How come some people just don't get why fishing is fun? 2024
StrikePrince reply :
To me, I can't understand why anyone would think fishing is boring. Feeling the tap and setting the hook is one of the coolest things in the world.
So...why do some people just not "get" fishing? Some of my friends will come and start getting distracted after 20 or so minutes. This same friend was once the only person on the boat to catch a bass (4 lber at that) and it seemed like he couldn't care less.
Others have surprised me with their ability to fish attentively for hours without a bite.
Is it just a trait you're born with? Can you think fishing is boring at first, then learn to love it? Do people that think it's boring just not know enough about it yet?
N Florida Mike reply :
I can't remember ever being bored with fishing. I have gotten a little tired of it before, but by the next day or two I'm ready to go again.
I don't understand people that think it's boring either, but I try not to judge them for it. ( I said TRY not to )
Millions of people got excited about disco too, for example, and I never had any interest in it.
One explanation is that
My dad did it, and I loved him and what he did. I could go all day with him and not catch anything ( which didnt happen much )and never get slightly bored.
My middle son is like that. He would go every day if he could.
My older son is good at it but it's not a passion to him.
I think it's part of a big master plan that we only see glimpses of from time to time. People are just made differently, for different reasons.
As Andy Griffith once said, " Some's got it
And some ain't " ????
jbmaine reply :
I've loved fishing for as long as I can remember. I know people that could care less about it.
I'm bored to death with sports. Others love sports.
It takes all kinds.
MassYak85 reply :
This is just my take, but I find the key to truly enjoying fishing as a passion is to still be happy at the end of a day of catching nothing. For some, catching nothing in an entire day of fishing is simply wasted time throwing a hunk of plastic into the water over and over with no reward. For others, it's either a deep connection with nature or a deep rooted, borderline obsessive, pursuit of a dream. I know for me personally, it is not enough to observe nature. I have a strong desire to immerse myself in it. I don't enjoy liking at mountains the same way I do hiking them. I don't enjoy looking over a lake the way I do being on it. But there's more to it because I can take my kayak out and paddle around all day and enjoy it in a much different way than if I brought a rod. There's a reason guys grind away on swimbaits for months sometimes without a bite and stay committed and driven. I honestly can't even describe what it is specifically but that hunt for a fish of a lifetime is just so motivating and invigorating and I don't think can ever really be put out. But I do understand that for some that fire is just not there. They could catch the world record on a bobber and worm and other than some momentary excitement it would do nothing for them.
soflabasser reply :
There are many reasons why some people don't like fishing. Some don't have the patience needed to wait for a fish to bite, others don't like to deal with the heat,cold,wind,rain,bugs, other wildlife,etc. Others don't like eating fish or don't want to hurt fish by hooking them.
Dtrombly reply :
I think it's because when people think of fishing they think of casting out a nightcrawler, sitting in a chair and staring at a bobber for hours on end. That is insanely boring.
Arcs&sparks reply :
I think I was born with it...
It’s not describable. My father was the one who first took me fishing, and he can’t tell a bass from a trout. I was the one who would want to go “the bridge” every night, even though we hardly ever caught anything, let alone a bass :). When I was very young, instead of wanting to look at toys and video games, I’d hang out in the fishing section of Walmart while my parents were shopping, staring at all the cool lures thinking of catching the “big one”.
On 6/7/2018 at 9:41 AM, MassYak85 said:But I do understand that for some that fire is just not there. They could catch the world record on a bobber and worm and other than some momentary excitement it would do nothing for them.
My old man is a snowbird, he goes to FLA for the winter. When I visited him a few years ago, I suggested fishing with a guide on Stick Marsh. We were catching some nice fish pretty steadily, then I hear the guide yelling “Whoa Bob! Let’s get a picture of that!”... My father caught an 8lber when no one was looking and was about to throw it back before the guide stopped him....He.didnt.even.know.it.was.big..... Still to this this day it’s the biggest bass I’ve ever seen in person.... hahah that B******* !! That being said, he “likes” going fishing, but doesn’t have any drive about it(and can’t even hold a spinning rod the right way)
CroakHunter reply :
The only type of fishing I like is bass and red ear fishing. I've been deep sea fishing, catfish fishing, crappie fishing, trot lining, bank lining etc. And the only reason I like red ear or bluegill fishing is because my grandpa loves to take us grandkids bluegill and read ear fishing
soflabasser reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 12:23 PM, CroakHunter said:The only type of fishing I like is bass and red ear fishing. I've been deep sea fishing, catfish fishing, crappie fishing, trot lining, bank lining etc. And the only reason I like red ear or bluegill fishing is because my grandpa loves to take us grandkids bluegill and read ear fishing
Have you fished for snook with artificials? I think your opinion of saltwater fishing might change once you catch a big snook ( 40 inches and up) on a topwater or other lure on bass tackle. A snook is like a saltwater version of a monster bass that's bigger,stronger, and faster than any bass alive. I am very fond of bass fishing but I admit that bass have nothing on most types of saltwater gamefish.
On 6/7/2018 at 10:53 AM, Dtrombly said:That is insanely boring.
That's what most of my saltwater fishing buddies think of bass fishing. I tell them that bass are fun to catch and can be very challenging to catch at times but they don't care. I can see where they are coming from since bass don't fight much and don't taste very good compared to saltwater fish but I still spend some of my time bass fishing.
38 Super Fan reply :
Let them think it's boring... more lake for the rest of us. 
StrikePrince reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 12:40 PM, soflabasser said:Have you fished for snook with artificials? I think your opinion of saltwater fishing might change once you catch a big snook ( 40 inches and up) on a topwater or other lure on bass tackle. A snook is like a saltwater version of a monster bass that's bigger,stronger, and faster than any bass alive. I am very fond of bass fishing but I admit that bass have nothing on most types of saltwater gamefish.
That's what most of my saltwater fishing buddies think of bass fishing. I tell them that bass are fun to catch and can be very challenging to catch at times but they don't care. I can see where they are coming from since bass don't fight much and don't taste very good compared to saltwater fish but I still spend some of my time bass fishing.
Not to turn it into a saltwater vs bass thread but I think bass popularity and greatness as a gamefish come from reasons outside of their fighting/eating quality:
-Acessibilty, they're in darn near every pond/lake aroudn the country, and because of that...
-Variability- they live in shallow, weedy puddles to coverless, deep clear resevoirs.
-The myriad of techniques; you can go from pitching a jig to brush and docks to twitching a pink fluke in open water in the same day/hour.
-Targeted fishing- the technique of casting to cover/targets is almost a sport in itself
-Their seasonal predicitability combined with the wide spectrum of willingness to bite makes for a frustratingly good puzzle that never ends.
Thinking more about the original topic, I realize I'm kind of asking- why do you find fishing exciting?
I'm sure people on a golf forum feel the same way about people like me that don't find the appeal in that.
OCdockskipper reply :
I used to think it was because most people envision fishing as sitting on a dock or a boat, waiting for a bite. I thought if only I could take them bass fishing, show them how we actively pursue the fish and how much is going on even if you aren't getting bit, their opinion would change.
So a few years back, I took out a good friend who had fished for trout & catfish as well as gone on a few cattle boats on the ocean, but had never fished for largemouth bass. He enjoys the outdoors, has camped in the past and appreciates nature, I thought this would be right up his alley.
That morning, I figured out the fish pretty fast & early on, he had action fishing a Ned rig. As the sun rose and the fish began sliding into the shade of the docks, I showed him how to skip a senko and he caught a few that way. In about 6 hours of fishing, he caught 14 bass & I added another 22, so there really weren't many lulls in the action. I thought I may have created a new fishing partner, but when I asked him at the end of the day what he thought, he kind of shrugged his shoulders & said "I'm glad I went & I had fun, but it isn't something I would do regularly".
Maybe I just have bad breath...
islandbass reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 1:03 PM, 38 Super Fan said:Let them think it's boring... more lake for the rest of us.
You beat me to the punch, lol.
I was going to it is actually a blessing that some people aren't hooked. I say it's part of God's wisdom and let me illustrate with a story a my 10th grade biology teach who was a priest shared with me. There was a farmer who grew a variety of fruits from apples to watermelons and everything in between. He was particularly fond of apples and wondered for the longest time why apples didn't grow as big as watermelons. He was thinking an apple as large as a watermelon would be ideal. He also wondered why watermelons didn't grow on trees like apples did. He finally asked God one day about both of those things. Unfortunately, he didn't hear any kind of response and was saddened. One day, he was working in his apple orchard and his hat had fallen off his head. As he bent over to pick up his hat, a large apple had fallen from the tree and hit him square on the back of his head.
At that instant, the light bulb in his head lit up and he praised the Lord and said, "Thank you, God! I understand why now. I thank you for showing me how to grow fruits and I've learned how to produce large fruits including watermelons. If it were a large watermelon that hit me on the back of my instead of an apple, it might have killed me."
While I too feel some sadness or pity for those who don't want to or care to fish (and my wife is one of them), there is some wisdom to why they shouldn't? Does that mean there are more fish for folks like you and to catch? Certainly, but that is not the reason and it also misses the point. If everyone had a passion and love for fishing like we do, then how in the world would anything in this world ever get done, lol?!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I completely understand how people could think it's boring. Just like I don't enjoy going out to a club or to the casino, lots of people don't like going out on the boat or walking a pond bank. Different things make different people tick.
scaleface reply :
Its because they have a worm in their brain .
Troy85 reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 2:49 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I completely understand how people could think it's boring. Just like I don't enjoy going out to a club or to the casino, lots of people don't like going out on the boat or walking a pond bank. Different things make different people tick.
I remember this a lot when in college. My buddies would be like, we are going out tonight. I'd tell em, no thanks I'm getting up at 4am to go fishing. Waking up at 4am to go fishing is a much better time than sitting in some club, for me at least.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 8:30 AM, StrikePrince said:To me, I can't understand why anyone would think fishing is boring. Feeling the tap and setting the hook is one of the coolest things in the world.
So...why do some people just not "get" fishing? Some of my friends will come and start getting distracted after 20 or so minutes.
In this instant gratification world we live in, Fishing doesn't fit in with that mindset.
Fishing requires patience. It requires the need to focus for a period of time with limited distractions. Be one with nature so to speak.
It boggles my mind that the current generation can sit and stare a tablet and play fake farming games where they buy crops and animals or crush candy for hours on end but can't sit still to watch a line move in the water. 
DINK WHISPERER reply :
It's just personal preference is all. Not everyone is going to like everything. I have zero interest in salt water fishing for example. I've tried it and it just doesn't do it for me.
PECo reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 9:21 PM, DINK WHISPERER said:I have zero interest in salt water fishing for example. I've tried it and it just doesn't do it for me.
Saltwater fishing isn’t just one kind of fishing. You must be thinking of chucking bait.
I LOVE throwing topwater walking lures and poppers for big bluefish in the fall, just like you’d throw them for freshwater bass, only everything is BIGGER. I’ll even pull out my freshwater bass tackle and throw a KVD Sexy Dawg. Bluefish are the closest thing we have in the northeast to tarpon.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 9:34 PM, PECo said:
Saltwater fishing isn’t just one kind of fishing. You must be thinking of chucking bait.
I LOVE throwing topwater walking lures and poppers for big bluefish in the fall, just like you’d throw them for freshwater bass, only everything is BIGGER. I’ll even pull out my freshwater bass tackle and throw a KVD Sexy Dawg. Bluefish are the closest thing we have in the northeast to tarpon.
AMEN! I discovered fishing topwaters for Bluefish by accident. I was showing someone the action on a lure and reeling it back fast when a Blue came up and hit it.
LionHeart reply :
I think I can understand why some people don't get into fishing by thinking about the reasons I personally enjoy it so much. The biggest draw for me is the solitude. There's nothing like being away from everyone and everything for hours. Don't get me wrong, if someone asks to go with me, I happily take them and we usually have a blast, but not in the same way as when I get to go alone. Just a different experience all together.
The next, and most obvious is actually catching fish. To me, the excitement of this is amplified by the countless hours I've spent not catching diddily squat (at which I am an expert). All the things that go through my head once a bass hammers a lure... how big is this sucker? is this fish gonna stay pinned? Am I gonna get wrapped up again? etc. Very exciting. If it weren't for the catching fish part, I'd find another hobby. Absolutely not one who can enjoy a day on the water just as much even if I don't catch anything.
The patience it requires... my least and most favorite part. Slowly dragging a lure across a rocky bottom over and over and over can be painful, but like the saying goes, it definitely builds character.
I think a lot of people simply don't find reward in any of those things mentioned. They like to be around people all the time, can't stand the quite, and have little patience. Frankly, I cannot begin to wrap my head around how so many people can spend hours on facebook, staring at their phone to see what another person had for dinner, what alcoholic beverage they are drinking, or how many of each exercise they did at cross fit. To me, all those things are meaningless but it sure is a popular activity. I suppose those people feel about fishing, the same way I feel about social media (there is simply no reward in it).
Scott F reply :
I’m with LionHeart above. I don’t mind fishing. I like being outdoors on a nice sunny day, on the water with a nice breeze to keep me comfortable. But the part I like best, is catching. If I’m catching fish on a regular basis, that’s when it’s fun for me. If I’ve been skunked for 4 hours or only had a couple of bites, I’m ready to leave. I know guys, like musky fishermen, who will throw big heavy lures hour after hour for days and are happy if they even see a fish. Me, I’d rather stay home and paint my house.
I don’t care if they are big or small fish, I like when I get bites.
I’m even particular about the type of fishing. Fishing in the slop where you are pulling weeds off your lure on every cast or fishing deep water doesn’t interest me. Bass fishing to targets with a variety of different lures is what keeps my interest between bites.
Because there are so many ways to fish, from a worm and a bobber, to fly fishing, to deep sea fishing, there is something for everyone. Some people love all of it, some only small parts of it.
Brown Town reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 10:11 PM, Scott F said:I’m with LionHeart above. I don’t mind fishing. I like being outdoors on a nice sunny day, on the water with a nice breeze to keep me comfortable. But the part I like best, is catching. If I’m catching fish on a regular basis, that’s when it’s fun for me. If I’ve been skunked for 4 hours or only had a couple of bites, I’m ready to leave. I know guys, like musky fishermen, who will throw big heavy lures hour after hour for days and are happy if they even see a fish. Me, I’d rather stay home and paint my house.
I don’t care if they are big or small fish, I like when I get bites.
I’m even particular about the type of fishing. Fishing in the slop where you are pulling weeds off your lure on every cast or fishing deep water water doesn’t interest me. Bass fishing to targets with a variety of different lures is what keeps my interest between bites.
Because there are so many ways to fish, from a worm and a bobber, to fly fishing, to deep sea fishing, there is something for everyone. Some people love all of it, some only small parts of it.
I am one of those crazy muskie guys and even I have to second guess myself sometimes. Why in the world would anyone throw a one pound bait for 12 hours a day for a week straight? I guess it's just knowing there's a tiny chance that any cast could yield the fish of a lifetime. And nothing gets my adrenaline going like when a 48 inch monster with teeth hits your bait so hard you swear the boat stopped. But to each their own I will definitely say catching fish makes it more fun, but it's not why I fish.
Armtx77 reply :
The fishing we talk about on this forum, can be a grind. How many here, have spent 8+ hours a day. Throwing artificial lures and been skunked or caught 2-3 fish? Most days fishing, with artificial bait, is a grind, but that is what makes catching them, all that more special.
I dont golf, because it is frustrating and the holes with water on them, I know there is a state record LM lurking in there.
People seem to want to check out, as form of relaxing. They jump on the google machine and get lost for hours. Me, I check out of my life and check into the great outdoors. I spent 5 days on the Buffalo River AR over Memorial day weekend. I, nor my wife, wanted to check back into our day to day life.
Ratherbfishing reply :
There are times when it's super hot or buggy or no fish that I ask MYSELF why I like to fish. So I can understand why others might not care to do it. I suspect if some of them had a good day on a lake they might change their tune but we have enough competition for a limited resource already so let's not upset the apple cart too much.
senile1 reply :
Different strokes for different folks.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
On 6/7/2018 at 9:34 PM, PECo said:
Saltwater fishing isn’t just one kind of fishing. You must be thinking of chucking bait.
I LOVE throwing topwater walking lures and poppers for big bluefish in the fall, just like you’d throw them for freshwater bass, only everything is BIGGER. I’ll even pull out my freshwater bass tackle and throw a KVD Sexy Dawg. Bluefish are the closest thing we have in the northeast to tarpon.
I've tried all kinds not just bait chucking. Key words in your statement were "I love" meaning you. My point exactly. What we like doesn't make it what others do.
bhoff reply :
Probably the same reason I don't find walking through Nordstroms for 2 hours fun. Now that to me is really something boring haha.
LonnieP reply :
People are unique, everyone has their own hobbies and things that they enjoy. I could care less if someone else doesn't like to fish. I love it and that's all that matters.
Jar11591 reply :
Most people don’t enjoy things that don’t offer immediate mindless visual stimulation.
WRB reply :
The number of people who fish verses the general population is a small percentage, less then 10% and getting smaller everyday. It may not seem that is true when we are looking for a quite place to fish! The general population is increasing much faster then the population who enjoy the outdoors.
Tom
BrianinMD reply :
One of the greatest things about this world is everyone is different. Not everyone is going to like the same things, just because we love it does not mean anything to anyone.
Rahlow reply :
Instant gratification, or a lack of it, is why the “masses” care nothing for fishing. Frankly I’m dam glad they don’t.
MIbassyaker reply :
No idea. I caught the bug immediately the very first time I went fishing at age 7 or 8.
To be fair, there are a lot of supposedly "fun" things other people do that I don't get.
HeyCoach reply :
I’m awful at fishing. Not very accurate when I cast, I’m not good at using a baitcasting rig, I could kill a dock trying to skip a jig/Senko, I don’t routinely catch LM bass, I only catch small LM bass, but I love to fish, watch fishing shows/YouTube fishing tips/read articles/etc.
I think this would be the equivalent of a painter with Parkinson’s.
geo g reply :
Fishing for me is a form of relaxation. As soon as I make that first cast, my focus leaves whatever has happened all day, and goes to nature and picking targets to cast too. Its like a game of darts, with placement a key focus regardless what I;m throwing. Nothing better then when all the equipment is functioning perfectly, good company to share the experience, and some cooperating bass. Life is good!
BubbaBassin’ reply :
I’m probably one of the younger members of this community, and I think lately that the attention span of the average young person is decreasing by the year. We have become a lot more reliant on modern technology and some of us haven’t been taught the principles of working for something, we seem to be giving up on things so much quicker, I’ve caught myself doing it as well, and I just remind myself that nothing worth having is easily obtained.
Rahlow reply :
On 6/9/2018 at 1:38 AM, BubbaBassin’ said:I’m probably one of the younger members of this community, and I think lately that the attention span of the average young person is decreasing by the year. We have become a lot more reliant on modern technology and some of us haven’t been taught the principles of working for something, we seem to be giving up on things so much quicker, I’ve caught myself doing it as well, and I just remind myself that nothing worth having is easily obtained.
Wise young man, congrats to yer parents and you
Sam reply :
Just like why I don't care for wrestling or women's softball or quilting or art or yard work.
Just not my interest.
Everyone has their own interests and as long as my family leaves me alone with my fishing I am happy.
thinkingredneck reply :
On 6/8/2018 at 4:53 AM, WRB said:The number of people who fish verses the general population is a small percentage, less then 10% and getting smaller everyday. It may not seem that is true when we are looking for a quite place to fish! The general population is increasing much faster then the population who enjoy the outdoors.
Tom
We should be concerned. PETA types are against fishing and hunting and they are organized. Fortunately (FOR FISHERMEN)they focus on research and agriculture.
I don't understand why I enjoy bass fishing but find crappie boring.
the reel ess reply :
The same reason I don't get that dancing is fun.
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