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A Lack of Interest

Kevin Speight

Senior Member
I haven't been fishing for months now, and to be honest, haven't really missed it. Bizarre really, because during the 2008/09 season, I enjoyed a really good spell after barbel on the Bristol Avon and had a lot of fun during the colder months after the silvers and pike.
So what happened? Well, I've taken up some new hobbies which consume lots of my time for starters, but I think I also got a bit disillusioned with the angling scene as a whole.
Has anyone else ever been through these periods of angling procrastination?
 
Yes. And often too. I haven't wet a line in two months now, partly because of doing other things (diy etc.), partly because I'm mostly a fair-weather angler and also because of a lessening of interest. Fishing's always lurking away at the back of my mind to some degree, hense several daily visits to this site and one or two others. I think it's better that way anyhow, it's healthier. When you see people become completely one dimensional and totally absorbed with just one thing you just know they are heading for a fall.

In four months time, when the worst of the winter has passed and days become longer again, well all be dreaming of the imminent tench bubbles, carp on the top, barbel on the shallows... And it will all be just like old times again, I hope.
 
If you have been fishing for most of your life I think that it is inevitable that you will go through these periods for one reason or another. I was deep into carp fishing when it was in its infancy but grew disillusioned by the commercialism and packed up. Only advice I can give is never part with your gear as one day you will bitten by the bug again, I wish I still had my pair of ABU55s. Just returned after about 15 year lay off.
 
I think it's only natural that you can't keep up a level of enthusiasm all the time. I had a period in my teens that I didn't go fishing, and 5 years in the RAF saw no coarse fishing action at all. However I did have 13 months in the Gulf and a few of us hired a Arab Dhow every Sunday had some great sport in the Indian Ocean, that made the tour far more bearable.
But now I actually do feel guilty if I don't go, but I enjoy short sessions as opposed to all dayers, perhaps that's the key to keep us keen.
 
Agree with both the sentiments previously mentioned about the commercial side of angling being a big turn-off, and also about the short sessions being more enjoyable. I still do occasional over nighters, but I do find the barrow, bivvy, cooking equipment, bed-chair and all the rest of the associated stuff that you need a real bind, and the thought of packing it all away again sometimes sits uneasy in the back of my mind. These days I find it far better to go light and short.
 
Hi Kevin,
I fish 3 times a week in the Summer months but hardly at all in the Winter. I just happen to prefer it that way. I reckon I would soon lose interest in a hobby that was compulsory!;)
Regards,
Graham.
 
Yes Kev, frequently go through these patches. Sometimes a new stretch, species or just a change of heart kick starts things. Othertimes I actually find myself looking for reasons not to go..................I've even readied the kit the night before and woken up to think I really can't be bothered !
There's more to life than fishing and MUCH more to fishing than Barbel !
I'm actually looking forwards to the frosty weather and some Dace/Grayling/Chub/Roach fishing !
 
Kev, we all go through periods of time like your doing mate, some more than others, funny thing is i think the older you get the self pressure to bank fish becomes less and the enjoyment of being by the water and passing a few words with like minded folk becomes more enjoyable, yeah! and then BANG!!
something stirs in yer belly and off ya go and do a fortune in the tackle shop
with the renewed urgency to fish again;) have a rest mate then get yerself a good season next year:)
 
Kev, we all go through periods of time like your doing mate, some more than others, funny thing is i think the older you get the self pressure to bank fish becomes less and the enjoyment of being by the water and passing a few words with like minded folk becomes more enjoyable, yeah! and then BANG!!
something stirs in yer belly and off ya go and do a fortune in the tackle shop
with the renewed urgency to fish again;) have a rest mate then get yerself a good season next year:)

Absolutely spot on John, i can be pretty ambivalent to the whole fishing scene nowadays and then from out of the blue something lights a fire under me again, for the last few years its been light tackle sea fishing, next spring it will be Tench again seriously for the first time in 3 years, this winter, Perch/Chub maybe but then again i may not bother.

Go with your own feelings Kev, its your past time, don't feel obligated to go or burnout lies around the corner ;)
 
I find I need a focus, a campaign almost to really get into it properly. This may be interpreted as an obsession as opposed to just fishing lightheartedly to see what happens. What I do find is if a weekend comes along when I can't fish due to other committments then I really want to go! But when I am totally free to go I can occasionally be struck by lethargy.. Always good to have other hobbies though
 
Yep had them myself going through one at the moment - family issues

The forum helps keep me involved and I do enjoy it when I go

Question is my do you not enjoy it?

Is it like me through fear of having to pick up the pieces when I get back from fishing.

I have found this unfounded but it's still in the back of my mind!
 
JW - have to agree with Simon - your response was spot on.

Can't put it better myself so won't even try :)

Cheers

Les
 
I'm also going through a lean time at the moment due to other commitments and poor health and tbh it's driving me mental......If I don't get out at least once a week I go stir crazy and since the beginning of September I've been averaging once every 3 weeks......Hence some of my grumpy posts. :mad:
 
I'm also going through a lean time at the moment due to other commitments and poor health and tbh it's driving me mental......If I don't get out at least once a week I go stir crazy and since the beginning of September I've been averaging once every 3 weeks......Hence some of my grumpy posts. :mad:

I was going to write a response, but as it would be absolutely identical to yours Adrian, I just did a quote job...many thanks :D:D:D

Cheers, Dave.
 
I always relate the tale of the chap who, on retirement, asked for his collected monies to be spent on a set of golf clubs, as "he'd always wanted to play the game." Why did he wait until then?!! You only live once...... so do what you want, when you want, as often as you can (whilst keeping your loved ones happy) taking every chance to try new things if the opportunity arises. When you've had your fill, know when to move on to pastures new and similarly, never be afraid to go back if you so wish. Finally, as you go through life in this maelstrom of activity, never forget to thank the people who will have undoubtedly helped you to enjoy whatever takes your fancy, be it fishing or any other pastime.
 
My river is the Ouse, not been out on it yet this season, first time in 25 years, you only need to see the Ouse thread to understand why.
Actually fished for the first time this season ystd. On the Lea. Caught some chublets, and.................................. gudgeon! Not caught them for yonks! :D
 
I've never lost interest in angling per se after almost 40 years but have moved on in my type of venue and target species over the years. I fell out with sea fishing totally about 20 years ago when the East Coast beaches were almost barren of fish and switched predominantly to carp fishing. I did that for a few years then switched back to my original interest of river angling and have been there ever since.

I've found to keep my interest up I seek out new venues regularly and target different species on different methods.
 
you go through these spells, i didn't go fishing for 2 1/2 years once, sold all my tackle even, i came back.
 
Definitely been feeling this way this season, partly due to the nature of places i'm fishing, a family loss and a general reluctance to travel an hour to get to where i thought i wanted to go. Shore fishing has re-lit my fire and catching a few codling for the pot makes a real change. Also, fishing for perch last winter had me feeling like a kid again, so i might do a bit more of that this year. The last ten years have been almost solely barbel related and the enthusiasm has waned. I'm sure i'll get it back, but for the moment, i'm trying to motivate myself with other species and having a few more socials with like minded folk. JW; spot on mate...;)

Paul
 
I have fished rivers since being a small boy but like many discoverd beer & women after leaving school so packed up fishing for many years..I came back to fishing in 2003 and decided to target the bigger species..I must admit i love the actuall planning process in trying to outwit the bigger fish, which tend to be Barbel & Chub and more recently Bass..I constantly set myself new targets which keeps me interested, this season i set myself a target of watching a big Barbel take my bait which has happened on a few occasions this year..I guess if you feel you need a break, then its probably best to do that and recharge your batterys..Targetting big Barbel can be very rewarding but also very soul destroying at times..;)
 
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