How to hang in there?

[vineyardblues]

JUST fib like the rest of the internet heros Only kidding.

Just pray to the fish God ><> ><> ><>

VB

[Parapapam]

Chunker,

Glad you posted this because I sometimes feel the same way. I am in a similar situation as you are. Even though I casually fished for a long time (which means: put some lines in that water and break out the lunch, and couple of beers for the crew...and if we hook up then great!) I am starting to get more serious about it.

But this leads to (at least for my own internal barometer) more pressure from "the crew" who ask "When are we going to catch fish?"

I have recently started to think I have to let go of some of this pressure that I have admittedly put on myself. I am getting to feel like a Charter Guy must feel. Well I want it to be fun. But it has got to be fun for me as well.

So don't feel bad. Let go of the pressure. Enjoy the time on the water. The fish will come in groups, not in an even flow. The flow will smooth out slightly as we improve our abilities.

Of course I am also giving this advice to myself as well...easier said than done.

[chris L]

you mean fishing also includes catching fish ? well I have fun just going out and getting away . If it was all about the catching and trophy's then I quit or I dont fish right .

some people take fishing for stripers too serious !

just enjoy what your doing the catching will come . try a different spot not all places hold fish . search for them dont wait for them to come to you .

enjoy !

[MAC]

Like others have said above. Fishing (to me) is more about the whole experience. Catching is just a nice little reward. My grandfather started me fishing approximately 40 years ago and the passion has never left me with it. If all you are concerned about is the catching then maybe you should take up something else like golf where your score pits you against yourself. Don't take this as an attack on you because it isn't. Just another way to put it into perspective. Hopefully you continue to love and enjoy fishing.

[chunkerII]

Mac, thanks for the advice (and all the encouragement from everyone else). I've been fishing off and on for a long time (mostly fresh water) but only started fishing for stripers the last couple of years. Catching definitely isn't all I care about. Like I said, I think it's just wanting to do it right. Then if I still get skunked so be it. The other part of it is that I really want to catch something plugging this year. When there's a handful of bait you can throw compared to hundreds? of plugs it's a little daunting. I'm just gonna take all the good advice you guys have given me and keep at it (and enjoying it).

Originally Posted by MAC

Like others have said above. Fishing (to me) is more about the whole experience. Catching is just a nice little reward. My grandfather started me fishing approximately 40 years ago and the passion has never left me with it. If all you are concerned about is the catching then maybe you should take up something else like golf where your score pits you against yourself. Don't take this as an attack on you because it isn't. Just another way to put it into perspective. Hopefully you continue to love and enjoy fishing.