can i justify this

[Nebe]

Originally Posted by JoeP

Jim - just remember this ('cause I've thought about it as well) - at least now we can fish mostly at night when the wife & kids are sleeping so as not to take away time spent with them, and it's still hard to find time with a busy family. THINK about how much time you'll have to use the boat when you try finding fishing time during the daylight hours mostly & spend time with your family & keep working your job to support your family...

um. actually, the boat will give you and your family the possibilities of fishing together during the day as a family. What better way to pass on your love of fishing to your kids??? Not to mention the fact that you will be at home when your wife goes to bed which might lead to more......

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by Nebe

um. actually, the boat will give you and your family the possibilities of fishing together during the day as a family. What better way to pass on your love of fishing to your kids??? Not to mention the fact that you will be at home when your wife goes to bed which might lead to more......

Eben - I agree 1000%. The main reason I WILL get a boat someday is to use it mostly with my wife & kids.

But there's a big difference in the kind of "family fishing" versus "hard-core" fishing this thread is about.

I can't see my wife & kids sitting with me for 4 hours snagging pogies, livelining, ch#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g eels into rocks, etc. twice a week.

You're talking about recreational fishing - I think Jim meant more serious fishing.

[jim sylvester]

I think having a boat can serve two purposes

a fishing machine for me and a fishing/family activity for the family

[JoeP]

Originally Posted by jim sylvester

I think having a boat can serve two purposes

a fishing machine for me and a fishing/family activity for the family

And there's what you tell the wife...

[Rockport24]

I can completely understand why you guys want to get boats, and I am a real newbie (only been at this for a few years). I think one day if I can afford it, I'll end up with one, I will probably start with a kayak though.
I gotta admit when big time surfcasters like #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& go to a boat, it's kind of makes me as a younger surfcaster think that surfcasting is on the way out, but now I realize that he put in a ton of time in the surf and did very well for a long time, so whose to say that I can't acheive even a fraction of that success, which would be fine with me!
As you guys said, whatever makes you happy, that is what fishing is all about in the end.

[JFigliuolo]

Some people like the destination... others enjoy the journey.

[DZ]

To be bashed by two of my good friends is hard to take – that hurts. Jim asked a question and I responded. I should know by now that opinions are often misunderstood when posted online. I apologize to those who took my statements the wrong way.

DZ

[eelman]

Originally Posted by Rockport24

I can completely understand why you guys want to get boats, and I am a real newbie (only been at this for a few years). I think one day if I can afford it, I'll end up with one, I will probably start with a kayak though.
I gotta admit when big time surfcasters like #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& go to a boat, it's kind of makes me as a younger surfcaster think that surfcasting is on the way out, but now I realize that he put in a ton of time in the surf and did very well for a long time, so whose to say that I can't acheive even a fraction of that success, which would be fine with me!
As you guys said, whatever makes you happy, that is what fishing is all about in the end.

This is a well thought out and well written post...Look, Surfcasting aint easy and yes you will catch more in a boat...a 30lber in the surf is a great acheviement...Its a lot of work ,time and effort...takes years ....I personally see no need to subject myself to that anymore, whats the point? Yes I love being under the stars etc...but now I do it from the other side in my boat alone on some remote Island where no one else is around...its different and its the same all at once..

Yes in my mind Surf fishing is a young mans game...it wears on you after many years, there is no way a 40 or 50 year old guy is going to be able to keep up with a 25 year old guy..I was there once fishing with older guys and now finally I know what they meant everytime they told me "what 2am? you go Bill, Go get em" call me and let me know how you did" And, I did go get them...I had my share for sure, but it takes a price on everything...Now with the boat I leave the dock at 4:30 Am, and I am back home by 8am with a couple nice fish, can do other stuff at night and during the day, My body thanks me for it, no cumbersome surf bags anymore, no waders, corkers etc..

I fully admit here, I am out of the surf game for good.let the younger guys go hit it hard everynight and I aplaud them for there efforts...Just dont knock a guy who was ready for a change or diminish what they accomplished in there Surf years..There is nothing wrong with having a boat and you only go around this way once! If it makes you happy do it!

As for Rockport, just put in your time and the fish will come!

[piemma]

Originally Posted by jim sylvester

I think having a boat can serve two purposes

a fishing machine for me and a fishing/family activity for the family

I have taken my kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews out in my boat. The serious eel/bunker fishing is nightime/ early morning alone.