Sometimes you have to tell yourself, "Been there, done that". As stated, try something new. Anyone who has been around long enough to know how much better fishing was back in the day compared to now, would tell you, the spark does fade. I thought when I retired, I would be all over, fishing twice as much as I had while working. Not! From restrictions, to closures, to reduced numbers of everything, has made it difficult to get motivated. I used to get more excited planning a trip. Then, once there, was a bonus. Now, it's difficult to get motivated to plan, but once there, I'm glad I went.
SFR Losing Interest
- Thread starter jaredoconnor
- Start date
Sorta fishing-related
I get it. I spent a lot of time fishing before kids. Once the boys came along it was a few times a year, usually with them. In those days they stocked the rivers too. But with kids sports and my running races then, fishing was not a big part of what we did. But it was enough to instill a knowledge, and now my youngest loves to fish, even though he prefers bass on the big water. Fishing became a big part of my/ our lives again later. Slowed down with mom, now the boys need attention. No doubt I'll get back at it hard soon enough though.
Fishing will run through your life, don't be afraid to let it pause. You'll get back at it as passionately as ever again.
Fishing will run through your life, don't be afraid to let it pause. You'll get back at it as passionately as ever again.
DryFly82
Life of the Party
We all go through seasons. If you're in a rut, then maybe a little time off is good. New fisheries and styles can go a long way toward reenergizing the fishing passion.
I've always loved it, but there's been a lot of starts and stops over the years. Grew up fishing BC/Alaska, but I just never got into it when I first moved to the east coast. Then a friend got me hooked on the smallmouth in the Rappahannock and Potomac and that kept me busy a few years until kids and moving around a bit kept me off the water. I pretty much got down to just the annual BC trip, but when the border got shut down for COVID I had to find places in Washington to fish. I started to get out more once I could take the kids with me. The last few years it's been mastering indicators on stillwaters, learning the SRC fishery in Puget Sound, and backpacking a float tube into the high lakes that have kept it fresh for me.
I've always loved it, but there's been a lot of starts and stops over the years. Grew up fishing BC/Alaska, but I just never got into it when I first moved to the east coast. Then a friend got me hooked on the smallmouth in the Rappahannock and Potomac and that kept me busy a few years until kids and moving around a bit kept me off the water. I pretty much got down to just the annual BC trip, but when the border got shut down for COVID I had to find places in Washington to fish. I started to get out more once I could take the kids with me. The last few years it's been mastering indicators on stillwaters, learning the SRC fishery in Puget Sound, and backpacking a float tube into the high lakes that have kept it fresh for me.
Maybe try a different approach... I alluded to it in my earlier post.
You definitely have some fishing skills. Why not use them to help others learn? Taking out someone to catch their first fish, introducing someone to fly fishing when they only have gear fished, or teach someone on how to tie flies. Those twinkles in their eyes, screams of joy/surprise and smiles on their faces will get you every time. Your appreciation of the sport will increase dramatically also.
There are lots of volunteer opportunities around. Several forum members do this on a regular basis.
Something to think about...
You definitely have some fishing skills. Why not use them to help others learn? Taking out someone to catch their first fish, introducing someone to fly fishing when they only have gear fished, or teach someone on how to tie flies. Those twinkles in their eyes, screams of joy/surprise and smiles on their faces will get you every time. Your appreciation of the sport will increase dramatically also.
There are lots of volunteer opportunities around. Several forum members do this on a regular basis.
Something to think about...
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I have a history of burning out on things, but fishing has been the one constant through my whole life. I have had to develop a "keep changing it up" approach to it, though. The fishing I do now is very different than what I was doing 10-15yrs ago. I have to constantly expand what I do, where I fish, etc or I can lose interest pretty quick. May be worth exploring that route if you want to keep at it.
I think "changing it up" is key to refreshing interest. Half the interest for me is exploring new facets, imagining/building new stuff, etc. These past 2 months I've taken an interest in (don't laugh) wading for dungeness crabs, which is still "fishing" in my usual haunts, but using a DIY (chicken wire) pole net, catch bucket, etc. We aren't allowed to use a metal rake, or any pointed steel tool for raking them in my area, so I decided to adapt a dollar store spatula into a "shell-friendly" raking tool for the handle end. (that's the satisfying "making stuff" part for me).
Now, if only they'd take a fly...
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I used to do that as a kid, we would wade through the grassy sections up at Birch Bay with a Y shaped stick with some rope tied between the Y.. scoop them up and check if they were legal and then mom would often cook them on the beach!I think "changing it up" is key to refreshing interest. Half the interest for me is exploring new facets, imagining/building new stuff, etc. These past 2 months I've taken an interest in (don't laugh) wading for dungeness crabs, which is still "fishing" in my usual haunts, but using a DIY pole net, catch bucket, etc....Now, if they'd only take a fly...
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Definitely a learning curve. My wife loves to tell all who'll listen about sitting on the beach, watching me trying shake the pinchers loose from my finger tip. It's like slamming your finger a car door (which, oddly, I've done)..and it's very similar.
That would cause me to lose interest quickly .
Pink Nighty
Legend
This is the only fair catch crabbing! All the rest of yous are basically poachers, or hot dog plunking carpists at the very least.I think "changing it up" is key to refreshing interest. Half the interest for me is exploring new facets, imagining/building new stuff, etc. These past 2 months I've taken an interest in (don't laugh) wading for dungeness crabs, which is still "fishing" in my usual haunts, but using a DIY pole net, catch bucket, etc....Now, if they'd only take a fly...
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I like steep beaches with a shelf that gets accessible at low tide and sandy bottoms. Polarized glasses on a sunny, big low tide and you can absolutely crush em on the right day. We have family come up and do it every August, our best haul was 6 limits each of dungees and rocks. Released almost as many legal but sup optimals as well.
I like a big garden rake personally, they'll fight it instead of run from it.
Chris Bellows
Steelhead
I've taken long breaks from fly fishing and it was great. Sometimes you need a break from something to appreciate it even more. As for people saying "change it up" I'm not sure I agree. As I've gotten older I've become more rigid in how I want to catch fish and I'm not going to fish differently than what brings me joy. I look for fisheries that scratch that itch and pass on loads of local opportunities that do not. I also now find more joy in tying than I ever did in previous fishing incarnations.
And if you just don't feel like fishing for awhile enjoy the break. My only advice is don't sell anything as you'll want it all back when the fishing bug comes back.
And if you just don't feel like fishing for awhile enjoy the break. My only advice is don't sell anything as you'll want it all back when the fishing bug comes back.
My point is more you may discover you enjoy fishing other methods/places/species/fisheries you never tried before. There's not too many fisheries I haven't dabbled in up here in the PNW... Some I have loved, some were very much "one and done." Granted, we're obviously a bit limited by our free time and geographic locations. But one thing I can relate to with the original post is being gone a long time, so I've really taken to the day trip or just one overnight. Being gone any more than that starts to stress me out for a long list of reasons.
Chris Bellows
Steelhead
I agree with trying new species, etc... my main point was I'm not going to try new fisheries that require me to fish in ways I don't enjoy. For instance I'm not going to fish bobbers or troll. My preference is to streamer fish and I'd rather get skunked fishing in ways that bring me joy than fish in ways that don't. If I'm able to get back to the Dean River, Grande Ronde, or Clearwater at some point I'm going to skate dries exclusively except for quick switches to small come back patterns if a steelhead rises, misses, and won't come back for the dry. I know I might catch less fish but I will have more fun than if I fished other methods.
I think "changing it up" is key to refreshing interest. Half the interest for me is exploring new facets, imagining/building new stuff, etc. These past 2 months I've taken an interest in (don't laugh) wading for dungeness crabs, which is still "fishing" in my usual haunts, but using a DIY pole net, catch bucket, etc....Now, if they'd only take a fly...
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Wade crabbing is as fun as fishing to me.
I do both walking and stake up bait for them.
I enjoy watching how they react. On bait, some are super cautious while others just rush in. They can scoot pretty damn fast when they want to, especially when they become aware of your presence and they perceive the threat of boiling water.
SF
Great topic, really made me look at my fishing life. Been crazy for fishing since I was young, never lost interest but life's priorities dictated how much time I could spend on the water. In fact, time on the water is what got me thru some of the most stressful times in my life. Now in retirement I try to get in as much fishing as my body can handle knowing there will be a limited number of days left. None of us are going to escape the grim reaper but I intend to give that son of a bitch a run for his money! Maybe that's what keeps the fire in the belly for me. This is such a great site!
I can kinda identify....
let's see, steelhead? meh...IMO, overrated (yes, I've caught my fair share bobbering, swinging, and even stripping), just doesn't excite me as much any more). I'll still do it when it's the only game in town (or I get tired of winter trout).
trout? meh....but they're great for numbers, if that's what one is after...
other species? fuck yeah! I just want to target certain species the way I want to target them. That's all, there's a bit of a learning curve with some of them (e.g. Faux Muskies, CAPR, etc....
but that's just me....if you need references, I'll be happy to oblige, but see below.
let's see, steelhead? meh...IMO, overrated (yes, I've caught my fair share bobbering, swinging, and even stripping), just doesn't excite me as much any more). I'll still do it when it's the only game in town (or I get tired of winter trout).
trout? meh....but they're great for numbers, if that's what one is after...
other species? fuck yeah! I just want to target certain species the way I want to target them. That's all, there's a bit of a learning curve with some of them (e.g. Faux Muskies, CAPR, etc....
but that's just me....if you need references, I'll be happy to oblige, but see below.
Coach Potter
Life of the Party
I took a 10 year break from fly fishing. I never thought it would happen but the derby bug got me like a heroin addiction. I gave away all of my fly tying materials and tools (deeply regret that) as I was convinced my life would forever revolve around fast boats and bass. I sold my Skeeter in 2018 and fell back into fly fishing like I’d never left.
I was also a life long archery hunter…did it for 24 years. I never contemplated the notion of hunting with a firearm again. I still bow hunt but only in September and only for elk. Last week I ordered a custom rifle and I’m ecstatic to start shooting again.
Never do shit for “fun” unless it’s actually fun! If you don’t lose sleep the night before an activity, you probably aren’t that into it.
I was also a life long archery hunter…did it for 24 years. I never contemplated the notion of hunting with a firearm again. I still bow hunt but only in September and only for elk. Last week I ordered a custom rifle and I’m ecstatic to start shooting again.
Never do shit for “fun” unless it’s actually fun! If you don’t lose sleep the night before an activity, you probably aren’t that into it.
Bingo! 40+ years in and I still sleep like shit the night before a day on the water. SRC, bass, coho, trout, etc. I barely slept the night before I went out for lingcod on the opener Friday. It’s the only thing in my adult life that makes me feel like x-mas morning when I was 6. Clear indicator to me I am spending my free time wisely.