Making Time For Fishing
It’s easier to make time for fishing when you have a fishing buddy (or buddies).
I speak to a lot of people who express a desire to go fishing. During these conversations I usually hear something to the effect of, “I’d love to go fishing, but I just don’t have time.”
It’s true, time is a valuable commodity, and with all the demands of daily life, it can seem like an overwhelming task to find time for fishing. Over the past few years I have encountered this problem myself. Sometimes, I find that I have committed to too many other things and I have no choice but to go without fishing. However, there are many ways I’ve found to combat this over the years. Here are a few ways to make time for fishing.
Keep Some Gear with You
I often have a rod and small selection of tackle in my car. It’s usually a small, cheap rod that can be used for a variety of species and techniques, and a few common lures like inline spinners, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jigs. If I find myself driving by a lake or river with an open season (I always have a copy of the regs for my area), I might stop and take a few casts. I was on my way home from an appointment once and felt overwhelmed by everything. I hadn’t been fishing in days, but happened to be driving by my favorite lake and had a rod in the car. I spent 15 minutes there, casting and catching sunfish. Not only did I get my fishing fix, but I felt relaxed and ready to deal with life.
Invest in a Collapsible Rod
Collapsible rods make it possible to keep some gear with you in more places. Last summer I was in school and between classes, assignments, five hours of driving, and chores at home, I had very little time for fishing, even on weekends. After a few weeks of misery when I couldn’t find time to hit the water, I started packing my collapsible rod in my backpack. When I had a break between classes I would walk down to the river, or go for a short drive to other water bodies.
Have a Fishing Buddy
Having a fishing buddy means there is someone else who will remind you that you need to go fishing. I am lucky to have a live-in fishing buddy who is always ready to hit the water. When you feel like there are too many things on your plate and going fishing is the last thing you should do, your fishing buddy can remind you that hitting the water is a good thing. Sharing this activity with another person also makes you feel less guilty about putting other things on the backburner. Besides, getting fresh air and sunshine is more important than having a spotlessly clean house.
Keep it Simple
I enjoy all sorts of fishing, but some are easier to do in a short amount of time. I may want to hit up my favorite river with the fly rod and chase brookies, but that means making sure my waders are clean and going for a 45 minute drive. I may want to hit the big water and troll for big salmon and trout, but that involves a long drive, lots of money for gas, and a full day commitment. So when I’m struggling to make time for fishing, I usually choose a destination that is close to home, costs nothing to get into, and requires minimal gear. By keeping it simple, I get the most enjoyment out of my short time on the water.
Tie it in with Other Activities
It’s easier to go fishing if you tie it in with your other activities. Taking the dogs for a walk? Choose a destination where there is some water, pack a rod and some gear, and take a few casts along the way. Taking the kids to a splash pad? There are a lot of splash pads near lakes and rivers. Running into town for groceries? I have chosen the grocery store based on whether or not it’s near water so I can take a cast.
Fishing isn’t about spending all of your time on the water. While it’s great to be able to get away and spend the whole day fishing, it’s not always practical. By looking for options that fit into your day, you can get that fishing fix and have some fun. Be the person who always has a new fishing story.
argosgirl
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Rebecca, what a great post. This is such a beneficial set of basics that more anglers need to take into consideration. I think I will do a post (coming up) and link back to your post. Thanks, again!
Thanks, Mel! I look forward to reading your post 🙂
I really enjoyed this post. Fishing can be extremely time consuming! Then again, two or three hours once a week at the beginning or end of the day isn’t too much time. i definitely need to keep a collapsible rod with me though, thats a great idea!
Found your blog through Mel, so thank him! lol
Thanks, Juan! Collapsible rods are a great tool for a quick fish and have made it possible for me to get out when time is tight. And I always have to thank Mel, he’s just so generous with sharing everyone’s work 🙂