Are you a social or solitary angler?

[walleyeking]

I would say i fish about 90% of the time with someone else, but fishing alone isn't all that bad.

[fishingman]

used to have my son as a shadow - could not go fishing without him, save for rare instances. Now I am on my alone alot but really enjoy fishing with good friends and family. My problem is I am so hard core that most are afraid I will stay out all day.

[fishman]

Since I teach school I usually go Tuesdays thru Thursdays durng the week. Most times I camp so I just go alone. Its easy to just take off and go without making plans around someones schedule. If I just go on a one day trip to DeSoto or something, usually I go with a couple of friends, my sons or my brother. For the most part, I fish alone.

[Steelhead]

I mostly go out by myself. Not because I don't like other peoples company, but because when I decide to go it is typically a spur of the moment type of thing. I usually don't feel like waiting around for someone to decide if they can/want to go also.

The exception is when I take a trip for a weekend or so. I normally will only do something like that when I can get someone to go with me.

[Novato]

Social. I go by myself sometimes when I cant find someone to go, but I always wish I had someone to talk to, and occasionally to witness...but more often to talk to.

[OldBaldGuy]

As addicted to fishing as most of you seem to be, I'm surprised so many of you usually have someone to share your time on the water. That's great.

For myself, I've enjoyed fishing outings this year with five Forum members: Sandbilly&Son, Trout Bum, Fish Recycler, Alex&Brandon, and twice with Catfishsteve. While on vacation, I got out a couple of times in Washington with my future son-in-law. In Wyoming last August I spent a day trout fishing with a guy staying in the same campground; he was from Africa and was taking a break from his doctorate in theology studies at the University of London. (Had to struggle a bit to hold up my end of the conversation about the role of theology in the economic development of Third World nations.)

All told, that was ten times fishing with someone else out of 124 outings this year. Looking back, those 10 probably all ranked among my dozen most pleasant fishing days this year. I enjoy fishing with good people, but usually end up fishing alone. I don't go out of my way to speak to strangers while I'm fishing -- and my flycasting skill does require a certain safety zone around me -- but I'll always speak to others if it isn't interrupting what they're doing

I almost made it fishing in 2006 with a couple of other Forum members. You know who you are, and I haven't forgotten your promises to put me on some big 'gills! Consider yourself warned.

[kayakjak]

I just flat out love to fish.:d Just like some of you out there it is a lot of fun to share the experience with a friend most especially my boys. It is difficult to describe spending the time with them fishing. Also, fishing with others we can learn so much. Everyone has their own fishing "techniques" and it is fun to learn something new. On the other hand, being the only fisherman on the lake in solitude is a pretty good feeling too. Sometimes we just got to get away and "reinflate our balloon" after a challenging day in the world.
One of my favorite people to fish with is Steve Lytle. He is one of the most generous people I know. He just loves to fish too and will share his experiences freely. When fishing out on the area lakes I like to respect others fishing. I usually don't bother anyone. If we get close on the water I usually start up a friendly conversation. Most fishermen are very friendly and enjoy the friendships we make on the water or shoreline.
8)

[LiquidSteel]

I agree, it not the technique, its the time spent with the kids. I like to fish with anybody, well, most people. Some of my buddies see fishing as an excuse to drink beer, or poke smot. Now I like to throw a few cold ones back now and then, and there was a time that I really liked "hippy hay". But Im all grown up now, and all that lifestyle has gone by the wayside. I like to have some beers when Im out camping and Im going to be camping for more than one night. As far as the "hippy hay", Id rather you not sit along side me and fish. Ive been clean for sometime, and I would hate for a game warden to walk up on me and a buddy and be guilty by association. But I do love the experience of watching the local wildlife, enjoying the peace and quiet, and enjoying what God has gifted us with.

Just my opinion.


Kenny

[fishsplash]

As long as you're not injecting meth or smoking crack you're "probably" ok , I personally have little problem with "hippy-hay" or beer, but I dont really like when people turn a fishing trip into a beer fest with a bunch of stoned out teenagers with bonfires and underage women, destroying our parks and waters, now thats out of control.

Congrats on your sobriety.

I duno, to each their own. Personally I enjoy a cold one while fishing, especially during the summer. Bank fishing and drinking back a cold beer has always seemed like the perfect combo. Time spent with your friends and family is also crucial to making these fishing trips worth anything. :2thumbup:

[houghty26]

Found this and it was a great read. I love fishing alone b/c I get there when I want, stay as long as I want, leave when I want and change species I am fishing for when I want. Call it only child syndrome Only 3 people I take, a guy from work as laid back as me and in no hurry, my parents, and my wife is great too. Can't stand hyper fisherman. Will talk if approached but I go more to "get away." I even fished last tourney by myself, don't mind it all. I would say alone 80%/take someone 20%.

[Ty S]

I fish with someone about 90% of the time. I dont know why but I always just have more fun with someone else. My 2 year old boy is with quite often and many times my cousin who goose hunts with me is there in my boat. We spend many hours together in the field and water.

[Aaron Lee]

Both for me too.

Something about putting on the Ipod and listening to some tunes while I wait for that big cat to take my cutbait, and there is also something to be said about the "who can catch the biggest bass" outings I have with a friend of mine from Iowa.

I do plan on getting out on a tube with that Old Bald Guy some time this spring to get schooled.

[spencer w]

I enjoy fishing with my best friend because we have fished together for 15 years. But I'm looking forward to find more friends on this forum to take or go with. If I'm lucky i might be able to drag my wife out this year.

[kaiserduckhelm]

Ususally go with the same group of guys, so its always fun to get out on the water with them. As long as they buy beer and pay for there fair share of gas anyone is welcome.

[fast-pirogue]

Glad this topic came up again, gave me a chance to think about a couple fishing trips from last year. My son has a couple of friends that love to fish but don't get out very often. The're the ones who's folks say "we have no idea where this kid got the fishing bug"!! Well after being over to the house and seeing that I have a boat I now have two new fishing buddies. I've fished with a lot of different folks but I have to rate my trips with these two somewhere at the top. They couldn't get enought and wanted to learn about everything. Bottom line, take a kid fishing, it'll make and rekindle a lot of good memories.

[mrcold]

Mostly with a buddy. I'd say 80% of my fishing is with Bachelorpads. Our fishing styles seem to be pretty similar, and for some reason, I catch more fish when I fish with him than I do when I fish with anyone else.

I do have a couple nephews that need my help soon, since my sister married a nonfisherman for some strange reason.

[houghty26]

Even though I fish alone I can't wait to take my 11 month old son out someday. I would also like to take other people's kids out who's parents don't fish, I think that would be fun b/c every kid should fish atleast once Even thought about Big Brothers/Sisters and doing some charity work if I had the time.

[Done]

Mostly alone, but I like fishing with others too.

[gwalter]

90% of the time I fish with someone. Helps to cut down the cost of gas and we take turns using our boats.

[fish_finder]

If I fish with someone it's my kids. Used to fish alot with my Dad but he lives too far away now.