Respecting Elderly Fisherman 2025
Mobasser reply :
I made a bank trip to a small lake near my house last night after work. When I got there I noticed an older man standing on the bank, holding his rod close to his face. I came by and ask him if he needed help. He had gotten a backlash, and had forgotten his glasses in his car. He couldn't see well enough to fix the backlash. I offered to get his glasses for him. He gave me his keys, and I made the hike to his car, bringing back his glasses. He was very grateful for the help, and was casting again in short time. He explained that he used to own a bass boat, but had to sell it. He couldn't go out by himself any more. He also said he fished a few tournaments years ago, and that his fishing buddies were all gone now, so that left him as he said,"walkin the banks alone". He was obviously an avid fisherman. I moved down the bank casting as I went. When it was almost dark I heard him holler" hey there thank you again". I said " your welcome". For the young guns just getting into this sport, I hope you always respect the older anglers you meet. Give them a kind word, and help them out if they need it. One day, you may need a hand too. When your "walkin the banks alone".
jbmaine reply :
Thank you so much for posting this, you've really shown one of the kind of things that are truly important in life.
Harold Scoggins reply :
I usually don't need a hand, but I'll never turn down a young buck's help in getting my kayak to the water.
WRB reply :
Could have be me except I don't walk banks anymore and trying to keep my boat.
Goods deeds get you good karma,
Tom
jbsoonerfan reply :
I was at the lake the other day and an older gentleman was walking from the dock to his car. The dock is broke so it's a pretty steep incline. I was close by so I said "Need any help getting up there?" He said "I may be old, but I'm not disabled yet". Some people might have taken that wrong, but I didn't take it as being rude or anything.
FishinBuck07 reply :
I always try to check with the older fisherman to see if they are ok. Besides if you didn't talk to those older ones how you supposed to learn anything! Like you said some day all of us may need some help!
gnappi reply :
It goes the other way too... I'm 67 and regularly help young tyros out who can't tie knots, and have silly lures that some salesman sold them, or advise on other tackle issues. ????
One kid last year had a backpack that was so overfull and heavy he could hardly negotiate the canal bank. I showed him how few lures and rigs I kept in my vest and he decided to travel lighter from then on.
Munkin reply :
I was taught to respect my elders but I can say that 95% of my problems with other fisherman has been from senior citizen trout fisherman. Most of the time I just give in because fighting with them isn't worth it. For this reason I try to avoid fishing most places that have been stocked with trout in the spring. I have helped launce boats, carried fishing gear, and even given lures that are working to them but some are just d***s.
Allen
The Bassman reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 9:50 AM, gnappi said:It goes the other way too... I'm 67 and regularly help young tyros out who can't tie knots, and have silly lures that some salesman sold them, or advise on other tackle issues. ????
One kid last year had a backpack that was so overfull and heavy he could hardly negotiate the canal bank. I showed him how few lures and rigs I kept in my vest and he decided to travel lighter from then on.
I had a situation just yesterday where a teenager was having difficulty landing fish. I walked over and found out he had just had some sort of nose surgery and was told not to bend over. I gave him a hand and counter to the notion that kids aren't grateful he was very receptive. He told me that he was just getting into fishing and was using a very cheap spincast outfit with a half ribbontail worm on a tube head. I made a friend that maybe I can help develop his skills. I'll be 65 in a few weeks and this made my day.
Catt reply :
My grandpa taught us whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
What goes around, comes around ????
TOXIC reply :
Define "Elderly".......
gnappi reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 6:22 PM, TOXIC said:Define "Elderly".......
When cute 20 something cashiers start calling you "Sir" ???
Mike L reply :
I had spinal fusion surgery in 2012 when I was 62.
At the next BFL after recovering, I drew a boater who had a brand new Bullet.
At the meeting the night before he asked me if I wanted the rear seat, I almost screamed Yes!
If you know anything about Bullet's they have a very high gunnel and I was a little apprehensive about stepping on from the floating dock.
His friend remembered me from a previous BFL who I told I was gonna have the surgery.
They both grabbed me under my arms and placed me in the boat.
I don't think my boater got over 50mph all day and kept offering to land my fish and wouldn't let me bend over to net his.
To this day when I see those two youngsters I give them a hug!
Mike
FishinBuck07 reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 7:18 PM, gnappi said:When cute 20 something cashiers start calling you "Sir" ???
Now I don't know if I can agree with this one! I am only 37 and have been called sir many times by people in that age range. Haha
Swbass15 reply :
I consider myself to be in that young group of anglers. The club I’m a member of is made up of guys mainly in there 60s and 70s. As a non boater I get to pick who I fish with which is cool but a struggle. We have a few members that if they ever fell in would not be able to get out without help. I try to bounce between boaters through out the year just in case. By doing that I have been exposed to so many different fishing styles it’s benefited me. But the best is there stories they have me laughing all day so that if we get skunked it was still an enjoyable day. Plus it reminds me of fishing with grandpa which are some of my greatest memories.
so thanks to all you who share your boats with guys like me ????????
MickD reply :
Elderly = older than I.
.ghoti. reply :
When you're old you have dry dreams and wet farts.
Not there yet.
lo n slo reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 6:22 PM, TOXIC said:Define "Elderly".......
us
Dwight Hottle reply :
I'm 71 and & I have noticed the extra attention & helpfulness offered to me when launching & retrieving at the ramps. As we age we don't really acknowledge how old we are but everyone else does. Good post & food for thought.
J Francho reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 7:46 AM, Mobasser said:He gave me his keys
That was really kind of you. I hope you did some donuts in the parking lot, though. 
Mobasser reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 9:30 PM, J Francho said:That was really kind of you. I hope you did some donuts in the parking lot, though.
J Francho, I'm 61 now. My donut days are over!
On 4/24/2019 at 7:18 PM, gnappi said:When cute 20 something cashiers start calling you "Sir" ???
Or, when they call you hon or honey. What? I'm old enough to be your grandpa girl!
Catt reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 9:44 PM, Mobasser said:J Francho, I'm 61 now. My donut days are over!
Now that's a totally different subject!
I'm 68 & a friend of mine bought a 800hp 2018 Shelby GT500 Super Snake. After a couple church members drove it & got a little scratch in each gear he grinned & throw me keys.
It looked like Dale Jr at the end of a race!
My wife says Daddy still got it! ????
Mobasser reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 10:12 PM, Catt said:
Now that's a totally different subject!
I'm 68 & a friend of mine bought a 800hp 2018 Shelby GT500 Super Snake. After a couple church members drove it & got a little scratch in each gear he grinned & throw me keys.
It looked like Dale Jr at the end of a race!
My wife says Daddy still got it! ????
Catt. That's a hot car! I agree sometimes it's still fun to hot rod a little!
A-Jay reply :
The Golden Rule carries No Age requirement.
Just saying.
A-Jay
Mobasser reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 10:25 PM, A-Jay said:The Golden Rule carries No Age requirement.
Just saying.
A-Jay
I agree A-Jay
Catt reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 10:18 PM, Mobasser said:Catt. That's a hot car! I agree sometimes it's still fun to hot rod a little!
It's kinda like when I coached PE I told the teenagers when I use to fight karate I would stand flat-footed & kick the the top of a door jam but now I can only reach the door knob.
They laughed until they realized where the door knob height was in comparison to their anatomy!
I ain't as good once was,
But I'm as good once, as I ever was!
Hawkeye21 reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 8:14 AM, Harold Scoggins said:I usually don't need a hand, but I'll never turn down a young buck's help in getting my kayak to the water.
I'm still fairly young and I won't turn down help loading my kayak. lol It can be a pain sometimes.
WRB reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 6:22 PM, TOXIC said:Define "Elderly".......
Over 70, now it's over 80!
Tom
Log Catcher reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 6:22 PM, TOXIC said:Define "Elderly".......
The younger the cashiers are at restaurants and stores and they give you the senior citizens discount whether you qualify or not. I had this happen to me several times.
scbassin reply :
That was a very good deed,THANK YOU!!
TOXIC reply :
Funny story....When I lived in Florida I fished a Sunday trail that had about 20 boats. Amongst about 5 of us that fished it, there was a standing rule. If any one of us won, the winner had to buy lunch at the Golden Corral that was close to the ramp. Because of the Florida heat, this was an early morning to early afternoon tournament. I was lucky enough to win my fair share and while in line at the restaurant I got to the cashier and indicated I was picking up the tab for the 5 of us and under my breath complaining that it was taking most of my winnings. The cashier spouted off "Well, I did give you the Senior Citizens discount...." I never lived that one down the rest of my time there.
Sam reply :
That is a wonderful story, Mo.
Congrats. As they say in the Gloucester, Virginia newspaper when you do something good, "local guy does good!"
Proud of you helping the guy.
And yes, one day we all will be in his place.
geo g reply :
That was a wonderful story. Your act of kindness was obviously appreciated by the old timer. We have been enlightened, and reminded to look out for our older ones. They do have many special needs when they hit the golden years that the younger ones just take for granted.
scaleface reply :
Dont be over patronizing though . Old folks dont want to be a burden .
I was at this lake where 14 foot jon boats are free . It rained the night before and the boats had a lot of water in them . I couldnt just pull the plugs because the transom's were in the water .I'm 60ish and there is this other fellow there appeared to be in his 70's . It took both of us to flip the boats and empty the water . I'm sure both of us would have managed alone but man those things were heavy . I help people drag them out too and appreciate it when they help me .
Paul Roberts reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 8:14 AM, Harold Scoggins said:I usually don't need a hand, but I'll never turn down a young buck's help in getting my kayak to the water.
Sometimes, I'll just ask. Sometimes people just need a little prompting.
gnappi reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 7:37 PM, FishinBuck07 said:Now I don't know if I can agree with this one! I am only 37 and have been called sir many times by people in that age range. Haha
Man they didn't do that to me well into my 40's, see what clean living did for me? ????
FishinBuck07 reply :
On 4/26/2019 at 1:33 AM, gnappi said:Man they didn't do that to me well into my 40's, see what clean living did for me? ????
What is this clean living you speak of? Sounds kinda boring to me! ????
gnappi reply :
On 4/26/2019 at 2:02 AM, FishinBuck07 said:What is this clean living you speak of? Sounds kinda boring to me! ????
No drugs, no excessive drinking, no gambling, no well nothing, hmmm... I guess it is boring ????
NYWayfarer reply :
On 4/24/2019 at 9:30 PM, J Francho said:That was really kind of you. I hope you did some donuts in the parking lot, though.
That's a NY state of mind alright. It was the part of the post that stood out the most to me. No way I am handing my keys over to a stranger.
I'd ask you to get my backlash out instead. And when I hand over my rod my other hand would be by the knife I have clipped to my pocket. 
MacJig reply :
The funny thing about getting old is your mind doesn't figure it out until your body is already there. Most of us are young in mind but the body just doesn't cooperate. I will be 65 soon, had one knee replacement, another bad knee that needs one and recent shoulder surgery. When a young fella, fishing with my dad for pike at the 1000 Islands, I could jump in and out of a boat with the "...greatest of ease...". Today I have to stop, analyze and finally ask myself ... "do i really want to do this?". No older angler wants to be a burden to other boaters/anglers but age is something none of us can avoid. Enjoy each day while you can. The day me come when the only fishing we will do is in our memories.
J Francho reply :
On 4/26/2019 at 10:17 PM, MacJig said:The funny thing about getting old is your mind doesn't figure it out until your body is already there.
47, still skateboarding. I'm still paying my dues, lol.
frogflogger reply :
You did a good deed.
Fishing is enjoyed by folks of all ages, sex, race,etc. For me it is the greatest of all outdoor sports and if we respect each other, the fish and the water we are all winners.
Being closer to 80 than 70 I often receive unasked for help at the ramp and appreciate it and I hope that in over the 70yrs. I've been fishing that I have acted in a like manner towards those that need help.
MacJig reply :
On 4/26/2019 at 10:23 PM, J Francho said:47, still skateboarding. I'm still paying my dues, lol.
Looks like you caught a shiner ... but not the kind that swims !!
Manly Studson reply :
For whatever reason, I don’t see elderly fishermen. I see men in their 50’s, but not that much older. Some of the elderly men I know perk up when I talk about fishing, but it seems like it’s an old hobby from years ago. I did see a few elderly men at the lake the other day, but they and their wives were pushing grandkids in swings. Is it more difficult to find opportunities to fish as you get older?
Glenn reply :
Perhaps of interest...
https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat-mistakes.html
Wizzlebiz reply :
What I see here is a man who needs a fishing buddy. I would have taken the que when he said all are gone leaving me to walk the bank alone and offered to meet that gentleman again so he could have a fishing buddy again.
Maybe im too nice of a guy but thats what I would have done. Make a friend and bring back a feeling for someone who lost it long ago.
Rip_lipz reply :
Had an elderly gentlemen come over to me and asked about my newer rods and reels. He then showed me his old (very well taken care of) pistol grip rods he has had for a long time. We had a great conversation about the lake and fishing. Haven't seen him since but it would be awesome to go out fishing with him. I do agree with the gentlemen that mentioned having no so pleasant of an experience with trout fishermen, obviously not all are bad. I joined a small trout club a couple years ago when I was at my first duty station, after signing up the older members told me I would have to peel potatoes with the teenage kids during the yearly dinner while they smoked cigars and drank brandy... no thanks.
Mobasser reply :
On 8/28/2019 at 1:08 AM, Wizzlebiz said:What I see here is a man who needs a fishing buddy. I would have taken the que when he said all are gone leaving me to walk the bank alone and offered to meet that gentleman again so he could have a fishing buddy again.
Maybe im too nice of a guy but thats what I would have done. Make a friend and bring back a feeling for someone who lost it long ago.
I've actually seen him 3 times since then. Always bank fishing in the evening. We always stop and talk, and see how it's going. Very nice older guy. So yes, we became friends too.
Alex from GA reply :
I'm with Harold in launching and retrieving my kayak. I fish rivers in it and it's always a steep down to launch and steeper getting to the truck. I'm in my late 70s and always go with much younger stronger guys. Launching my boats is not a problem and I often offer help to others.
schplurg reply :
Git off my lawn!
Preytorien reply :
There it is......a truly kind soul making the rest of us fishermen look good. Great job, keep up the kind actions.
DanielG reply :
Well, I'm 65. I didn't realize it until my kids reminded me. Sometimes they might forget when they ask for help doing things like digging post holes to put in a fence.
Last year I ended up getting an inflatable life vest so they wouldn't worry about me going out in cold spring water. I think it's a good idea actually so I always put it on especially if I'm out alone. But, to them, it's like having one of those life alert buttons in case "I've fallen down and I can't get up" as in the tv commercial.
In the last five years I've noticed some strength decrease even though I work out trying to compensate for it every other day. My balance is sometimes a bit off, especially in the mornings right when I get up, And the integrity of the knees, particularly on stairs is beginning to be felt. I tell my doctor, "What's going on? This getting older thing is for the birds."
I am fascinated by the aging process. It's like your body begins changing slowly and all you can do is be inside it and experience it happening. Sometimes you notice it and think 'What's going on?' The change isn't like puberty but it is as noticeable. You can see the subtle changes that you have absolutely no control over and it makes you wonder... well, if that happened in the last five years, what will it be in the next five, or five after that? I'm trying to ignore it.
I believe it's good to age gracefully as it's inevitable. But, I'm also resisting it by refusing to act older. Alas... it doesn't always work.
Bass Whoopin' reply :
I always offer to help the older guys when i see them struggling to get their boat in the trailer. We usually get to talking for a bit and that's how a lot of good conversations are started. That's also how i hear a lot of great stories from the old timers. They even have some really good tips too. I was always taught to treat my elders with respect. That's just common sense in my family.
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