been going every morning and evening and not seeing anything to shoot, it starts to become more like work and less like fun. i am real hardcore, i used to quit my job every year on oct 1st till deer season was over in january then find a new crappy job till next deer season, now i have my own business and hunt and fish ANY day i feel the need, which is darn near every day.
Canyon explorer reply :
Yep,
Beanfield deer hunting.
mrmacwvu1 reply :
i tend to go on runs
i have many hobbies
this year was golf
I have played probably 80 rounds this year so far
I am a little burned out now and and looking foward to the fall bite
two years ago I played maybe 10 times and spent all of my free time on the water
BW208 reply :
On 8/13/2015 at 12:55 AM, mrmacwvu1 said:i tend to go on runs
i have many hobbies
this year was golf
I have played probably 80 rounds this year so far
I am a little burned out now and and looking foward to the fall bite
two years ago I played maybe 10 times and spent all of my free time on the water
I also have to many hobbies lol. I race outlaw karts, fish, race dirt bikes, build furniture out of reclaimed pallets and also have a slatwater reef tank.
gulfcaptain reply :
Isn't that what works for? I mean to give us a break from fishing and provide us with the funds to fish? Just saying.
FinCulture reply :
Ha NOPE!!!! Good idea for a funny forum but April Fool's day isn't for another 8 months 
MIbassyaker reply :
I wouldn't call it "needing a break" so much as temporarily losing the struggle for control of my life against all the other activities waiting in the wings to take over -- hiking, backpacking, biking, brewing, whitewater, landscaping and yardwork, concerts, movies...not to mention social life and family obligations and work...
If I ever actually feel the need to take a break from a particular hobby, it means I probably really, REALLY need to take break now for my own health and sanity; otherwise I'd never get to that point.
bigbill reply :
When I was going at it 24/7 the only break I had was sleeping. Till I got completely burned out around 3 months. I'm retired and have the time. I purchased plenty of supplies before I retired. I planned ahead.
My kids laugh but I keep them supplied too.
SirSnookalot reply :
Been on a 4 week break, not self imposed. I just might go do some lite duty bank fishing today.
retiredbosn reply :
I have a 20 foot boat parked in the driveway that hasn't moved in a month. I normally take a break this time of year. I don't enjoy fishing in triple digit weather!
5 Dollar Fishing Game reply :
I understand where the OP is coming from. Pressure is on for me also. I am now fishing with BPS team here in NC as a local pro. I need to keep my game up to par a lot more. I have to learn and utilize new lures and tactics almost daily.
Sometimes when the bite isn't on or the fish are dinks I feel like I am losing a battle. I feel burned out. I feel like I've wasted time.
Then I try to take a step back and look at the big picture. I want to fish to relax and have fun. If it ever seems like it's time to take a break then I've done something wrong. I could be too hard on myself or try to hard to fish and lose the enjoyment.
Like A-Jay said, try some new waters, new lures, techniques, ETC.
retiredbosn reply :
On 8/16/2015 at 5:23 AM, 5 Dollar Fishing Game said:I understand where the OP is coming from. Pressure is on for me also. I am now fishing with BPS team here in NC as a local pro. I need to keep my game up to par a lot more. I have to learn and utilize new lures and tactics almost daily.
Sometimes when the bite isn't on or the fish are dinks I feel like I am losing a battle. I feel burned out. I feel like I've wasted time.
Then I try to take a step back and look at the big picture. I want to fish to relax and have fun. If it ever seems like it's time to take a break then I've done something wrong. I could be too hard on myself or try to hard to fish and lose the enjoyment.
Like A-Jay said, try some new waters, new lures, techniques, ETC.
This is why I don't fish tourneys, I get aggrevated enough when I'm fishing for fun and get skunked. For me being a pro would take some fun out of it.
BocaGrande reply :
NO lol I barely get out these days
SirSnookalot reply :
On 8/16/2015 at 12:49 PM, retiredbosn said:This is why I don't fish tourneys, I get aggrevated enough when I'm fishing for fun and get skunked. For me being a pro would take some fun out of it.
I agree, tourneys don't interest me at all. I come and go as I please, I"m there to relax and enjoy myself. Being s/e 40 years was enough pressure for me. The common ground, don't come until I do catch fish, never came home without making a buck for the day.
SudburyBasser reply :
I'm going to serve as a bit of a counterpoint to most of the posts in this thread: I have felt the need to take a break from fishing.
Up until this past winter I was, like most of you are, completely obsessed by fishing. The winter before this last one I was actually worried I was losing my mind because the winter never ended and all I wanted to do was fish.
This past winter I sensed a bit of a change in me...I didn't have the drive to fish like I did before. I don't know why, it's just how I feel right now. Although I still fish regularly (a week rarely goes by that I don't), I only fished one tournament this year and I don't wake up Monday waiting to for the weekend to hit water again.
Part of that has to do with my re-entrance into the world of target shooting -- the past 8 months has seen me buy more rifles than fishing rods -- but I think I just needed a break, not from the fishing, but from the obsessiveness for fishing. A lot of energy gets tied up when all you do is fish. I just ran out for a while.
RMcDuffee726 reply :
On 8/18/2015 at 6:19 AM, SudburyBasser said:I'm going to serve as a bit of a counterpoint to most of the posts in this thread: I have felt the need to take a break from fishing.
Up until this past winter I was, like most of you are, completely obsessed by fishing. The winter before this last one I was actually worried I was losing my mind because the winter never ended and all I wanted to do was fish.
This past winter I sensed a bit of a change in me...I didn't have the drive to fish like I did before. I don't know why, it's just how I feel right now. Although I still fish regularly (a week rarely goes by that I don't), I only fished one tournament this year and I don't wake up Monday waiting to for the weekend to hit water again.
Part of that has to do with my re-entrance into the world of target shooting -- the past 8 months has seen me buy more rifles than fishing rods -- but I think I just needed a break, not from the fishing, but from the obsessiveness for fishing. A lot of energy gets tied up when all you do is fish. I just ran out for a while.
That's the same situation and feel I had. That's what I meant. Thank you for providing a different response.
FinCulture reply :
I'm just going to comment "No" for the second time just to properly establish my answer to this question.
zachb34 reply :
I'm in the same boat as you I probably take off for a few months every year. Although the past year, I haven't done so.On 8/18/2015 at 6:19 AM, SudburyBasser said:I'm going to serve as a bit of a counterpoint to most of the posts in this thread: I have felt the need to take a break from fishing.
Up until this past winter I was, like most of you are, completely obsessed by fishing. The winter before this last one I was actually worried I was losing my mind because the winter never ended and all I wanted to do was fish.
This past winter I sensed a bit of a change in me...I didn't have the drive to fish like I did before. I don't know why, it's just how I feel right now. Although I still fish regularly (a week rarely goes by that I don't), I only fished one tournament this year and I don't wake up Monday waiting to for the weekend to hit water again.
Part of that has to do with my re-entrance into the world of target shooting -- the past 8 months has seen me buy more rifles than fishing rods -- but I think I just needed a break, not from the fishing, but from the obsessiveness for fishing. A lot of energy gets tied up when all you do is fish. I just ran out for a while.
Mike2841 reply :
Sometimes I'll get lazy and not go out, there's also times when I'll cut a trip short because I'm bored.
steverowbotham reply :
I took a year off of tournament fishing last year because I didnt have the fire. I spent too much time on lakes I didnt want to be at and in weather I didnt want to be in. I had my first son last year and used my free days to fish my favourite lakes and learn new techniques. It was exactly what I needed.
SirSnookalot reply :
I went yesterday, 1st time in about a month, made 2 casts and came in. Had a swirl on top water, I could see it was a small fish, didn't want to fish the heat for small ones.
jim k reply :
It was early winter. I was in my waders in an icy tributary. There wasn't much happening, and I thought to myself "what am I doing standing here freezing when I could be home tying flies and watching football ?"
Sea Salt reply :
I need a break after about a week straight of 7-10 hour days on the water.
Sea Salt reply :
I need a break after about a week straight of 7-10 hour days on the water.
The Patriot reply :
I take my breaks at Cabelas.
kudagra reply :
If i didnt have to work and I could fish all the time, I would probably be able to get to a point where I had to stop after a few weeks. But as life is currently structured, no.
MrBigFishSC reply :
Never. I will die happily with a rod on my hand. I target shoot often but sometimes need a break. I have never said I need to stop fishing for awhile and focus on something else. Fishing is my break from people and life. It's what keeps me sane.
IamNewbie reply :
God I would love to fish every week, but I only get to go every weekend if my family feels like it and since my school will be starting up and temperatures will start to plummet so fishing will gradually decrease to a complete stop til the end of September. I haven't needed a break yet, I love fishing.
hoosierbass07 reply :
Unfortunately I'm out of fishing for a while. I just started a new job three weeks ago and I'm using my hands and wrists a lot more. I'm making more money (a good thing) but I'm using my fingers, hands and wrists much more and I've been getting sore. So over the weekends I need to let my hands/wrists rest. So I don't want to go fishing and make lots of casts after casts. I hope my hands/wrists get used to the work and I will eventually be able to go fishing again on the weekends but the way it looks now I just might be done with fishing for the rest of the year.
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