Fishing just for fun? 2024
RPreeb reply :
Does anyone here fish just for the fun of it? No tournaments, with no particular interest in slogging hard every time out to catch more than the next guy? Just hoping to catch a few fish, enjoy the time out on the water, and be happy that we have the privilege of living when and where such days are possible.
I don’t own a boat – I’m stuck on the shore currently, but soon to have a canoe which will be my only access to the water. I’ve had one before as an adult, and I learned to fish growing up in Wisconsin fishing from a 50 year old Old Town mahogany canoe that my grandmother bought when she was a young woman. I had friends who had small boats with 5-10 hp motors, and they were fine for a change, but we seemed to have more fun when we took the canoe out on the lake. When the fish were being finicky, it was great for just exploring the swampy coves, paddling out to one of several islands to try new territory, catching frogs and turtles – it was even our swimming platform. Just doing the sort of stuff that boys did growing up in the 50’s and early 60’s.
Back then nobody had ever heard of a fish finder – no side scanning sonar. Your rod and lure were your fish finder. There was a spot out in the middle of our part of the lake called sunken island. It was a shallow – about 6 feet deep – weed bed that we fished mostly for crappie, but also caught some nice bluegills, an occasional walleye, and even a decent northern one time. Never caught a bass out there. To find it you triangulated from 2 spots on shore and 1 cabin out on an island, no GPS waypoint.
Most of the bass we caught were found by cruising the shore, casting under overhanging trees, fishing the edges of pads in the coves. We never cast out into the pads, because we could no way afford to break off a lure down in those rubbery stems. Never caught a lunker, just had fun times with one to three pounders caught most often on topwaters - my favorite was a Hula Popper.
Anyway, I’ve always been puzzled by the relatively foreign (to me) mindset of the competition angler. I have never viewed fishing from that point of view. For me, it’s not hurry and rush and drag in all the fish I can catch in 6 hours (or whatever the time limit may be). I take at most 2 rods, neither is specialized for anything - one is actually a 3 piece BPS travel spinning rod that I bought for fishing the tidal channels when we lived in the Bahamas. I may say that I’m going fishing, but really I’m out to relax and enjoy the day. If the fish don’t cooperate, it’s no big deal. I’ll paddle around and explore like I did when I was a kid. I love taking my canoe back where the boats can’t go – sneaking up on wildlife, just getting away from the hurry out in the main lake.
I just wondered if anyone else takes the same sort of approach as I do. I’m not trying to ruffle any feathers, but it seems like a lot of what I read here is about guys getting a bit overanxious when the fish don’t bite for a while, and coming here and trying to find that special secret bait or rod or technique. I’ve learned a lot since joining Bass Resource, but this is the one thing that sort of goes right past me. As I see it, sometimes I catch fish, other times I just go fishing, but it’s all good for me simply being there. Maybe I’ve just gotten too old.
MassYak85 reply :
I see the value of tournaments in growing you as an angler. It forces you to fish places and conditions you might normally shy away from, and you either learn to adapt or get left in the dust. But when I fish I am out there to fish and enjoy nature as long as possible. I don't want any additional pressure, I don't want a time limit. I just want to go and let the day and fish itself dictate what I'm going to do.
And sorry to hijack a little here OP but I do have a question for tourny guys...have you ever SKIPPED weigh in to continue fishing because it was just that good? Obviously the tournament fee will play some sort of factor here.
12poundbass reply :
I would guess that over 3/4 of us on here don't tournament fish. I look at fishing as a never ending puzzle. Even though I'll never complete the puzzel I'm going to try (if that makes sense). I love learning new things to make me a better angler. It's nice talking with fellow anglers as well.
soflabasser reply :
I fish for fun 100% of the time and will continue to do so.
Shanexd9 reply :
I fish just for the fun of it. I have no interest in tournaments. I try as hard as I can every time I go out to catch as much as I can but I understand there are times that just aren't productive and the fish just won't bite. I don't keep fishing secrets either. If I have good luck in certain spots I let my buddies know so they can go catch a few fish. If I try a technique that works, I will share that with my buddies as well. The sport should be fun for everyone.
NHBull reply :
I would be shocked to hear one reply that fun wasn't at the core of why we spend time on the water, that said, I have never met a fisherman who didn't want to try and catch a bigger fish, which does tend to add an element of competition, even if it is with one's self.
deep reply :
Catching is a lot more fun as far as I'm concerned. Catching more fish, bigger fish and bigger limits. It's hard work and I fail a lot. On the days I don't feel like working hard, I stay home and/ or pursue easier ways to have fun.
I get where you're coming from though. Last time I was out on the water, I met a dude back at the ramp. He fished all day in the heat, beating the banks, caught a few dinks, and had "fun". Apparently learning to fish structure and use electronics is too much work and- more importantly for him- would take away the fun part. That's what he told me anyway. Whatever floats his boat.
Bill Murphy put it very well IMO.
""
People who take fishing in stride generally don't do well. Fishing is fun, but the real fun is the end result. It's like an artist who truly enjoys his work; once the painting is done, he can stand back and look what a beautiful thing he accomplished. He may call the whole event fun, but during the time when he's painting he's intent, he's thinking and he's working hard.
...
Successful bass fishing is hard work, thought, intensity, creativity, ability, intuition, and all the human elements, but it is really too busy for most people to call fun. If you took the casual angler and demanded everything out of him that you demand from yourself, then you would ruin his fun because you'd take away his ability to relax.""
GrumpyOlPhartte reply :
@RPreeb: Hear! Hear! Ya got me by a couple of years, but I completely agree with you. I have acquired a kayak, but still enjoy bank fishing when I don't have the motivation - or sometimes the energy - to go through the hassle of loading up my yak. I can catch enough bass from shore to make me happy, but I gotta admit being on the water on a clear quiet morning or a serene evening is satisfying in itself.
I view tournament fishermen much as I view race car drivers. I respect them and admire their skill, knowledge and dedication to their respective sports, but I know I'm never gonna drive a Ferrari ... or a Ranger in a competitive event.
For me (and I've said it before on here) there is nothing quite as exciting as that next cast which might just yield that personal best largemouth or, as happened recently, that smallmouth that puts on an aerial display second only to a Blue Angels routine.
So, I'm gonna just plug away - enjoying every cast that doesn't backlash - and try to improve my fishing skills. I like to think it's why I'm not on medications or sitting in front of the TV drooling on my shirt.
Thanks for the perspective ... and reminding me why I love fishing!
38 Super Fan reply :
Absolutely no interest in competitive fishing for me.
NHBull reply :
Heck, as soon as I have one hooked, it's a competition.......me vs fish
Scott F reply :
I fish for fun. Which is not to say I don't take it seriously. I try to learn what I can and apply that knowledge to be successful. I won't however, use lures or tactics that I don't enjoy using. I adjust where and when I fish so I can fish the way I like. If I can't catch them, or I lose a big fish, it's no big deal. I never get angry, or frustrated about fishing. Getting upset about a fish? Takes the fun out of it.
YaknBassn reply :
I do all of my fishing from the seat of a kayak. I bought it so I could expand my potential as an angler. Fishing from a kayak adds a challenge in itself. Being limited on storage, it forces you to actually think about the conditions and what will/won't work on the water. I've fished a couple of local kayak tournaments, but most guys do it for the same reason...it's fun.
Catching a bass, be it a dink or a giant, is fun. Of course, I'm a competitive guy, so Im always challenging myself to learn and evolve, but it's a hobby, not a means to make a living to me. Fishing is an escape from everything that bogs me down in life.
XpressJeff reply :
The only one I compete with is myself! I have spent a TON of money this year because I bought my first Bass boat and I am having a blast. I just relocated to NC so everywhere is new water to me. That makes it even more fun.
BigAngus752 reply :
If I could catch fish I might compete! But....I don't catch fish. So I float around on my cool boat and throw stuff into the water and reel it back in and float a little more and throw more stuff. And I chat with my wife or son because one of them is always with me. And I usually have a sandwich at some point. And I think we've been out for two hours and I look at my watch and it's been six hours. And it's always just about the best day ever.
AC870 reply :
I fish mainly for fun but I'm going to fish the Big Bass Tour tournament this fall. I really like the "one fish" format and hourly weigh ins. I would be ecstatic to cash a check!
wdp reply :
I don't fish tourneys. I only fish for fun, relaxation and most importantly, therapy.
RPreeb reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 8:17 AM, deep said:Catching is a lot more fun as far as I'm concerned. Catching more fish, bigger fish and bigger limits. It's hard work and I fail a lot. On the days I don't feel like working hard, I stay home and/ or pursue easier ways to have fun.
I get where you're coming from though. Last time I was out on the water, I met a dude back at the ramp. He fished all day in the heat, beating the banks, caught a few dinks, and had "fun". Apparently learning to fish structure and use electronics is too much work and- more importantly for him- would take away the fun part. That's what he told me anyway. Whatever floats his boat.
Bill Murphy put it very well IMO.
""
People who take fishing in stride generally don't do well. Fishing is fun, but the real fun is the end result. It's like an artist who truly enjoys his work; once the painting is done, he can stand back and look what a beautiful thing he accomplished. He may call the whole event fun, but during the time when he's painting he's intent, he's thinking and he's working hard.
...
Successful bass fishing is hard work, thought, intensity, creativity, ability, intuition, and all the human elements, but it is really too busy for most people to call fun. If you took the casual angler and demanded everything out of him that you demand from yourself, then you would ruin his fun because you'd take away his ability to relax.""
That last sentence mostly summarizes my philosophy. I want to just be able to put my canoe in the water, toss in some tackle, a rod or 2, a cooler and PFD and head out. 5 minutes from arrival to paddling away.
Would I enjoy using electronic assistance? Sure, but the cost is hard to swallow (even harder for my wife to swallow). I could get a cheap Garmin for peanuts, but I know myself too well. I'd want to see how much more I could do with something better, and onward and upward, all the way to divorce court. And then I'd have to hassle with securing a battery in the canoe and keeping it charged up. I have enough difficulty keeping up with my golf GPS. Half the time it's either in my bag dead, or fully charged at home as I arrive at the golf course. 
As others have mentioned, I am very grateful for the wealth of advice and information that is provided here by so many avid tournament anglers, and I enjoy watching some of it on TV, but I get my competition on the golf course, so I'll probably just keep on fishing for fun.
A-Jay reply :
I fish for fish.
Sometimes I catch them and other times, well, I catch them then too.
A-Jay
whitwolf reply :
It was once a time to catch every fish In the lake. It was work and It was fun. The trial and error, the drive to catch said fish was a thrill. One day a few years ago I was fishing with my son and realized the simple was appealing. He had a blast catching bream and was quite content to fish, talk, eat, and generally couldn't have cared less about running from spot to spot, patterns, high dollar gear, or looking the part.
Today Is different In that of course I want to catch fish but If I have a day I don't, so be it. I am still a tackle junkie but through the years I have found what works for me. There are days the deck of the boat has 6 rods and others 2. I very much enjoy being on the water; the sights, sounds, and the ability to see things that can only be seen If you're looking. Today I fun fish most of the time sans two times a year I fish charity tournaments. So, fun fishing Is my thing now and I have no desire to go back to a time and place that didn't allow me to see. 
CroakHunter reply :
I fish 2 tourneys a year. I love every moment of it. The pressure, the competition between anglers and also the competition within myself. I do fish for "fun" sometime, but I Still am competitive every outing. Growing up in a family full of athletes and raising my own little family of competitors, competition and winning is in my blood. I don't care what anyone says. "Win or lose, as long as you had fun." well I'm here to tell you It's a lot more fun to win than to lose.
Ksam1234 reply :
Yeah that's all I do is fish for fun, I don't own a boat myself and I use just a canoe, I get into a lot of creeks and areas boats actually can't go and seem to catch lots of fish. Honestly I don't even keep the fish I catch, I always catch and release and hate seeing people keep fish. Unless it's walleye or trout I never keep a fish. I always think to myself, awe man if I put him back he can eat and grow and get bigger then I can get him again. It's always just to relax and enjoy the day. And I do like the gambling of never knowing what ya might get
OCdockskipper reply :
I haven't fished a tournament in about 40 years, I fish now because I enjoy the entire process from setting up gear to wrapping up for the morning or day. I also notice "nature" things that one would not expect to be occurring in the urban environment of my home lake.
This point was reinforced for me last week while on vacation at a small desert lake. In the mornings, I would take my pond prowler out for a few hours until the temperatures started reaching triple digits. Mid-day, I would get in my bathing suit on a small kayak and go out to catch some catfish from under docks, drenching myself with water every few minutes to stay cool. In the evening, I would walk a portion of the western shore, fishing for bass as the day drew to an end.
Different methods, different species, just enjoying the experience...
BillP reply :
I only fish for fun. The time spent fishing with my family whether it be on land or on the water is what I really enjoy. Catching a fish or two is the bonus of the day for me
Oregon Native reply :
I do a lot of fun fishing with the grand kids and son and by myself. I also like the new friendships,competition with small tourneys. I just plain like about everything about fishing...from watching the dawns early light to the sunsets. Even fishing from the bank...it's all a blessing. What I don't care for in bass fishing is rudeness, it's my water, it's my boat ramp, rude skiers and jet ski's....also rude boaters period...me,me,me attitudes.....water sports has it all as does probably most other sports......but I love the water and the closeness it brings with family and friends....no mater how we approach it.
Tight Lines
P.S. Now I'm off to take a couple friends of my wife from France white bass fishing....not my first choice but they will enjoy. And it will be a good day.
flatcreek reply :
Bass fishing is a privilege for me so I try to make the best out of it each time I head out on the water.Everyday fishing is fun for me but I enjoy our state and local tournaments too.I respect the sport and the anglers who call it fun wether they're fishing in a boat or dropping a line off a bridge.Time to respool,Semper fi
Catt reply :
Bass fishing is fun!
It doesn't matter if I'm preparing to take my 10 year old grandson to the bayou across the street or if I'm preparing to fish the Bassmaster Classic...tournament or fun fishing I have one mindset & one only!
Tackle preparation, map study, review of weather patterns, observation of water conditions; then make proper on the water adjustments...it's all the same every time!
NHBull reply :
@Catt brings up good points. The OP suggest that the time on the water is "fishing", which it is, but I the "process" as fun. Much like hunting deer. In my mind, the preparation and anticipation is just as fun..........sharing the time with family and friends just bring it to another level!
RichF reply :
I love both. But I'll tell you, catching a 4 -6 pounder while fun fishing is great but catching it during competition is otherworldly. EVERY time it happens I get so pumped I feel like my heart's going to explode. Competing just provides a whole new level of excitement and enjoyment to fishing, for me.
That being said, I would like to start having more relaxing outings every now and again. Actually bring lunch and some cold ones...that could be fun too.
padon reply :
I don't tournament fish. have nothing against it and I think we all benefit from things guys learn and develop in tournaments but it just doesn't interest me.i tell people I take fishing seriously but I don't get to serious about it. what I mean is I take the craft of fishing seriously, I read forums like this,i read magazines, books. listen to good anglers talk buy good tackle, gear etc. I love getting in the boat in my garage prepping for a trip checking all my equipment ,rigging up rods etc. then once I get on the water the challenge of putting the puzzle together for that day to see what works best for me.that is all aprt of the fun for me. I may have two or three spots on the lake that im pretty sure I can go to and catch some but part of the fun is looking for new spots, trying new things. just to see what works and what doesn't.sometimes I may take a break sit in the boat and drink a soda eat a candy bar and look at the trees while I think about what to do next. I don't wanna tournament fish because I want complete freedom to do what I want while im on the water. if I happen to throw a ned rig in a tree and catch a crappie I may stay there for an hour and catch ten more. no rush im experimenting having fun.sometimes on a kayak trip down the Susquehanna when the fishing slows I may go over to the shallows and catch crawfish for a half hour just to do it, look at the colors, see what baits I have that match them.i never wanna get to the point that I see some guys get to where how many fish you caught or how big they were becomes a d##k measuring contest. its just fun. but im serious about it. see
HeavyDluxe reply :
I think this might be a false dichotomy... I'm betting that almost every professional angler (with the exception of a rare few) are in the game mainly for the fun of it. Competition can be fun... That's why we have softball leagues - and even people who play frisbee golf and weird stuff like that.
Personally, I've never fished a tournament... I doubt I ever will, partly due to the cost and time. But, I do find the idea of trying my skills against others, having a measure of your success (at least if you fish enough tournaments to 'norm out' variance), and to be challenged to try new things that, in my current, lazy angler state, I'm content to let just be the subject of posts on here.
So, I fish solely for fun. But I bet that's what's ultimately at the root of the experience for all but the most competitive, successful anglers.
gimruis reply :
When I was younger, I was all about harvesting fish to eat (not bass). It was the same way when I was hunting. I measured a day's success in the amount of fish or game I had to clean after my trip. Part of that was because of my age, part of it because I was lacking patience. As time progressed and I got older, I got wiser, and gained patience...a lot of it. Now, a day's success is dictated simply by the pure enjoyment I can get out of it. Rarely do I harvest fish to eat anymore and its the solitude and peacefulness that I value the most. Taking care of my own boat and keeping it top condition gives me some satisfaction too.
I do on rare occasion fish in competition of some sort but I don't make a point of doing it regularly. I enjoy competition in sports in general because I played a lot of sports when I was younger, but the time and commitment required to fish competitively on a regular basis is beyond me.
geo g reply :
I have spent a lifetime fishing for fun, and still fish 5 to 6 days a week, either from the bank, or fishing from the boat. I spent over 20 years competing in competitive athletic, in high school, college, and professional level. Then a career as a teacher, coach, and school administrator, in a large Florida school system. The last thing I ever wanted was to spend one second of my relaxation time, competing on the water. Fishing is a form of mental relaxation, and a chance to get out with friends, and love ones, in the boat. There is no more fun then taking someone you care about out in the boat, and watching them catch a bunch of fish. I have been doing this so long that once I make a cast, I am pretty much on autopilot, and its all reactions. I still learn from watching others, and I hope they have learned something from watching me. It is never competitive, and I sometimes suggest things for them to do, or suggest spots for them to hit, as long as they are open to the suggestions. I am happy if we are both catching bass. Fishing is just enjoyment, and always has been. I will stop doing it, when it stops being fun. It is the cheapest form of mental therapy I could have ever found!!!!!!!
flatcreek reply :
Bass fishing is just plain fun period..
Sword of the Lord reply :
I currently only fish for fun, but this is the first year since my 3 year hiatus that I've been serious about bass fishing. I play competitive league pool (8 and 9 ball). It took me 2 years of shooting just for fun, learning the game, but then I wanted to test my abilities against other top tier players. Now I shoot for fun and competitively. I imagine bass fishing will be the same. I don't see why there isn't room for fun and competition.
Jaderose reply :
Fishing is church to me. It is my time for reflection, relaxation and for fun. Whether I'm on the water or just messing with my gear. I don't own electronics although I'm in the process of building an old jon boat into a bass boat so that will probably change. I can guarantee it won't be the latest and greatest, though. I don't take pictures...I don't own a gopro. My phone stays in the truck. I rarely fish with another person and although I do have friends I enjoy being with, I prefer to fish alone. The first hour or so on the water I fish angry. What I mean by that is I'm excited to be there...I've got other thoughts going through my head. I cast somewhat haphazardly and fish waaay too fast. About an hour in, my mind clears and I slow down. My lure choices are dialed in, my retrieves are slower and more deliberate. My casts are more accurate. My brain shuts off and I'm just reacting in an experienced way. I get more out of a day of that then most people get out of a month of therapy. When I'm in my little bass raider and the sun is coming over the horizon and the world is quiet, all is right in my world.
That is why I fish. The second I added competition to that, it would be a job.
contium reply :
Tournament fished for years. Took all the fun out of it for me. Didn't particularly care for most tournament anglers. Got burnt out. Didn't fish for almost a decade. When I got back into it it was just for fun and still is. I avoid crowds and fishing weekends where our lakes are hammered by local clubs.
padon reply :
Funny you say that jaderose I'm the same way.it takes me a while on the water before I just relax and let things start to happen instead of make them happen.seems to take a little bit to lose the civilized world we live in and then into the natural world.
Goldstar225 reply :
I fish for relaxation. I doubt that I'll ever fish competitively simply because I suck at the catching part. I may beat the water up for 2 or 3 hours then lay my rod down, spin my seat around, grab a drink and snack, then gaze at nature around me for a while. I love being on the water at first light when all is peaceful and calm.
fishwizzard reply :
On 8/18/2017 at 7:25 AM, 12poundbass said:I look at fishing as a never ending puzzle. Even though I'll never complete the puzzel I'm going to try (if that makes sense). I love learning new things to make me a better angler. It's nice talking with fellow anglers as well.
This a great way to put it and I feel the same way. I also really enjoy the act of casting and working a lure. I will not say that I like it enough that I don't care if I catch bass on any given day, but I would rather cast and retrieve all day and skunk out then catch dozens of fish sitting there watching a bobber. I love buying new lures and gear so I can play around casting and working it.
I do think I would enjoy competitive fishing, I have never managed to motivate myself to make time to do it. Every year I am like "next year is the year I start!" but I never end up doing it.
Russ E reply :
If it were not for competitive fishing we would not have the equipment or techniques most of us use today.
I fished Bass tournaments every available weekend for 10 years. it improved my skills dramatically.
as I have aged my interest drifted away from competitive fishing and more toward casual fishing.
I may fish small tournaments occasionally, but fishing tournaments every weekend no longer interests me.
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