not sure about no way back but agree that you need to rediscover what it was that attracted you in the first place & concentrate on that as opposed to all of the other stuff that gets introduced which distracts you.
weirdly enough, reading Dave Lane's first book was one of the worst things that I ever did when it comes to carp fishing. whilst I love the stories & the captures along the way, I got distracted by the mentality of how important the fish were to him, the sacrifices he made & how hard he worked to catch them. it made me think I needed to emulate what he was doing to achieve my goals when in fact what made fishing so special to me wasn't any of those things at all - carp fishing to me isn't meant to be work - I don't go fishing to need a break afterwards & it's very easy to mess up that balance.
I fell in love with carp fishing as an escape from competitiveness, stress, the fast pace of life & the real (corporate) world we live in. Despite what the mags / social media / youtube tells me, there is so much more to fishing than catching & even more than catching fish to impress others for likes & fame. I get my enjoyment from sitting back & being present in the moment - appreciating everything around me for what it is rather than wishing for more.
as Rod said "remember to smell the roses along the way"
(PS - don't sell all of your kit. keep back some - "never say never" as you don't know what the future holds)
weirdly enough, reading Dave Lane's first book was one of the worst things that I ever did when it comes to carp fishing. whilst I love the stories & the captures along the way, I got distracted by the mentality of how important the fish were to him, the sacrifices he made & how hard he worked to catch them. it made me think I needed to emulate what he was doing to achieve my goals when in fact what made fishing so special to me wasn't any of those things at all - carp fishing to me isn't meant to be work - I don't go fishing to need a break afterwards & it's very easy to mess up that balance.
I fell in love with carp fishing as an escape from competitiveness, stress, the fast pace of life & the real (corporate) world we live in. Despite what the mags / social media / youtube tells me, there is so much more to fishing than catching & even more than catching fish to impress others for likes & fame. I get my enjoyment from sitting back & being present in the moment - appreciating everything around me for what it is rather than wishing for more.
as Rod said "remember to smell the roses along the way"
(PS - don't sell all of your kit. keep back some - "never say never" as you don't know what the future holds)
In reply to Post #31
there is so much more to fishing than catching & even more than catching fish to impress others
And that for me is where a lot go wrong, Not once have I ever done that, but that seems to be the whole point of the pastime for some people, attention, they must be missing something in their lives? I do t get it, and I really question what they get from fishing other than desperation and frustration if that is the case.
Fishing for me is about self enjoyment, a get away from normal life, for pleasure, anlways has been and nothing else. Fish for yourselves and nobody else
there is so much more to fishing than catching & even more than catching fish to impress others
And that for me is where a lot go wrong, Not once have I ever done that, but that seems to be the whole point of the pastime for some people, attention, they must be missing something in their lives? I do t get it, and I really question what they get from fishing other than desperation and frustration if that is the case.
Fishing for me is about self enjoyment, a get away from normal life, for pleasure, anlways has been and nothing else. Fish for yourselves and nobody else
In reply to Post #32
I have barely been fishing since August, and that was because I realised I used fishing as a means to escape rather than to relax. I put so much emphasis on putting my free time into my fishing that I was ignoring the problems I had indoors.
"Indoors" has now been sorted, I have a better relationship with my kids, am stress free, have got 4 holidays booked this year, and D-Day is in May. Fishing will never fill the void I had in my life the last 15 years. The right people and enrichment via travel and purpose fill those needs.
I go fishing now when I want to, not because I feel I have to.
Obsession isn't healthy. Fishing is like your diet, too much of one thing is harmful to both your physical and mental health. The problem is, social media and written media over the past lord knows how long romanticise the many damaging aspects of that obsession.
I have barely been fishing since August, and that was because I realised I used fishing as a means to escape rather than to relax. I put so much emphasis on putting my free time into my fishing that I was ignoring the problems I had indoors.
"Indoors" has now been sorted, I have a better relationship with my kids, am stress free, have got 4 holidays booked this year, and D-Day is in May. Fishing will never fill the void I had in my life the last 15 years. The right people and enrichment via travel and purpose fill those needs.
I go fishing now when I want to, not because I feel I have to.
Obsession isn't healthy. Fishing is like your diet, too much of one thing is harmful to both your physical and mental health. The problem is, social media and written media over the past lord knows how long romanticise the many damaging aspects of that obsession.
In my experience the guys that become dissolusioned and pack in angling are nearly always those who get caught up with the whole bigger is better and pb malarkey. Often jumping from water to water, forever chasing 'the dream'. If you only fish the waters you like/love being at, for nice fish regardless of them being huge or not, with decent people around you, I can pretty much guarantee you'll be an angler for life.
In reply to Post #34
There's a thread in the U.K venues section about the embryo waters and I was going to say much the same, a advantage of the modern pb hunter is good turn around of waters.
I stayed on a syndicate for over a decade just because I liked being there, a water I presently fish is exactly the same, the biggest fish 24lb.
I enquired about a local club the other day as I dropped the chance to join due to illness at the time, this time it's a 10 year waiting list
I wish they'd look at age when deciding that 
There's a thread in the U.K venues section about the embryo waters and I was going to say much the same, a advantage of the modern pb hunter is good turn around of waters.
I stayed on a syndicate for over a decade just because I liked being there, a water I presently fish is exactly the same, the biggest fish 24lb.
I enquired about a local club the other day as I dropped the chance to join due to illness at the time, this time it's a 10 year waiting list
I wish they'd look at age when deciding that
In over 50 years I have never given up fishing, but then I'm unsure I ever ‘took it up'
The older you get the more you see time differently- f I didn't fish for 3 months now, then I haven't given up I have other things to do. It means different things to different people and certainly at different times and as such advice is probably too personal to be relevant.
I am lucky enough to have waters that I can fish for days only and be in with a chance, I look at the guys setting up for 48 hours and think why - is this really the best use of time - do you really want a photo of a mid 20 at 3am on a freezing night - but then Who am I to judge. I used to pack up and go to work twice a week - I could easily do a couple of nights a week now, with a lie in and still work efficiently but choose not to.
Other species I have no real interest in, but can remember when that wasn't the case, I think I am now so lazy I want the fewest bites for the biggest fish available. Most of my fish now are unhooked and released without removal from the water - not through arrogance as I enjoy every fish I land, but just the question of why would I need to show off a mid double or ltwenty. For me getting to the stage of going fishing when I wanted to, waking up an hour before the alarm really got my buzz back. Fishing alone but chatting with randoms son the bank takes my stress away from fixed plans and the like.
Far too many people taking themselves far to seriously and talk of working in the ‘industry' - for old gits like me you can't put the genie back in the bottle. The awe and envy my generation had at the 80s slide shows and talks will never return. Celebrity anglers catching fat fish to sponsors delight - well done, have the photos at your funeral.
The only reason I would ever sell my gear is if I absolutely had to financially or if health meant I could never again go. To do it out of dissolution for me a a petulant act of cutting your nose, if you truly loved it. Like the ads for full set ups due to taking up a new hobby.
I still have my football boots and shin pads in the cupboard not because I think m gonna play again, but because I don't want to admit that I will never.
The older you get the more you see time differently- f I didn't fish for 3 months now, then I haven't given up I have other things to do. It means different things to different people and certainly at different times and as such advice is probably too personal to be relevant.
I am lucky enough to have waters that I can fish for days only and be in with a chance, I look at the guys setting up for 48 hours and think why - is this really the best use of time - do you really want a photo of a mid 20 at 3am on a freezing night - but then Who am I to judge. I used to pack up and go to work twice a week - I could easily do a couple of nights a week now, with a lie in and still work efficiently but choose not to.
Other species I have no real interest in, but can remember when that wasn't the case, I think I am now so lazy I want the fewest bites for the biggest fish available. Most of my fish now are unhooked and released without removal from the water - not through arrogance as I enjoy every fish I land, but just the question of why would I need to show off a mid double or ltwenty. For me getting to the stage of going fishing when I wanted to, waking up an hour before the alarm really got my buzz back. Fishing alone but chatting with randoms son the bank takes my stress away from fixed plans and the like.
Far too many people taking themselves far to seriously and talk of working in the ‘industry' - for old gits like me you can't put the genie back in the bottle. The awe and envy my generation had at the 80s slide shows and talks will never return. Celebrity anglers catching fat fish to sponsors delight - well done, have the photos at your funeral.
The only reason I would ever sell my gear is if I absolutely had to financially or if health meant I could never again go. To do it out of dissolution for me a a petulant act of cutting your nose, if you truly loved it. Like the ads for full set ups due to taking up a new hobby.
I still have my football boots and shin pads in the cupboard not because I think m gonna play again, but because I don't want to admit that I will never.
''Far too many people taking themselves far to seriously and talk of working in the ‘industry' - for old gits like me you can't put the genie back in the bottle. The awe and envy my generation had at the 80s slide shows and talks will never return. Celebrity anglers catching fat fish to sponsors delight - well done, have the photos at your funeral.''
Quote of the year so far imho....
Regards Tad.
Quote of the year so far imho....
Regards Tad.
Targeting individual big carp is actually quite easy...IF you are willing to make huge sacrifices, be obsessive, and have naff all else to try and achieve, or desire in life...
Once you can understand that fact, then decisions are easy to make...
The brain is a muscle, the more it's exercised then the stronger it gets...
Depends what you fish for, why you go, why you want to go....
Fun, fame, self-fulfilment, challenge, achievement, love, romanticism, escape...
Being disillusioned, unsatisfied, not enjoying it... That's a massively personal call...
It's an internal thing; most have breaks, most have time away, most lose motivation at times...
Your life, take your pick... Feel it, go... Don't feel it, don't go...
Literally no-one will care if you blank at home with family, or down the pub, or walking in the hills, or doing whatever... NO-ONE. Why try to force yourself to do something in what time is spare, when you could be doing other things..?
Once you can understand that fact, then decisions are easy to make...
The brain is a muscle, the more it's exercised then the stronger it gets...
Depends what you fish for, why you go, why you want to go....
Fun, fame, self-fulfilment, challenge, achievement, love, romanticism, escape...
Being disillusioned, unsatisfied, not enjoying it... That's a massively personal call...
It's an internal thing; most have breaks, most have time away, most lose motivation at times...
Your life, take your pick... Feel it, go... Don't feel it, don't go...
Literally no-one will care if you blank at home with family, or down the pub, or walking in the hills, or doing whatever... NO-ONE. Why try to force yourself to do something in what time is spare, when you could be doing other things..?
In reply to Post #33
Been there and agree
Variety is the spice of life. Fishing is a great way to relax but the reality is, there is more to life if you want it. If you don't, just go fishing and find a style that you love to do
Been there and agree
Variety is the spice of life. Fishing is a great way to relax but the reality is, there is more to life if you want it. If you don't, just go fishing and find a style that you love to do
In reply to Post #36
Celebrity anglers catching fat fish to sponsors delight - well done, have the photos at your funeral.
Made me laugh that and it really puts things into perspective
Nice post as mentioned. Reality check
Celebrity anglers catching fat fish to sponsors delight - well done, have the photos at your funeral.
Made me laugh that and it really puts things into perspective
Nice post as mentioned. Reality check
In reply to Post #38
Literally no-one will care if you blank at home with family, or down the pub, or walking in the hills, or doing whatever... NO-ONE. Why try to force yourself to do something in what time is spare, when you could be doing other things..?
So true
Literally no-one will care if you blank at home with family, or down the pub, or walking in the hills, or doing whatever... NO-ONE. Why try to force yourself to do something in what time is spare, when you could be doing other things..?
So true
In reply to Post #36
“I still have my football boots and shin pads in the cupboard not because I think m gonna play again, but because I don't want to admit that I will never”
Me too!! I always say, I haven't retired, my body won't do it, but the mind won't admit it!!
Having tried to get out of fishing twice, including a 7 year gap, I think I realised I can't leave it. Now I resolve myself to the few trips I get. I have a young family and a busy job, I have to prioritise my time. This in a way has kept the desire to go fishing strong. I have very limited time on the bank, so I cherish the opportunity. I meet up once or twice a year with an old fishing mate for a social on a day ticket somewhere between the two of us. I have a local water I can get to for the odd session. I'm not worried about anything else, or anyone else, just doing it for the love of it.
I hope you find your solace
“I still have my football boots and shin pads in the cupboard not because I think m gonna play again, but because I don't want to admit that I will never”
Me too!! I always say, I haven't retired, my body won't do it, but the mind won't admit it!!
Having tried to get out of fishing twice, including a 7 year gap, I think I realised I can't leave it. Now I resolve myself to the few trips I get. I have a young family and a busy job, I have to prioritise my time. This in a way has kept the desire to go fishing strong. I have very limited time on the bank, so I cherish the opportunity. I meet up once or twice a year with an old fishing mate for a social on a day ticket somewhere between the two of us. I have a local water I can get to for the odd session. I'm not worried about anything else, or anyone else, just doing it for the love of it.
I hope you find your solace
Pick up a float rod and head to a river..... it will remind yourself that its more absorbing and instantly frees the mind from everyday worries.... unfortunately carp fishing can clutter your mind if you let it.
In reply to Post #43
That is very true Thicky
Carp fishing shouldn't have that effect but unfortunately it does at times (most of the time!!!)
That is very true Thicky
Carp fishing shouldn't have that effect but unfortunately it does at times (most of the time!!!)
It's nothing but a merry olde dance this fishing malarkey
I've changed from doing weekends to fishing days only and haven't used a barrow for ages and as said grab a float rod or a tip rod try something you have never done before or revisit were you started you fishing
Imo the problem with a lot of todays carp fishing is there what I class as instant carpers and what I mean by that is that is the point they entered into angling is carp fishing
Most over 45s will have served an angling apprenticeship starting of on the local pond,canal,river float fishing honing there skills on perch roach ect then work up through the bream tench to eventually ending up looking for the elusive carp as they was back then
Now we fast forward to today's generation take a mate camping on a runs water he bags a couple of doubles or a twenty or even a 30 and he's having a bit of this volar the instant carper is made (just add water)
This is where the magic twig the munga the 60 wraps with 4lb test curve rods are all aimed at weeks on Drayton res for 2000lb of fish that is enough to make us all delusional of a certain age
I now spend most of my time on a 60 plus acre lake days only fishing for fish up to 30lb really enjoying my fishing again without having to put up with matey bivvyed up with his 50kg of munch baits 10 cases of Stella all his klara tackle telling me how he's had a fish show at 300 wraps on top of his baits last week
I've changed from doing weekends to fishing days only and haven't used a barrow for ages and as said grab a float rod or a tip rod try something you have never done before or revisit were you started you fishing
Imo the problem with a lot of todays carp fishing is there what I class as instant carpers and what I mean by that is that is the point they entered into angling is carp fishing
Most over 45s will have served an angling apprenticeship starting of on the local pond,canal,river float fishing honing there skills on perch roach ect then work up through the bream tench to eventually ending up looking for the elusive carp as they was back then
Now we fast forward to today's generation take a mate camping on a runs water he bags a couple of doubles or a twenty or even a 30 and he's having a bit of this volar the instant carper is made (just add water)
This is where the magic twig the munga the 60 wraps with 4lb test curve rods are all aimed at weeks on Drayton res for 2000lb of fish that is enough to make us all delusional of a certain age
I now spend most of my time on a 60 plus acre lake days only fishing for fish up to 30lb really enjoying my fishing again without having to put up with matey bivvyed up with his 50kg of munch baits 10 cases of Stella all his klara tackle telling me how he's had a fish show at 300 wraps on top of his baits last week