This Is Why I Fish

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Sorry, this pic does no justice to how beautiful it was out there tonight with the full moon and calm water. The city in the background is San Diego. We float tubed America's Cup from 6PM to 10:30PM. Yes, the silence in the dark, the song of the movie Jaws playing in your head, the fish jumping out of the water, the sea lions around you, the small boats with no lights appearing out of nowhere, and the big charter boats aiming at you and steering away only at the last minute, made it an exciting fishing evening. Then you stop, look up, and enjoy the view. Nothing else matters. This is why I fish.

Why do you fish?

I was expecting a picture of some large fish. In my mind I was immediately thinking, "That's not why I fish...".

Then I see this wonderful pic posted. I can see we think alike when it comes to fishing.

I love to be out on the water way before the sun rises. The only sounds in the air are those of frogs and a few early rising birds with the occasional splash of a fish. The stars reflect off of the inky black water looking like water bugs turned into fire flies.
I sit back in my float tube sipping hot coffee and contemplating the world. I find it gives me a perspective that I can only find on the water.

It's why I go fishing...Tight Lines Brother.

That is so well put, so why do I fish that is a good question that could be answered in so many different ways. But I think with the view you posted in that picture it is clear. I fish to clear my head off all that noise, clear my mind of all that stress, to clear my mind of all that does not matter so I feel renewed. That is why I fish.

In the 20 years I have belly boated my priorities have changed. Initially it was to catch huge bass on untapped waters. Now, as my dad is aging (67 years old), every chance I get to go out with him is more and more valuable. And with three sons (11, 8 and 5), while I am out there on the water I think about how much fun I'll have in the future once I introduce them to fishing from a float tube.

It's funny, I rarely take pics of the fish I catch, but I do like to capture those moments that remind me of my grandparents' paintings hang on their house walls in Italy. Fishing just brings memories back.


Lake Cuyamaca
Really early in the AM that the sky literally had no color, it was all blank and white (I later converted it to a full B&W pic). The far away boat, the fog, and those foggy clouds looked just like the painting my family had in Italy. I zoomed in as much as possible, that's why it's blurry, but it has it's purpose.

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Discover Lake in San Marcos
Really early morning as well. Just fog, the sound of frogs, and the fish feeding on the surface gave me a sense of peace. Again, this shot reminded me of a painting my family once had.

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And next is a pic of a huge 10lb bass I caught today... JK

Good thread! And very true flipdog....headed out tonight, NPH....clear my head...relieve my stress.........its awesome being on the water and the bonus to catch fish....good stuff

filippodg wrote:Why do you fish?

Scenery and catching fish are bonuses but hardly the prize. Camaraderie is why I fish; creating experiences and memories with family and friends is paramount.

Great post!

Often times I just enjoy or need the solitude.
Watching the sun come up from the water is always fun.
The challenge of finding my quarry for the day.
Comradery at other times is what I want.
Memories on memories of fishing adventures with family and friends comes to mind.
Hell, sometimes it is all about the toys.

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Thanks for sharing.

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Across from 6 Bays at Crowley

Beautiful pictures guys! Thanks for sharing.

After getting out of the Army having been in 6 years and greeting injured in Iraq I found it hard to 're integrate into society. Came close at one point to putting my pistol to my head when I went fishing one day and caught a big ol bass. The rush it gave me and joy of being outside away from countless people with their faces stuck to their phones relaxed me more than I could remember being. Ever since it has stuck.

KeepinThePoleWet wrote:After getting out of the Army having been in 6 years and greeting injured in Iraq I found it hard to 're integrate into society. Came close at one point to putting my pistol to my head when I went fishing one day and caught a big ol bass. The rush it gave me and joy of being outside away from countless people with their faces stuck to their phones relaxed me more than I could remember being. Ever since it has stuck.

One of my favorite parts of being a Guide is connecting people to the outdoors. Our evolution as a species is deeply connected to the outdoors and yet somehow most people are completely disconnected from it.

I think it's awesome that you found the peace and tranquility that comes from being on the water and fishing. I retired from the Navy and had a difficult time finding my place in the civilian world. Turns out I needed to find myself first. I found that peace in the mountains and on the water. Wish we were closer, I'd put a pack on you and take you to some alpine lakes.

bigfish wrote:

KeepinThePoleWet wrote:After getting out of the Army having been in 6 years and greeting injured in Iraq I found it hard to 're integrate into society. Came close at one point to putting my pistol to my head when I went fishing one day and caught a big ol bass. The rush it gave me and joy of being outside away from countless people with their faces stuck to their phones relaxed me more than I could remember being. Ever since it has stuck.

One of my favorite parts of being a Guide is connecting people to the outdoors. Our evolution as a species is deeply connected to the outdoors and yet somehow most people are completely disconnected from it.

I think it's awesome that you found the peace and tranquility that comes from being on the water and fishing. I retired from the Navy and had a difficult time finding my place in the civilian world. Turns out I needed to find myself first. I found that peace in the mountains and on the water. Wish we were closer, I'd put a pack on you and take you to some alpine lakes.

First off thanks to both of you for your service guys KeepinThePoleWet that is a powerful story. First off I am so glad fishing is such a strong thing for you. I agree that it can be a way to stay sane. And like Bigfish said just being out side can be so important to some people. Guys stay healthy fish a lot and again to both of you thank you so much. KeepinThePoleWet, once a again so nice to have meet you last weekend, now I really understand why it was so nice to meet you.