Life getting in the way of fishing... sigh
- Thread starter Josh
- Start date
It's best (if possible) to diversify one's outdoor recreational interests to reduce the impact of short seasons, climate change, regulatory modifications, and access. Nothing sadder than building an entire life around a few weeks of deer hunting season or a few months of fishing season. Lots of stuff to do outdoors if you don't put all your eggs in one basket.
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This:
www.orvis.com
I carried that rod along with a small pouch of flies on dozens of work trips. It is not the best rod I have ever fished, but it is certainly better than not having a rod at all. If I was someplace where I could not fish from the bank, I often would buy a cheap pair of waders locally and then donate them to a local group when I was done. Unfortunately, the days of "cheap" waders appear to be past so if I had to do it today I would just bank fish.
Clearwater® 6-Piece Fly Rod
With a rod tube at just 22½"L, the travel-ready Clearwater 6-Piece Fly Rod easily fits into a duffle—now there's no reason ever to be without a fly rod.
www.orvis.com
I carried that rod along with a small pouch of flies on dozens of work trips. It is not the best rod I have ever fished, but it is certainly better than not having a rod at all. If I was someplace where I could not fish from the bank, I often would buy a cheap pair of waders locally and then donate them to a local group when I was done. Unfortunately, the days of "cheap" waders appear to be past so if I had to do it today I would just bank fish.
Dogsnfish
Steelhead
That is great advice. Every season offers something fun to do outdoors.
Rob Allen
Life of the Party
Make plans you cannot get out of..... come with me to Christmas Island next February.
There is only one flight off the island per week. Once you are there nothing can get in the way of fishing. Unfortunately however internet access there is becoming reliable
Jim in Anacortes
Life of the Party
Josh, here is quote to ponder.. "Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you."
These simple words hold much meaning.
These simple words hold much meaning.
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I have tried real hard to not respond to this thread. But after 43+ years of being married I have come to the realization projects will always be a part of our lives. Getting away for our personal time, e.g. fishing, is secondary at best....
My wife maintains a project list and posts it on the refrigerator. I no longer look at it - period.
My wife's projects usually take several months if not close to 2 years. For example:
Put in the front yard. That equates to 20 dump trucks of top soil spread by hand and putting in 15,000 square foot of sod.
Lets add an deck. 1,500 sq. ft. later, 3 levels, planter boxes between each level, put in a hot tub. Oh, don't forget the pond...
Completing the unfinished 900 sq. ft. of the upstairs.
Finish off the downstairs ( 1,500 sq. ft. of space) equated to 2 years of electrical, HVAC, raised floors with oak flooring, sheet rook, 30 cabinets for storage and desktops with a new storage room. Contractor says it will cost $100K and that did not cover the oak floors nor the cabinets. I did it all for $30K.
These are only examples of what I have experienced. There are more...
When I retired I said no more big projects. I sold all my large tools; table saws, drill press, planners, etc... Then:
Add my new closet to an alcove in the Master. Oh by the way, take out the freestanding stove and replace it with an entertainment center with an electric fireplace. Add a barn door too.
It never stops!
I tried to say I am going to take a month off. She says Ok. I come home and she is interviewing contractors for the job. WTF!
I tried to say we can not afford it. That did not work.
My wife has learned when I get burned out she says 'time to go fishing'.
I also have learned to have a vacation where I can go fishing, our girls can have fun, and where shopping is close by. Our go to place was RC for last 30+ years.
Many of our friends have said they wished their husbands had the skills. Be happy you have the skills of being able to do them or learn how to do them. It is priceless....
My wife maintains a project list and posts it on the refrigerator. I no longer look at it - period.
My wife's projects usually take several months if not close to 2 years. For example:
Put in the front yard. That equates to 20 dump trucks of top soil spread by hand and putting in 15,000 square foot of sod.
Lets add an deck. 1,500 sq. ft. later, 3 levels, planter boxes between each level, put in a hot tub. Oh, don't forget the pond...
Completing the unfinished 900 sq. ft. of the upstairs.
Finish off the downstairs ( 1,500 sq. ft. of space) equated to 2 years of electrical, HVAC, raised floors with oak flooring, sheet rook, 30 cabinets for storage and desktops with a new storage room. Contractor says it will cost $100K and that did not cover the oak floors nor the cabinets. I did it all for $30K.
These are only examples of what I have experienced. There are more...
When I retired I said no more big projects. I sold all my large tools; table saws, drill press, planners, etc... Then:
Add my new closet to an alcove in the Master. Oh by the way, take out the freestanding stove and replace it with an entertainment center with an electric fireplace. Add a barn door too.
It never stops!
I tried to say I am going to take a month off. She says Ok. I come home and she is interviewing contractors for the job. WTF!
I tried to say we can not afford it. That did not work.
My wife has learned when I get burned out she says 'time to go fishing'.
I also have learned to have a vacation where I can go fishing, our girls can have fun, and where shopping is close by. Our go to place was RC for last 30+ years.
Many of our friends have said they wished their husbands had the skills. Be happy you have the skills of being able to do them or learn how to do them. It is priceless....
OK, I’ll play. Retired 12 years ago at 61, no health issues and enough income with no bills to do pretty much what I want within reason. Kept a trailer on a NorCal steelhead river from October- April, friend living nearby was a flyfisher who would call with reports, river conditions, etc. Took both grandsons to Alaska and BC/Yukon, separately. Had some good times.
71st birthday was diagnosed with throat cancer, spent two months at UCLA Jonsson Cancer center and came home 40 pounds lighter, not so good when you are 6’ and 175#. Gained 20#s back, the other 20 was muscle that isn’t coming back at 73. Had a chance to go to Patagonia for sea run Browns last fall but the logistics were difficult; couple days travel and hotels each way not anything I’m ready to deal with and 18 hours on a plane is nothing I want to deal with right now. I no longer feel comfortable rowing heavy whitewater and hoping I’ll have the stamina for three straight days smallmouth fishing out of a drift boat later this summer. Also have three days planned chasing tigers and rainbow in the high desert at the end of May.
I guess what I’m trying to say is take life as it comes and don’t wait to long for things on your bucket list, life can slap you upside the head anytime.
71st birthday was diagnosed with throat cancer, spent two months at UCLA Jonsson Cancer center and came home 40 pounds lighter, not so good when you are 6’ and 175#. Gained 20#s back, the other 20 was muscle that isn’t coming back at 73. Had a chance to go to Patagonia for sea run Browns last fall but the logistics were difficult; couple days travel and hotels each way not anything I’m ready to deal with and 18 hours on a plane is nothing I want to deal with right now. I no longer feel comfortable rowing heavy whitewater and hoping I’ll have the stamina for three straight days smallmouth fishing out of a drift boat later this summer. Also have three days planned chasing tigers and rainbow in the high desert at the end of May.
I guess what I’m trying to say is take life as it comes and don’t wait to long for things on your bucket list, life can slap you upside the head anytime.
I remember a lot of years I only would get out 3-4 times a year. Went through a bunch of years of 150+ days in the not to distant past. Taking care of mom changed up my program. Currently responsible for getting one grandkid to practice 3 times and 2 games. Emma's back went out Sunday. Get to umpire tonight and Saturday. I'm glad I get to do stuff, the stuff I missed working before. But the before stuff put me in this position. I usually don't plan more than a day, day and half ahead. Maybe retirement in June will change things up. More will be revealed.
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charles sullivan
Life of the Party
No is a very important word.
I believe no to be the kindest word in the english language.
I believe no to be the kindest word in the english language.
I did my 'Big Trips' in my 50's, as I saw a lot of folks I knew develop health issues that seriously derailed their 'when I retire I'm going to X' plans.
Glad I did it when I did, still was able to get after it at a high level, long days, fishing hard.
Now I'm older, can't do as much, and certainly no 'roughing it' in the jungle chasing giant Tarpon, while sleeping in a tin roof shack with one eye open.
Do it as soon as you can, tomorrow is promised to nobody. If life gets in the way, it's better than the alternative, of no life to get in the way.
Be grateful, be happy, don't complain, and be alive...
Glad I did it when I did, still was able to get after it at a high level, long days, fishing hard.
Now I'm older, can't do as much, and certainly no 'roughing it' in the jungle chasing giant Tarpon, while sleeping in a tin roof shack with one eye open.
Do it as soon as you can, tomorrow is promised to nobody. If life gets in the way, it's better than the alternative, of no life to get in the way.
Be grateful, be happy, don't complain, and be alive...