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The ups and down of life
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smellyfisherman

Posts: 1224

#6 7 Apr 2026 at 2.36pm

I agree we are lucky to have this sport as part of our lives, it really is in a fisherman's blood once it is there and usually there for life.

I don't think others really get it at all, it does sound very boring and obviously has that reputation... But if they gave it a go they would see for themselves, although I do get that it is not for everyone - like most things.

I'm on a forced fishing haitus at a stressful time at the moment, had cataract surgery om both eyes at the tender young age of 45 and although it seems to have generally gone well it is going to take until May until the eyes are healed enough to go somewhere with the risk of lake water in the eyes - a lively one on the mat, or even a tail swirl from the edge have all got me in the eyes at times in the past.

Those who know me can tell a big change in my attitude when I get back from fishing, a certain glint in the eye, spring in my step, and I do feel more alive.

Long may it continue for us all, and my heart goes out to those who are no longer able to manage to pursue their hobbies due to illness or old age.

Places like Carpforum are always here for those in that position, who need a fishing related fix.

wildheart

Posts: 66

#5 5 Apr 2026 at 10.32pm

Lost my wife last June and after she passed i was told i should go out every week for a days fishing.It was one of the best decisions i made just to get away from it all for a few hours and do one of the things i love.The club water i fish has a memorial garden and just by chance one of the other members was putting some flowers down anyway we got talking and it turned out he had lost his wife about the same time as me and we literally just stood and talked and i know for me it helped talking to someone who was in the same situation as me at the time.I havent fished since early November because my mate who drives wouldnt fish in the cold and i havent renewed my ticket for the year yet due to finances being tight.I know i need to get it sorted and go soon though for the good of my mental health

Fivenil

Posts: 1951

#4 5 Apr 2026 at 1.15pm

I have COPD and have been on meds for anxiety, depression, anger, OCD, stress and lord knows what else for quite a few years.

Fishing to me is the great release. 3 days on the bank, no luxuries of home, sitting on a bucket for my number twos, gas stoves, rain, and getting my kit filthy which sets my OCD off!

I do take my tablet with me to watch films at night and maybe a bit of sport but thats about the height of my luxury. I try and fish with my mate as much as poss so we can chat rubbish, cook each other some grub and share a beer or two.

May only have a few years left on the bank but i try to make the most of it depending on what ailment is affecting me most!

whitey79

Posts: 427

#3 5 Apr 2026 at 8.49am

A couple of years ago I never fished at all for over 2 years not that I didn’t want to life just was busy

I will never forget the first trip back after the break I looked at my wife and said never again I’m I not going fishing I’m not spiritual or anything but when I got my rods out and sat in my chair I literally felt life’s stress just pour out of me and run into the ground through my feet it was the biggest release of stress have ever felt and the worst of it is I didn’t even know I was stressed until I sat in the chair

wandle1

Posts: 7399

#2 4 Apr 2026 at 8.55pm

Well said ...

I believe Angling to literally be a lifesaver ,it's even recommended by doctors to combat stress and anxiety..

For me,no fishing = no life ,I'm sure I'm not alone with that thinking ..

808

Posts: 170

#1 4 Apr 2026 at 7.26pm

Fishing — it’s the great redeemer. It’s kept me literally out of prison over the years.
Non-participants… do they realise how wonderful it is? I don’t think so.
I’ve been doing this since I was 8. Started on the Lea, nets to nylon on cane and worms from allotments and compost heaps to catch minnows.
Our pastime — it’s wonderful. Calming. Grounding. A whole plethora of other worlds.
You see things that others never will: grebes dancing, bats flying… The natural world is a wonderful thing for us to participate in.
I’ve tried with my kids to get them to see what it can do. Do they see it? I think they do. I can but hope.
Anyway, we should consider ourselves lucky. We have the greatest pastime bar none in our lives.


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