Is this normal ? Or, am I just getting old ? 2024
Fish Chris reply :
I find myself thinking about this, and repeating it more and more.....
But it just seems like, as each year goes by, I am caring less and less about whether I catch anything, and more and more about just being out there, floating on beautiful clear lake, under a blue sky, surrounded by nature.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy catching a fish.... esapecially a BIG fish 
But let me put it this way; I went out last Tuesday, for my first Bass fishing trip of the year, and I had such a great time ! The lake was just as beautiful as ever. The weather was awesome ! The birds, and other wildlife were active ! It all just made me feel so good (and blessed) to be alive.
Oh, so I did end up catching 1 fish. It was a beautiful, pre-spawn, 8.5 lb Northern strain football, of a bass. Nice fish, right ?
But honestly, given the choice of fishing for the 1 minute it took to catch that fish, OR the same exact full day I had, without the 8 1/2 lb'er, I'd take the latter.
I'm 45 years old, and in a lot of ways, I'm still just a big kid
But I'm thinking that some of you that are my age, or older, might be able to relate to what I'm talking about here.....
Anybody ?
Peace,
Fish
basspimple reply :
im only 18, but i dont mind not catching anything. Just getting outdoors, spending time and sharing laughs with freinds and family away from the hustle and bustle of everday life is the best excuse i can think of for getting out on the water! 
basscaster88 reply :
Well i'm no where close to your age but just being out there doing what you love to do is something i can relate to. It's like that in all sports. I'm a preety avid golfer as well as a basketball player. Both of those sports have developed from a hobby or just something to do on the weekends to a love and a passion. I get caught up in the scenery during golf ALL THE TIME as well as fishing. Basketball, i just get caught in that good ol' high school atmosphere(nothing like it).
When i fish i just love the scenery especially on nice 70 degree day with a slight cool breeze. Some days the fish are just a bonus most days... not so much haha just cuz i'm young and competitive.
Hope that helps
I know i won't experience EXACTLY what your feeling but thats just what it relates to in my life.
garland7 reply :
I know exactly what your talking about. Not getting to worked up just to catch a fish, I prefer to relax, and just enjoy the outdoors.
firefightn15 reply :
Chris, it's just taking the time to smell the roses, everybody has their own reason for being out there. Kinda like taking a drive on some backroad you've never been on or going for a walk in the woods with the 22 or your camera. I don't tournament fish and all the power to them that do, but sittin' in a boat and just kickin' back, watching everything around you is awesome on a fishing trip. Otters, eagles, fish rolling, deer walking the ridges, and thinking of the ones who aren't with you anymore.....it all makes for a great afternoon.
Don't go gittin' all old and stuff at 45, I'm 43 and have been feeling like this since I can remember. Too many people don't take the time to notice who or what is around them and miss out on some great moments. 8-)
frogtog reply :
That's the way it has always been for me. I just like being on the water. When I'm tournament fishing I think it's the before and after that means the most, just being with my friends and shooting bull.
Grey Wolf reply :
I think of it as getting back with nature , the fishing is really secondary . There are some wonderous sights in the outdoors and I'm excited to be there to see them.
Hooligan reply :
I think it's part of the natural progression. It was put to me this way from a close friend: When we start fishing, we're into the numbers game. We eventually tire of that, and start seeking quality over quantity. Eventually we figure out that there's true trophy fish out there, and we start learning everything we can about targeting those fish, and we try very hard to become successful at catching BIG fish. Once we've accomplished that, we're quite content with continuing to do so, and content with constantly learning. So much so, that the knowledge and skill becomes the chase, moreso than the fish itself. In that latter stage, we also become able to appreciate and enjoy a day on the water as just that, a day on the water; it doesn't really matter anymore if we catch anything or not. sure we'd like to, but it isn't the end all, be all.
I'm very much in that stage of learning to target big fish, when it comes to bass. I spent so many years of my life guiding trout bums, and fishing muskies that bass has found a renewed passion. I've fished tournaments and had a great time, I intend to fish a few this year again. But I'd almost rather spend that time chasing the one fish on the lake that is a true monster, a giant among bass.
If I don't catch her, well, that's ok, too. It gives me something to do tomorrow.
slonezp reply :
I'm 40 and have felt this way for awhile now.Getting out on the water is good enough for me and catching fish just makes it better. My 70year old father is at the point where he throws his lines in the water and will either read a book or fall asleep, but will go fishing whenever the opportunity arises. In fact last year he decided to learn how to use a baitcaster, at the end of the day gave me his brand new combo and said he will stick to trolling or drifting. My 19 year old son gets frustrated and impatient when fishing slows. If we're fun fishing sometimes he just stops and sits in the boat. If we're tourney fishing his competitive nature takes over and will fish til the bitter end.
So in answer to your questions:
Yes it is normal.
Yes you are getting old.
Fish Chris reply :
Glad I'm not the only one
Also, I have to say this about you younger guys who love being out there, aside from just catching fish; You guys will likely be fishing all of your lives
On occasion, I meet younger people who are caught up in the "trophy bass" thing..... but I suspect they are not so much into the other aspects (nature). In other words, they are not really having fun "unless, they are catching fish"...
And honestly, I think those are the guys who will eventually get tired of it, and fall out of fishing.
But anyway, yea', about myself.... Sure, I've always loved being outdoors. Heck, as a kid, the only reason I was "indoors" was to sleep, or if I was on restriction {indoors was punishment LOL}
The thing is though, for a lot of years, especially from say 97' to 07', I was so caught up in the trophy bass thing, and was often so wound up, that I probably forgot to relax, and just enjoy myself. It was always like go, go, go, push, push, and finally Bam ! I'd catch a giant, and it would be like 5 days of joy, all crammed into a 5 minute period
Then, an hour later, I'd be right back to, go, go, go, push, push, push....
Anyway, I just can't wait to be on the water tomorrow And I guarantee you one thing; Fish, or no fish, it's going to beat the heck out of working today !
I'll remember my tripod tomorrow, and will try to bring back some photos for you guys.
Peace,
Fish
A-Jay reply :
As long as I get to see this smile ~ Life is good.
A-Jay
Paul Roberts reply :
NO question. It's the whole experience that makes the quality. But...nature knows no single pace.
I caught onto the concept of quality (or qualities) early on. I attribute this to my essentially Daoist father, and an artist, and a 70year old neighbor who I deer hunted with who slowed me down just by his calm and aware presence -and I learned to just "watch things unfold".
Now, counter that with my essentially "Confucion" mother, also an artist, and my incredible (some said hyper) energy, and I could be something of a power Daoist! ;D
Nature has no single pace. Not being able to get outside yourself enough to recognize those paces, and your own, is part of it. It's easier to see more as you get older.
There was a time when I was more apt to be defined by what I did, and in fishing, what I caught. It's SO much bigger now.
Branuss04 reply :
Glad to see your back at it Chris.
It's wierd but when I bass fish, I tend to get caught up in the "I want to catch fish" idea and truly forget to step back and breathe in the fresh air. With that being said, I haven't gone bass fishing in 5 months (Not counting two trips simply to "wet a line"). Unless I'm with my dad and enjoying his company, bass fishing is more work than enjoyment.
But on the flip side, I got back into my roots and started trout fishing last year. Not the planted 8 inchers, but fish that I have to work for. Hiking into remote area's, fishing for rare species, etc. With this type of fishing you find yourself in prestine and remote areas with hardly any sign of human life. I have yet to find an area where I can bass fish that can show me the scenary I find in trout lakes. Many of the trout lakes I go to I find myself in complete aww of the scenary. To me I find it much more relaxing as I don't get caught in the hype of the "bass fishing world".
The picture is of a lake me and 4bizz hiked into for a couple days. This is a peak at 10,000 feet. In my opinion the view behind us was 10 times better. But chris I must say, living in California we do have some awesome lakes that provide us with a great fishery and a view to go with it.
Popeye reply :
I have loved to fish ever since I first threw a hook and line into the water MANY years ago. I have fished with cane poles made from the cane poles that were used to roll carpeting on. I love being at or on a lake or stream or full fledged river. When fishing for certain types of fish where throwing a baited hook out and then just kicking back and relaxing until something bites, I tend to enjoy the immediate surroundings and peace and quiet more. However, when I'm after bass, I feel it's way more competitive and I just hate to come home "skunked". ONE bass and I'm happy as a lark. NO bass and I get a little bummed out BUT my enthusiasm for the next trip is NEVER diminished. I LOVE to fish and always will.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
Hell, I'm still young by most peoples standards (28), but I love just getting "out" fishing. Catching fish is a bonus. When my father and I were both younger we were excessively serious about our trolling. If we didn't come back with a boat full of dolphin it really was a shot day. Thats not to say that we didn't enjoy going out. But because we were fishing for fish to eat (we like eating), it was very disappointing to not load up the boat. Now that both of us are older it's more of an "cool, were out on the water" kind of thing. Thats not to say that we don't try as hard as we always have to catch fish, it's just not as important now. Hopefully I'll be able to instill that in my daughters at an early age. So far it seems to be working.
Here's to fishing...with a little catching mixed in....
Fish Chris reply :
Thanks again for all the replies
And hey Branuss, that is an absolutely beautiful scene you posted !
But you have to admit, our trophy Smallie lake is about as beautiful as a trophy bass lake can be, also
Darn, today is going to be the longest day of work, in history ! 
.....but less than 24 hours from now.... whooo hooo !
Peace,
Fish
burleytog reply :
If I'm not catching, it isn't fun.
Frog Turds reply :
thats what that medicinal greenery will do for ya in california Fish Chris 8-)
i agree to an extent. yet, i am out to catch fish. i always appreciate good scenery and (the peacefulness especially wade fishing). i always take a moment or 2 & stop to smell the roses etc. but i do not like to get sprayed by the skunk either.
in general what i notice more with ageing, is that i don't tend to take things for granted as much. i have more respect & appreciation for it all.
roadwarrior reply :
Not me...it's still all about catching big fish. Right
now it's both largemouth and smallmouth. In a few
weeks we will add striper to the equation.
I fish some beautiful water occasionally (Bull Shoals
and the White River), but mostly I'm a river rat!
The Tennessee River and reservoirs in the system
are commercial waterways. That doesn't bother me in
the least, I'm there to catch big fish.
8-)
LAO162 reply :
I get it
At 45 I'm looking to my 2-3 peaceful hours at the quarry every Saturday morning. I'm back to my family life by 9:15 am.
Sometimes my Dad shows up at throws out a bobber.
Yesterday I was pleasantly surprised when my "casting" time was interrupted by the fattest 14 incher I every saw. 
The rest of the time I just enjoyed using my new equipment
Leon
stealthcaster reply :
I love catching bass, especially big ones, but I'll almost always have fun fishing even if it is really slow that particular day. I actually enjoy the challenge of fishing for skittish bass that aren't easy to catch.
SlateTundra reply :
I'm 28...I suppose a bit of it does come with age. You become wiser with age and begin to appreciate what life has to offer.
I don't mind getting skunked...not that it happens much to me.
Buckeye1955 reply :
I think you've got it figured out. It's about finding the peace and happiness that being out on the water brings. If I catch something, fine. But if not, I had a great day being out there anyway. As you get older you start realizing there are only so many days given to you. I like to think that a good day on the water with a rod in my hand is another one in the memory bank that I will enjoy when I can't do it anymore. There is something about messing with boats and throwing a few lures that just makes things right no matter what else is going on in my life. Almost makes you feel sorry for the folks that haven't figured it out.
Fish Chris reply :
Hey Buckeye
QuoteAs you get older you start realizing there are only so many days given to you.
Truer words have never been spoken !
Their is this one video by Nickleback (whether you lovem' or hatem') that I always say is the most important music video, ever created by anyone, anywhere, anytime It's called "Saving Me"... I'm sure you could find it on YouTube, if you hadn't seen it, but wanted to.
It basically shows everyone walking around, doing their daily life things, with a number that's clicking down over their heads. And that is just the most hard-core fact of life. Everyone of us has a number, and it won't ever stop, until it runs out.
That's why missing a day of fishing (or sometimes photography) is such a HUGE, negative thing to me. Sure, I can go tomorrow..... but that won't bring back TODAY ! Once today is gone, it's GONE !
So anyway, I know I'm going to have a great time tomorrow. But a few fish, especially a big one, would be some nice icing
Peace,
Fish
Catt reply :
Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. James 4:14 KJV
Excellent video
bigfruits reply :
catching fish is a bonus. i can have a great day floating around tossing a jig and being the crayfish
32251 reply :
Being outside and connecting with the surroundings is part...or rather SHOULD be a part of the whole fishing experience. I find myself stopping a lot's of times and just looking around at how wonderful the water is and the trees and the whole thing. It is a package deal.
J Francho reply :
I'm generally centered around catching fish, but I take time to smell the roses, occasionally.
Alumabass reply :
I know how you feel, and I will be 43 next Monday. I used to get in the boat and this competetive nature would take over and I would just cast and cast and fish hard. Last year I found out that my wife likes to fish too, and now she has become my fishing partner. Seems the competetive part has drifted away a little and I will find myself sitting in the seat not fishing at all, just looking around, taking it easy, relaxing, and then I will here her "are you going to fish, or just sit there" LOL ;D
Brush Hog20 reply :
That's how I have always thought about fishing. Its much much more than catching fish for me. Quite honestly I have never much understood the tournament angler mentality. Everything else in life is competitive and for the money...Why can't fishing remain pure?? The way my Grandpa taught me...
osbornj2 reply :
Like most of us that are on this forum, I enjoy going out and actually catching fish. And heaven knows, I've invested a ton of money on gear, lures, gas for the boat, etc. trying to do it!
However, at the end of the day, what pleases me most is just simply to be able to thank God for the ability to get out and enjoy His awesome creation...to feel the coolness of the water, to breathe the fresh, clean air, to watch the deer, hawks, and otters play.
Chris, I am not quite as "matured" as you are yet (trying to think of a nice way of saying that I am younger than you are, but getting close!!), but I have felt this way for a long time. Now that my daughter is getting to the age where she likes to go with Daddy, I will try to instill the same appreciation in her.
I love fishing for bass; yet, I also enjoy fishing for a lot of other species as well - stripers in the reservoir, muskies on the river, pike in Canada, huge smallies at a small, alpine-like, lake that will continue remain nameless 8-). There are places in Canada that haunt my thoughts and dreams all year long. Secret places where you feel like you are the only human being that has ever seen this place...
The point is, is that while many of us naturally like to be rewarded by actually catching our quarry, I think that the true prize is a simple appreciation for something bigger than we are. To know that there are places of such incomprehensible beauty (such as the mountain lake that was posted on here). To feel the sunshine on your face and the breeze around you....that is why I go fishing...
BigEbass reply :
A day on the water is always a good time definately no matter what the outcome in fishing
However for me a day on the water catching fish is way better - but I never feel pressured and never greatly remorsed if it doesn't happen - because there will be a next time!
Luke at Gouldsboro reply :
I don't know what it is about being on a lake. I feel the same way. There's nothing that can calm you like sitting on a boat in a beautiful place. It's a great stress reliever. Just the quietness and the surroundings is amazing.
Raul reply :
QuoteI find myself thinking about this, and repeating it more and more.....But it just seems like, as each year goes by, I am caring less and less about whether I catch anything, and more and more about just being out there, floating on beautiful clear lake, under a blue sky, surrounded by nature.
Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy catching a fish.... esapecially a BIG fish
But let me put it this way; I went out last Tuesday, for my first Bass fishing trip of the year, and I had such a great time ! The lake was just as beautiful as ever. The weather was awesome ! The birds, and other wildlife were active ! It all just made me feel so good (and blessed) to be alive.
Oh, so I did end up catching 1 fish. It was a beautiful, pre-spawn, 8.5 lb Northern strain football, of a bass. Nice fish, right ?
But honestly, given the choice of fishing for the 1 minute it took to catch that fish, OR the same exact full day I had, without the 8 1/2 lb'er, I'd take the latter.
I'm 45 years old, and in a lot of ways, I'm still just a big kid
But I'm thinking that some of you that are my age, or older, might be able to relate to what I'm talking about here.....
Anybody ?
Peace,
Fish
Well, I 'm your age and I know what you are talking about, it 's been a while since I no longer care if I catch anything.
Actually I 'm now more in tune of caring to find places where Lil Raul can catch something. Last weekend I took him fishing and believe it or not I didn 't make a single cast in more than three hours. 
b.Lee reply :
I don't think you could have said it any better. I love just being out there even for an hour, as long as my line is wet and I am out enjoying the nice weather it is better than being indoors.
Bass_Akwards reply :
Chris, I'm 41 and I have to admit, it still ticks me off when I don't catch anything. I love being out there on a beautiful day, I really do, but I HATE being skunked.
Maybe "ticks me off" is a little too harsh, but if I bass fish for any amount of time, and don't catch a bass, the competitor in me is 100% disappointed, even though I might have had beautiful day on a beautiful lake.
To answer your question, I don't think "normal" has anything to do with it. Nor does your age. The "not caring if you catch anything or not" is one of those "to each his/her own" deals. It comepletely depends on the individual in my opinion.
Some people are going to have the attitude you have now where, as each year goes by, they care less and less about whether they catch anything, and more and more about just being out there, floating on beautiful clear lake, under a blue sky, surrounded by nature. But they're going to have that attitude at age 25, whereas it took you 40+ years to acquire.
Others, like me, are NEVER going to believe I had a "great fishing day" if I don't land a bass or two on my outing, not to mention 10 bass. Will I believe I had a fun, peaceful, relaxing day on the water? Absolutely!
Fishing and not catching anything is more fun than lots of things I can think of but the fact remains, that my number 1 goal when I walk out my front door to go bass fishing is.... CATCH BASS! CATCH LOTS OF BASS! Or God for bid catch a HOGZILLA of a monster of a pig of a bass!
When I'm driving to the pond or lake all I can think about is how I'm gunna trick her today. How I'm going to fool her, that pre spawning toad of a mama, onto my hook so she remains there until I can look her in the eye, hold her gently and let her know that I got her.
I almost shake at the thought of having the fight of the month, the year, or of a lifetime, when she thrashes and jumps to avoid my human touch. Then to release her back into the cool spring water, watching her slowly swim away, tricked, defeated, and wondering how that genius of an angler ever landed her in the first place. ;D
A fishless day on the water is delightful, there's no arguing that. But for me, going fishing is about FISHING, and FISHING is about catching fish. Man vs. animal, me vs. the bass.
I still care more and more about catching fish every time I go out. When I'm bass fishing, the "beautiful, clear lake, under a blue sky, surrounded by nature," only serves to enhance the amazing sport and experience of bass fishing for me but I care much more about catching fish than I do about just being out there. Is this normal? Or am I a bassoholic?
Hammer 4 reply :
When you get to be 62, It's a chore just to get up. But a day on the water..makes it all worth while..
Stan Wright reply :
There are 5 stages in a sportmans life...
1. Lord, just let me catch one. Anything?
2. Got to get a limit.
3. Looking tor that trophy. Get that wall hanger.
4. Been there, done that. What will make this more challenging?
5. I get a thrill just seeing someone catch a fish. It's like every fish you caught.... I caught.
bear7625 reply :
I think what happens as you get older is that you don't have as many things on your mind. Priorities change and you notice things that you used to take for granted.
bass syco reply :
I'd say you are getting old.
young guys tend to have the competitve fire and need to prove themselves,
old guys tend to realize that hoisting the biggest fish ain't necessarily the zenith of life on earth.
WRB reply :
With the introduction of FLMB in 1959 and catching my first giant in 1969 at Lower Otay that was 14 lbs 5 oz, a lake record for 1 week, my goal was to catch the next world record bass.
Every pre spawn I'm still very focused on that goal. Has time changed how I see the world? yes. Age tends to bring with it life experiences that make us face the reality we are mortal and live each day more fully.
I was 45 over 20 years ago when giant bass fishing was at it's peak in SoCal and by then my intensity had already changed. Today it's hard to get up at O' dark 30 to hook up the rig and get going, however once on the water my energy returns, excitement builds with expectations and the gift of having another day on the water unfolds and a chance at that elusive 20+.
Chris; good luck in your pursuit of giant bass and new found awareness.
WRB
PS; did you ever get the photos I sent you?
Hellbenderman reply :
Unless interrupted by an untimely death, growing old is normal. Everything is ok. I am 63 and it is easy to fall into the "oh, isn't nature wonderful" trap, but be advised I have discovered this is just a clever trick being played on us by younger fishermen who don't want our considerable knowledge on the water...something they put in your Metamucil, I think.
Long Mike reply :
I'm sixty-three and I love to catch bass. But every time I'm on the water I remind myself of a phrase by Henry David Thoreau. "Many men fish all their lives without realizing it is not the fish they are after." I firmly believe that I am one of those men who know that it is not the fish I am after.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
i'm 40 , next month 41 . and i love to be outdoors AND catch fish . for me it's the thrill of the strike and hook up !!!!
Fish Chris reply :
Much thanks again to all.
Interesting to see all of the different opininions and attitudes.
Peace,
Fish
smbrule reply :
I've been bass fishing for fifty years and as I've become older still enjoy a spending about 75 days a year on a lake.
I have a couple of very good life long friends and fishing partners but also probably some of most enjoyable days are being on the lake at predawn by myself and just enjoy a more laid back fishing day.
The photo was taken of my fishing partners while we were fishing in an isolated area for smallies on Lake of the Woods--no boats except our two--seen all day in this area.
It is a wonderful experience to still be able to fish in areas as awesomely beautiful when one is in his mid seventies.
FishingBuds reply :
If I may add one more thing on getting older, But any older guys notice the outdoors just make you wanna use the bathroom?
20 minutes into it and wham, I gotta go ;D
WRB reply :
QuoteIf I may add one more thing on getting older, But any older guys notice the outdoors just make you wanna use the bathroom?20 minutes into it and wham, I gotta go ;D
That is why I kept my LA Rams beer mug, perfect for relief.
WRB
Hammer 4 reply :
Ha...I have been working on that, now3 I can go a whole 1/2 hr... ;D
QuoteIf I may add one more thing on getting older, But any older guys notice the outdoors just make you wanna use the bathroom?20 minutes into it and wham, I gotta go ;D
smbrule reply :
Bathroom--yes, this summer I took my daughter, wife and five year old grandson for a boat ride and some fishing. Nature called and I used my MacDonalds cup.
My daughter told her son--that is why you should never drink out of a cup that is in a boat.
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