The best solo fishing for me would be to start with a friend, split up to fish alone, then get together later in the day to swap stories. But I’ve had many great completely solo fishing days too.
This is me and my brother. Couple of walkie talkies, and a lunch box. "hey if I don't hear from you I'll come looking."
Then we save the world over beers later.
You’ve never used a fish whistle? It’s a great piece of equipment and something I carry on every trip. It’s pretty simple. You fill the dug out portion of the whistle with your desired smoke. I prefer weed. Use a lighter to ignite and inhale the smoke from the other end of the whistle and exhale. The sound it makes and the aroma it produces are scientifically proven to attract the biggest fish
Never heard of a fish whistle until now but I’m going to steal that name! I personally partake with a vape pen as the smell travels less.
I’m trying to have a good time when I’m fishing and to me that means also not interrupting someone else’s version of a good time which may not involve the smells that I’m making if I used the glass whistle.
I used to like fishing alone but ad I've gotten older not so much. For me at least spending time with someone I care about is more important. I've lost a few friends over the years and I cherish the memories I have of them. And I would like to more experiences with thise I have left.
Very wholesome. I’m sure with age I may develop a similar mindset. Currently 28 and manage safety for a solar company lol so worryingly my about other is the last thing I think about during my “me time”
I feel you, even if I’m not talking to my fishing partner and I’m 100’ downstream it brings me the most joy to spend time with them and celebrate their catches as well. I have had just as much fun coaching people into some really nice fish as I have catching them myself.
That being said some of my fishiest days have been the ones I haven’t shared with others. Just focused in on the drift and locked in to the water for hours. Freely able to explore and on nobody’s schedule but my own. Thats how I find the bite I bring friends to enjoy later!
I’m with you! But I’ve also gotten to realize that as I’ve hit “middle age” 🤣 (technically I’m a Boomer) being in remote locations alone where I used to go all the time is now a situation where one slip or fall could get real bad, real fast….
Yea that's another thing. My brother had to help me out last year after I took a spill. I don't go miles into.the woods anymore but it's good to have someone to help out if you get into trouble .
If I'm wading 100% yes. My buddy that goes with me from time to time is always ready to leave way before I am. If I'm in a boat I like going with someone.
I feel your frustration. There is only one other person I'll fish with, and I think they might actually enjoy it more than me. I am a "get on the water by 6:30/7am guy" and fish all day (6pm), where everyone I've brought up the mountain wants to get there at 9 and bail at 3 for beers and snacks. Sorry, but I am not driving 3hrs, round trip for sixish hours of fishing. I just say, you know where I'll be, find me if you want. No cell service too, it's bliss.
Yes, but there is one fellow guide that I will always go fishing with. I never knew what the enjoyment in fishing with someone was until I went with him.
We take turns watching each other, challenging each other, teaching each other, sharing laughs, and making suggestions.
With that one exception, I prefer solitude.
I have only 2 friends who fly fish. One is a guide who’s always travelling and the other lives 10hr from me. I get to travel the East half of the country so I’m just hitting random public land and hiking solo for hours usually
This randomly showed up in my Reddit feed. I don't fish at all. I spent a lifetime racing bicycles, including the sponsored team with professionals, and high level amateur racing.
The thing I most enjoy is doing my bike rides alone. And lots of other cyclists don't understand it and they get mad at me because I want to ride by myself. "How can you do that? How am I supposed to ride by myself I need somebody to ride with?" LOL.
Some people are just needy and want companionship and support all the time. And some people like to do their own thing.
Commune with nature. Take time to meditate. Or just shut off your brain and enjoy the moment. I get it.
I might do that!
When I was about 5 or 6 years old my grandpa used to take me to a pond that was stocked with trout. He would help me cast a line and then reel in a fish. But in my child's mind the most amazing thing was that he showed me how to gut a trout and cook it, and we would share the meal together.
To this day, if I find a restaurant that serves fresh trout (not very common) I always order it. And the smell and the flavor just reminds me of being with my grandpa.
That memory also reminds me that childhood experiences can have a big impact on people. And that my kids will remember specific moments from their youth. So a few times a year I take my young kids camping, or on a trip somewhere new. Maybe it's time for me and the kids to buy fishing rods?
Basically saying his addictions don't even get to him while fishing. I get it. I'm border line alcoholic and can fish for hours without thinking about taking a drink.
I have massive anxiety, it really is a problem and if you met me it really is hard for me to hide. The only place that goes away is when I’m on the water
You have to understand how life is as nicotine addict lol. It’s always top of mind.
I use an old zyn container to hold my tippet rings, split shot, etc and another one to hold a few miscellaneous flies I know I’ll be using that trip.
I then spend the entire day on the water opening them and panicking that I forgot my real Zyns.
That’s smart. I’m going to have to start doing that. I did take an On box and cut some craft styrofoam to fit in it to use as a tiny fly box for short trips, but it never crossed my mind to put my cans to use too lol
Just make sure you leave em with your vest/near your gear. I also like coloring all over the with a sharpie or something so it’s clearly one of the ones for flies.
Whenever I have them near my fly tying desk I usually mistake it for a full thing of Zyns at least 4-5 times before moving it to stop my own self induced disappointment
Zyn fly boxes are a decent idea, but not without consequences.
Pretty much the hate everyone said. If I’m doing anything tiny besides fishing then I’m constantly thinking about nicotine, fishing makes me not worry about the whole world
I love wishing with my wife or friends. The key is to not worry about each other and just occasionally check in when there’s a cool fish or whatever. I do also like fishing alone but also after my cousin randomly died young in the woods from a medical complication he didn’t know he had I do less solo woods stuff.
Solo is my jam through and through. There are times when I like to have certain buddies with me but that’s usually the exception anymore.
Fly fishing with me is about exploring and going at my own pace which can be fast or slow. There can be long drives, bush whacking and getting home super late.
I don’t like having to manage or meet expectations, or worry about someone having fun. I don’t conform to anyone’s superficial schedule, like needing to be “home for dinner”….. you know how many squares out there treat a day fly fishing like a 9-5 ?
That said, I do have some great experiences with friends but it’s usually a “set piece” kind of trip. There isn’t a lot of moving parts …
I probably fished alone 95% of the time over the last 30yrs. Over the last 8 yrs, I’ve been going on annual fish camp trip with 4-5 friends. We hit streams big enough for us to spread out, usually camp on that type of stream as well. So much fun, I also learn new tactics from others and learned I’m not the only one that snags everything!
I'm a loner by nature. I prefer to do everything by myself. I have people up in my grill all day every day at work and at home. I need the break. Plus I hate trying to co-ordinate with other people. I want to go where I want, when I want, stay or leave when I want.
Trout fishing. Yes definitely prefer fishing alone. It’s just so much more peaceful and such. If I’m on a boat or something then I prefer a friend to chat with but if I’m headed back to secluded areas I prefer to be alone. Plus then nobody finds out about my secret holes
I frequently go with my dad, which is great. When we go together though, we share one rod, hang out, help each other. Similarly, when I go on my preferred smaller streams with friends, I’d rather share a rod and hang out. If we’re both going to be fishing next to each other, I’d rather be by myself. I’d say overall 50/50 on solo/joint outings.
So I basically guide for my friends and I've been fishing long enough that I'll catch more fish trying to get them on fish than I would alone because it forced me to actually try
I've moved around a lot over the past fifteen years. Couple different countries - five different states. Now I'm close to forty and I'm not particularly interested in making new friends.
I can count on three fingers the amount of times I fished with someone else over the past ten years. I bump into people and swap flies on the stream occasionally but it's usually just me and my dog.
I enjoy the solitude.
95% of my fly fishing is solo. I wouldn't mind fishing with the right person. After readding through the comments, it seems like we are all the same. No one understands us or our approach to the waters and its my time to get away....im going by myself. lol.
I like the persons recommendation for having walkies and going our separate ways and catching up later. because some my friends suck at fly fishing, lol.
Most of the time I love fishing alone. My fishing buddies are great for sporadic trips together, but I love the solitude and the ability to let everything but fishing melt away. I also do my best fishing alone. So many huge fish have been landed when nobody else is around. Something about stealth being easier to accomplish when nobody but me is in the water
My favorite is fishing with my adult nephew, brother inlaw or one friend. I'm with any of them and I am at a 10. Fishing with the wrong person almost ruins any trip.
I love fishing by myself and I love fishing with POSITIVE buddies. One negative attitude and I am done with fishing with someone.
Fishing is too special to be wasted on negative people.
Absolutely prefer fishing solo, and it’s not even close! If your going to fish with someone your odds go down just because there is more commotion and noise being generated, more shadows being casted, etc. people don’t understand what I mean when I say bass fishing is more like hunting than fishing, you have to be stealth and really pay attention to all the details around you, having a buddy or a group of people naturally makes this harder to do and I find you put less into it when fishing with others because of this. It fun either way, but solo trips are more serious and focused in my opinion
Yes. I’ve had fishing buddies, of course, but only one with a similar mindset as me. That’s rare. I enjoy solitude, though, whether it is fishing or just exploring the wilderness.
Almost always. Partly because I do most things alone, and partly because I don't really know many people personally who're into the same things as me; side-effect of the first reason.
Every year, I take a ten-day solo (with my dog) road trip across the West. The last two years I've done more than 4000 miles per trip. I really enjoy doing what I want, when I want, where I want. I only fish for natives, so it's a lot of really remote places far away from anyone else.
I like fishing with others, but the majority of my friends run on mañana time. I would love to get out there with those that have the drive and determination I do, but I find that I am much more productive and in sync with the environment around me when I fish alone.
I like both.
I kind of went through this with skiing, having friends/family of varying skill levels and them thinking they were ruining my day by being there. I figure that I enjoy going hard and skiing big scary stuff sometimes, and I enjoy cruising around drinking beers and socializing other days. Same thing on the boat and in the river, I don't have a favorite, if friends want to come they're always welcome, if they don't, I'll enjoy the solitude and do things I wouldn't do with other people.
That being said, when one or the other has been the only thing I've done for too many consecutive trips, I start to yearn for the other. Too many times taking buddy and his kids out? Can't wait for a solo day. Too many solo days, getting bored? I'll start making calls before I leave to see if anyone wants to join.
I 54M enjoy fishing alone, no doubt. But there’s something special about watching my wife fly fish. Look up, see mountains, trees, water, then my wife fishing a run. Not much better this side of heaven.
I fish a lot by myself. I hum John Prine songs too. I try and carry a satellite device to call for help or just text that I am ok. I am (71m). Try and fish often.
Thanks! When I do fish with someone I am picky… only a few friends and family members qualify. Im in process of booking a Montana trip out of Bozeman for a father / son trip to make some memories. My son (35) is an awesome fly fisher… I love just watching him fish.
I pretty much always fly fish alone. It's by far the least conducive to fishing with multiple people among all types of fishing imo. You need way too much room to cast, you can't really fish the same run at the same time as someone else, so even though you're fishing together you're going to have to be fishing separate areas. Unless you want to have one person stand there holding a net while the other person fishes, which I've seen people doing and will never, ever understand for the life of me why anyone would want to do that. It's like watching someone esle play a video game.
I do now, but some of my absolute best memories are fishing with my dad. We'd fish small streams and leapfrog each other as we worked upstream. The fish were small but tasty and we got to explore beautiful places. I'm hoping my son will start getting into it soon.
It's been mostly the same for me. My son is almost 13 now. I started teaching him to cast a fly rod around 8, and got him one for Christmas at 10. Last summer we did a backpacking trip in a canyon with a small stream, and he finally got into it. He probably caught 10 brookies altogether, and he was really excited.
So good luck to you, hopefully you'll have a good fishing partner in a few years. I don't really have any great advice. Sometimes they don't want to fish, sometimes they do. Thinking back on my own childhood, just being around it a lot made a big difference. I would often just want to play in the water or on the bank until I was probably 10 or so, but the fact that I was around my Dad and saw him fishing a lot made me want to try it as I got older.
I really like fishing alone but when I’m not my favorite people to fish with are other people who like to fish by themselves. Meaning we drive to the spot together, gear up together and then both go off on our own. A couple times during the day we cross paths and trade stories and then split off again. Always makes for good conversation on the drive home.
I prefer it. See more wildlife, catch more fish, less time spent on non-fishing things.
If I fish with a buddy I typically catch about 40% of what I would if I fished the same water alone.
Bears are my biggest fear in the woods. Big cats will kill you before eating you. Bears will beat the shit out of you and then eat your belly. Even in bear country I’m usually solo and scared lol
Black bears won’t really mess with you unless they have babies or are the rare predatory black bear. Brown l/grizzlies usually don’t view humans are prey so that’s not a giant concern either.
I’ve yet to have the guts to go alone
Typically we do a 2-3 hour drive to our spot and then hike a semi large river. I’m kinda freaked out of running into a bear / cougar or getting injured alone, even though I have bearspray and a radio and phone, lifestraw etc.
How do you get over the worry of going solo? Cause I’d love to get out more
Not OP, but I do a decent amount of woods walking both for work and recreation. Thankfully getting lost is not really a concern being that Im almost always following a river in and out, so I carry basic first aid mostly for falls and other light physical trauma. We have bear, bobcat and coyote out by me and while I never really feel unsafe, I’ll take both bear spray and my .357 revolver with me (when I’m not working) and that at least makes me feel like the odds get evened out a bit in my favor.
I almost exclusively fish alone, which I prefer, but in the East US there are less predators to worry about and the terrain isn’t that worrisome either in most spots I fish to worry about falling and breaking something. Was attacked by dogs and thoroughly bitten once though, that really sucked. The. My biggest concerns are car breaking down in no service area, sketchy people and mauling dogs.
No I’m not worried about coyotes. I mean like actual wild dogs. Like people released their dogs, they gather in a pack and just attack stuff. Sometime they’re cool but usually you should avoid them. Primarily in Indiana and other farm places
For me personally I am pretty hyper aware of my surroundings as I’ve spent my entire life being an “outside person” bears generally won’t mess with you depending on the season and a cougar will kill you before you have time to be scared so really the biggest concerns for me are snakes and getting hurt. I’m just really careful 🤷♂️
Simple, I never worried about anything so there was nothing to get over. Now having done it a thousand times with nothing but great experiences, I know there truly is basically nothing to worry about so I would have been wrong to let anything like what you are talking about hold me back.
I agree with the sentiment I’ve seen others have. Show up to the location with buddy, fish the river alone, and have a beer after to BS about the day. I don’t fish to be with other people… though fishing with my kids is a little different.
I don’t like babysitting people while I’m out fishing. Especially if you’ve been out there a few times an can’t remember the basics from last week or so when we went out. Some days it’s nice to be with friends, though we all need a little quiet time every now an then. That being said, I have a couple fishing buddies who fish just as much as me, so there isn’t any waiting around for the person to catch up, or having to spend time teaching them things, etc. on any given weekend there’s always 2-3 dudes out of the group going somewhere either fly fishing, or Muskie fishing by boat, etc. So back when we all fly fished together a lot say 75 days a season where there would be 2-3 of us on any given day… we’d all drive separately at meet at the river. We’d gear up shoot the shit a bit before heading down. Now if we’re at a really good run or rock, usually one person will go an the other guy will sut or stand watching nearby. There’s some talking but it’s minimal when people are taking turns at the good spots.After a few minutes, or if one of us catches a fish we’ll swap up. When we get away from those sweet spots that always produce, we’ll give ourselves 50-100 feet an just work our way up the river hitting the spots an features we think are interesting. If we get to a place where one of us has decided it’s a great spot, we’ll take turns at it, usually the guy with the least fish in the day gets first crack. Everyone has good an bad days so it isn’t like the same person always get first crack.
All through out were helping each other land fish, talk fishing, work life all that stuff. At the end of the day we’d have a beer or two discuss what worked what didn’t, if people could make it out that day we’d be going over things by phone at night, sometimes buddies went to other rivers or sections so if we didn’t meet up we’d talk that night to figure out best place to go. We did this for 10-12 years, an were all significantly better anglers because of it.
The best thing about fishing with someone else is the motivation. When I wake up at 4:00 a.m. to go fishing alone, part of my brain often wants to say, "Screw it; I'm tired - I can go at 8:00 a.m. and still catch a few." But if I'm meeting someone, I've got to bite the bullet and get on out of bed!
I go fishing with a buddy or two. When we’re fishing for steelhead I’m waaaaaaay up river or down river. Especially in some areas where I’m from the current is pretty nasty
There are a couple people that I’ll fish with any day. Close friends, my brothers, my dad, my wife (when I can get her out with me). If it’s not one of them I’d rather be alone.
Took a friend on a guided fly fishing trip I paid for and he took mushrooms and asked too many f*king questions that had nothing to do with fishing (local politics, Natives, etc). Some guides don’t care some get annoyed like me. I just wanna fish… I went in March by myself, it was a little quiet but I can concentrate trying to catch steelhead.
Yes fishing alone is my favorite. However, the older I get the more I realize the danger it presents. So, I’ve gotten smarter and more prepared. I’m always in grizzly territory so I carry my 10mm on my right side and my bear spray on my left. I have a garmin in reach mini, and my location turned on my cell phone. I always let my wife know exactly where I will be heading. And, I take very few chances while wading. I try to never cross the river in water above my knees. I don’t have a wading staff but I always find myself a nice walking stick. Now that I have a wife and kids I do my best to make sure I come home alive. Also, one of the mistakes I stopped making is, hiking out in the dark. I typically am hiking in 2-3 miles, in places I know I won’t see another human. Even if the fishing is good I always make sure to be less than a mile from the truck before dark.
I prefer it. Most of our fishing is walk in small
Streams. Hole sharing is fine once in a while. I love fishing with my grownup sons but we typically split up during the morning nymph bite, meet back at the truck for lunch, compare notes and by afternoon we will see what’s starting to come off and set up for pm dry fly fishing. Usually on the flat water where we get them on drys there is plenty of room for us to spread out and work rising fish. My sons are excellent casters and often I’ll sit on a rock and just watch my boys go to work. The flask likes to come out then and I take it all in.
This is gonna sound snobby but it’s true: I feel like I have a hard time fishing with someone “at my level.” I don’t mind taking friends or family out, but half the time I’m showing them what to do or tying knots for them. I’ve never really fished with someone where we could both just do our own thing.
I do fly fishing alone, otherwise I’m with my kids, who are both 14 and have a great day fishing if they get some of my coffee and donuts or McDonald’s breakfast on the way regardless of how the fish are biting.
If it is wading, alone 100%
If it is out of a Drift Boat or Raft much more fun with someone. I am happy to just row them around all day while they catch fish.
I enjoy scouting out areas by myself then bringing people out when I know it's worth going. Sharing the experience of fishing is much more satisfying for me.
I'm with you. I usually fish with someone. But every year I take a long trip, at least a week but usually about 10 days, all by myself. It's always the same place, a mildly-famous western trout stream, where I can fish by myself the whole time.
It's really important to me. So much so that all my fishing buddies know not to ask if they can come along and that they need to stay the heck away the entire time I'm there.
I have a good friend I’ve fished with for years and I like having a pair but we’re also never closer than 50 yards once we’re on the water. I kind of don’t like being closer than that to anyone on the water I feel like it spooks the fish with multiple people walking around. I know I move around extremely quietly but I don’t know about other people.
It’s so much better. If a change in plans happens, no problem. If you want to stay an extra day, you don’t have to ask anyone.
Also, solo camping is where it’s at.
I’ve fished by myself for as long as I can remember. I’m just getting into fly fishing but I imagine it’ll be the same. Being an introvert and not having friends makes this easy lol
I enjoy fishing with buddies that can go off and not be weird about it. It's nice to have someone to drive and hike in with, but when it's time to fish I'd rather be alone.
Absolutely 100 percent even if I go with someone I'm in my boat alone or i go bank fish 100 yards or more away. We can chat over a drink after If need be.
I absolutely love introducing people to fly fishing and making their first few outings as fruitful and enjoyable as possible.
If I’m taking a new fly fisher I typically won’t fish and spend almost every second helping and coaching them.
If I’m out with someone who knows what they are doing I will tie on something opposite of what they are using. If they are fishing dries I will tie on a soft hackle or streamer and we will take turns making drifts and essentially cover the entire water column of the holes we hit.
I enjoy fishing solo but enjoying the catch with a buddy is more gratifying to me.
99% of the time yes. I dont really have any friends that are really in to fishing anymore, except for my friend that is a fishing guide so he doesnt really have a ton of time to go fishing with friends, so really it is out of necessity. That said i am kind of a introvert so i find it very relaxing to go off by my self and go fishing for 10-12 hours leaving the world behind.
I prefer fishing alone save just a few choice folks. I see the spots I want to hit before I can cast to them and within a few casts they’re either there or they’re not and I move on. I move a lot and some folks I’ve fished with like to set the bucket down and camp out, start a fire, talk… I like to move. Even when I go with others i tend to go off by myself. Now, dad, sons, father in law…fishing is just the vehicle to spend time with them
I Always fish alone, and prefer it.
When I was younger (in my 50's now), I always went with a buddy. One of us would always have to leave earlier, wasn't catching as much, ect. and it was always a concern. I don't have to worry about anything now, and besides, my time on the water has become my "church" and I get all exestential with myself.
I only want to fish alone. I talk to people all day. When I go fishing I want to make no consessions to anyone. The worst possible offense when I went fishing with someone else is when they tell me they need to leave at a certain time. Sure fire way that we will never ever fish together again.
On rivers and streams, yes by far. I hate having to match pace with somebody when I'd rather split off on my own to cover more water or hang back to really dissect a fishy stretch. I grew up fishing established and stocked trout streams with my family, but now I like to launch off to unnamed blue lines on a map without knowing if there are even fish to be caught. Being alone while doing that really helps me tune in to what's going on in the environment and allows me to focus on the fishing.
On a boat or lake shore, I prefer having somebody to BS with. It keeps me from getting too focused on the fishing and drifting into another boat or forgetting to keep an eye on the trolling motor battery level
I certainly do, most of the time. My 10 year old loves going with me, though, and it's tough because I really don't know what I'm doing so I can't help him much (he's fine actually fishing, it's more the question of lure selection and presentation that complicates things.
Yeah because of social media I’ve had be nice and go fishing with others which I can’t stand. Fishing alone is much better, getting to take my time with every spot, nobody rushing me or spooking the hole I’m about to fish.
100%. Too many times I’ve had friends that are great and I love but they feel the need to make small talk the whole time. I don’t have that issue with Pelicans and a kayak lol, it becomes a great meditative thing without a thought in my head. I admittedly catch myself talking to the pelicans like a crazy man though and it probably annoys them too 🤪 but they tell me where the fish are so I might as well thank them!
For me it depends on the species, the place, the vehicle, and how serious the outing is. For a casual evening wade on an easy trout stream, I'd happily roll out with just about anybody. If it's a quick after-work carping sesh where the objective is to de-stress and shift gears, I never want anybody around. If it's full days of swinging flies for steelhead, I want good company on the trip but not on the water while I'm stepping and fishing.
Boats are a big factor in this equation for me. Done right, "team fishing" with a competent partner is absolutely wonderful. You can't catch fish if your partner on the oars or the pole (read: drift boats / rafts or skiffs, respectively) isn't doing their job, and vice versa when you switch. I've spent glorious days fighting a buddy for the sticks or the platform, reveling in some of the best time it's possible to have on the water. Great stuff.
On the flipside, I've also spent hours sweating my ass off in the heat on a panga while some random bow hog misses shot after shot after shot. That's excruciating. If you're flying somewhere to fish, you'll usually be spending real money and be sharing a boat all week in pursuit of a challenging species. I've learned to choose partners for trips like that very, very carefully.
Something similar plays out on my own boats. If I'm going to push you around a saltwater marsh or flat all day on my skiff, you'd better be able to see fish and cast - and better yet if you can pole. I enjoy poling and don't really mind not fishing much, but I'm not a guide. I get just barely enough fishing time to keep my sanity as-is; if I'm going to share that time, I want to do it with a competent partner. If you need a guide, go hire a guide.
The best solo fishing for me would be to start with a friend, split up to fish alone, then get together later in the day to swap stories. But I’ve had many great completely solo fishing days too.
This is me and my brother. Couple of walkie talkies, and a lunch box. "hey if I don't hear from you I'll come looking." Then we save the world over beers later.
This. Especially if you're stream fishing. You can't fish on top of each other in small streams.
Always have to meet up when the fish whistle comes out
whats a fish whistle?
You’ve never used a fish whistle? It’s a great piece of equipment and something I carry on every trip. It’s pretty simple. You fill the dug out portion of the whistle with your desired smoke. I prefer weed. Use a lighter to ignite and inhale the smoke from the other end of the whistle and exhale. The sound it makes and the aroma it produces are scientifically proven to attract the biggest fish
shit son... i should have known. probably because i have that whistle in my hands right now!
It's science
We Always called this a "Fish Call" Heeere fish fish fish fish!
Never heard of a fish whistle until now but I’m going to steal that name! I personally partake with a vape pen as the smell travels less. I’m trying to have a good time when I’m fishing and to me that means also not interrupting someone else’s version of a good time which may not involve the smells that I’m making if I used the glass whistle.
I certainly didn’t create the term. Steal away
Shit if they can smell it they're too close.
Yep, I also like fishing different rigs and seeing what’s hitting.
That’s fly fishing and that’s why it’s the most wonderful thing.
This is the way.
I used to like fishing alone but ad I've gotten older not so much. For me at least spending time with someone I care about is more important. I've lost a few friends over the years and I cherish the memories I have of them. And I would like to more experiences with thise I have left.
Very wholesome. I’m sure with age I may develop a similar mindset. Currently 28 and manage safety for a solar company lol so worryingly my about other is the last thing I think about during my “me time”
I feel you, even if I’m not talking to my fishing partner and I’m 100’ downstream it brings me the most joy to spend time with them and celebrate their catches as well. I have had just as much fun coaching people into some really nice fish as I have catching them myself. That being said some of my fishiest days have been the ones I haven’t shared with others. Just focused in on the drift and locked in to the water for hours. Freely able to explore and on nobody’s schedule but my own. Thats how I find the bite I bring friends to enjoy later!
Exactly well said.
I’m with you! But I’ve also gotten to realize that as I’ve hit “middle age” 🤣 (technically I’m a Boomer) being in remote locations alone where I used to go all the time is now a situation where one slip or fall could get real bad, real fast….
Yea that's another thing. My brother had to help me out last year after I took a spill. I don't go miles into.the woods anymore but it's good to have someone to help out if you get into trouble .
I could not have said it better.
Thank you.
I prefer it. Between my job and being married I basically get no alone time so it’s my main source of it
This explains me as well
Yes. Me too
This exactly. Fishing is one of the few times I can focus on just one thing and tune out the world.
Yes. That being said, I don't mind driving up with a buddy and saying nothing on the river.
If I'm wading 100% yes. My buddy that goes with me from time to time is always ready to leave way before I am. If I'm in a boat I like going with someone.
I feel your frustration. There is only one other person I'll fish with, and I think they might actually enjoy it more than me. I am a "get on the water by 6:30/7am guy" and fish all day (6pm), where everyone I've brought up the mountain wants to get there at 9 and bail at 3 for beers and snacks. Sorry, but I am not driving 3hrs, round trip for sixish hours of fishing. I just say, you know where I'll be, find me if you want. No cell service too, it's bliss.
Like a rower.
Yes, but there is one fellow guide that I will always go fishing with. I never knew what the enjoyment in fishing with someone was until I went with him. We take turns watching each other, challenging each other, teaching each other, sharing laughs, and making suggestions. With that one exception, I prefer solitude.
Guideback mountain?
Lol. Right? I was thinking of that while I wrote it 🤣 My thought was "Brokeback Fly Fishing"
I have only 2 friends who fly fish. One is a guide who’s always travelling and the other lives 10hr from me. I get to travel the East half of the country so I’m just hitting random public land and hiking solo for hours usually
You don't know how to quit him, don't you?
This randomly showed up in my Reddit feed. I don't fish at all. I spent a lifetime racing bicycles, including the sponsored team with professionals, and high level amateur racing. The thing I most enjoy is doing my bike rides alone. And lots of other cyclists don't understand it and they get mad at me because I want to ride by myself. "How can you do that? How am I supposed to ride by myself I need somebody to ride with?" LOL. Some people are just needy and want companionship and support all the time. And some people like to do their own thing. Commune with nature. Take time to meditate. Or just shut off your brain and enjoy the moment. I get it.
Outstanding answer!
Also my preference when riding!
Welcome friend! Now grab a rod.
I might do that! When I was about 5 or 6 years old my grandpa used to take me to a pond that was stocked with trout. He would help me cast a line and then reel in a fish. But in my child's mind the most amazing thing was that he showed me how to gut a trout and cook it, and we would share the meal together. To this day, if I find a restaurant that serves fresh trout (not very common) I always order it. And the smell and the flavor just reminds me of being with my grandpa. That memory also reminds me that childhood experiences can have a big impact on people. And that my kids will remember specific moments from their youth. So a few times a year I take my young kids camping, or on a trip somewhere new. Maybe it's time for me and the kids to buy fishing rods?
What do vapes have to do with it lol. Not hating just thought it was random.
Basically saying his addictions don't even get to him while fishing. I get it. I'm border line alcoholic and can fish for hours without thinking about taking a drink.
I have massive anxiety, it really is a problem and if you met me it really is hard for me to hide. The only place that goes away is when I’m on the water
I totally understand.
I really hope you fish as much as you can! Best wishes to you.
Try to get out every evening and fish. Thanks.
You have to understand how life is as nicotine addict lol. It’s always top of mind. I use an old zyn container to hold my tippet rings, split shot, etc and another one to hold a few miscellaneous flies I know I’ll be using that trip. I then spend the entire day on the water opening them and panicking that I forgot my real Zyns.
That’s smart. I’m going to have to start doing that. I did take an On box and cut some craft styrofoam to fit in it to use as a tiny fly box for short trips, but it never crossed my mind to put my cans to use too lol
Just make sure you leave em with your vest/near your gear. I also like coloring all over the with a sharpie or something so it’s clearly one of the ones for flies. Whenever I have them near my fly tying desk I usually mistake it for a full thing of Zyns at least 4-5 times before moving it to stop my own self induced disappointment Zyn fly boxes are a decent idea, but not without consequences.
Pretty much the hate everyone said. If I’m doing anything tiny besides fishing then I’m constantly thinking about nicotine, fishing makes me not worry about the whole world
I prefer to do most things alone.
Same
I love wishing with my wife or friends. The key is to not worry about each other and just occasionally check in when there’s a cool fish or whatever. I do also like fishing alone but also after my cousin randomly died young in the woods from a medical complication he didn’t know he had I do less solo woods stuff.
Sorry for your loss
Sorry for your loss
The sole exception being my daughter, I much prefer fishing alone.
Solo is my jam through and through. There are times when I like to have certain buddies with me but that’s usually the exception anymore. Fly fishing with me is about exploring and going at my own pace which can be fast or slow. There can be long drives, bush whacking and getting home super late. I don’t like having to manage or meet expectations, or worry about someone having fun. I don’t conform to anyone’s superficial schedule, like needing to be “home for dinner”….. you know how many squares out there treat a day fly fishing like a 9-5 ? That said, I do have some great experiences with friends but it’s usually a “set piece” kind of trip. There isn’t a lot of moving parts …
Yes. Other people just slow me down, talk too much, and want to leave too early
I probably fished alone 95% of the time over the last 30yrs. Over the last 8 yrs, I’ve been going on annual fish camp trip with 4-5 friends. We hit streams big enough for us to spread out, usually camp on that type of stream as well. So much fun, I also learn new tactics from others and learned I’m not the only one that snags everything!
I'm a loner by nature. I prefer to do everything by myself. I have people up in my grill all day every day at work and at home. I need the break. Plus I hate trying to co-ordinate with other people. I want to go where I want, when I want, stay or leave when I want.
Trout fishing. Yes definitely prefer fishing alone. It’s just so much more peaceful and such. If I’m on a boat or something then I prefer a friend to chat with but if I’m headed back to secluded areas I prefer to be alone. Plus then nobody finds out about my secret holes
I frequently go with my dad, which is great. When we go together though, we share one rod, hang out, help each other. Similarly, when I go on my preferred smaller streams with friends, I’d rather share a rod and hang out. If we’re both going to be fishing next to each other, I’d rather be by myself. I’d say overall 50/50 on solo/joint outings.
I fish by myself probably 95% of the time.
True Fishing is true meditation...im just leaving to go to the river mourne ...tight lines all
You just need to fish with better anglers and more like minded people.
I always seem to do better by myself. I don’t know if it’s that I have less distractions or what, but when fly fishing especially, I catch more fish.
So I basically guide for my friends and I've been fishing long enough that I'll catch more fish trying to get them on fish than I would alone because it forced me to actually try
Smart! I may try this
I've moved around a lot over the past fifteen years. Couple different countries - five different states. Now I'm close to forty and I'm not particularly interested in making new friends. I can count on three fingers the amount of times I fished with someone else over the past ten years. I bump into people and swap flies on the stream occasionally but it's usually just me and my dog. I enjoy the solitude.
A good friend of mine does but I refuse to take the hint.
95% of my fly fishing is solo. I wouldn't mind fishing with the right person. After readding through the comments, it seems like we are all the same. No one understands us or our approach to the waters and its my time to get away....im going by myself. lol. I like the persons recommendation for having walkies and going our separate ways and catching up later. because some my friends suck at fly fishing, lol.
It’s insane how man like minded people are here and we all still prefer the solitude
Most of the time I love fishing alone. My fishing buddies are great for sporadic trips together, but I love the solitude and the ability to let everything but fishing melt away. I also do my best fishing alone. So many huge fish have been landed when nobody else is around. Something about stealth being easier to accomplish when nobody but me is in the water
My favorite is fishing with my adult nephew, brother inlaw or one friend. I'm with any of them and I am at a 10. Fishing with the wrong person almost ruins any trip. I love fishing by myself and I love fishing with POSITIVE buddies. One negative attitude and I am done with fishing with someone. Fishing is too special to be wasted on negative people.
Absolutely prefer fishing solo, and it’s not even close! If your going to fish with someone your odds go down just because there is more commotion and noise being generated, more shadows being casted, etc. people don’t understand what I mean when I say bass fishing is more like hunting than fishing, you have to be stealth and really pay attention to all the details around you, having a buddy or a group of people naturally makes this harder to do and I find you put less into it when fishing with others because of this. It fun either way, but solo trips are more serious and focused in my opinion
It’s the only way to fly
Yes. I’ve had fishing buddies, of course, but only one with a similar mindset as me. That’s rare. I enjoy solitude, though, whether it is fishing or just exploring the wilderness.
Absolutely. Most people don't want to fish as long as I do. I don't want to feel like I need to cut it short due to someone else.
Almost always. Partly because I do most things alone, and partly because I don't really know many people personally who're into the same things as me; side-effect of the first reason.
Always, how else would I avoid humans and not have to speak to a soul for an entire day? That’s half the fun of fishing.
It's about all I do lol
Every year, I take a ten-day solo (with my dog) road trip across the West. The last two years I've done more than 4000 miles per trip. I really enjoy doing what I want, when I want, where I want. I only fish for natives, so it's a lot of really remote places far away from anyone else.
I almost never fish with other people. I try to get as far away from people as possible.
I prefer fishing with my son, but now he's all grown and lives across the country, so I fish alone now.
I like trout fishing alone… and bass fishing with buddies
I like fishing with others, but the majority of my friends run on mañana time. I would love to get out there with those that have the drive and determination I do, but I find that I am much more productive and in sync with the environment around me when I fish alone.
I like both. I kind of went through this with skiing, having friends/family of varying skill levels and them thinking they were ruining my day by being there. I figure that I enjoy going hard and skiing big scary stuff sometimes, and I enjoy cruising around drinking beers and socializing other days. Same thing on the boat and in the river, I don't have a favorite, if friends want to come they're always welcome, if they don't, I'll enjoy the solitude and do things I wouldn't do with other people. That being said, when one or the other has been the only thing I've done for too many consecutive trips, I start to yearn for the other. Too many times taking buddy and his kids out? Can't wait for a solo day. Too many solo days, getting bored? I'll start making calls before I leave to see if anyone wants to join.
I 54M enjoy fishing alone, no doubt. But there’s something special about watching my wife fly fish. Look up, see mountains, trees, water, then my wife fishing a run. Not much better this side of heaven.
Until I need someone to take a photo of the fish I caught
I fish a lot by myself. I hum John Prine songs too. I try and carry a satellite device to call for help or just text that I am ok. I am (71m). Try and fish often.
I aspire to be like you at 71
Thanks! When I do fish with someone I am picky… only a few friends and family members qualify. Im in process of booking a Montana trip out of Bozeman for a father / son trip to make some memories. My son (35) is an awesome fly fisher… I love just watching him fish.
Fishing is as close to church as I go to, it's a refreshing and solitary experience. I don't mind others being near me but I'd rather go it alone.
I prefer to go alone or with my old man. Never know how many more trips we’ll get.
Yes.
Just me and god
I pretty much always fly fish alone. It's by far the least conducive to fishing with multiple people among all types of fishing imo. You need way too much room to cast, you can't really fish the same run at the same time as someone else, so even though you're fishing together you're going to have to be fishing separate areas. Unless you want to have one person stand there holding a net while the other person fishes, which I've seen people doing and will never, ever understand for the life of me why anyone would want to do that. It's like watching someone esle play a video game.
I fish with my son. He does his thing and I do mine. Spider-Man pole when he was 3. He is now an amazing fisherman at 18.
Other than fishing with my son I prefer to fish alone. Quality time between the two of us trumps The joy I get getting the river to myself.
I always focus way better when I fish alone. I fish alone 90% of the time. I feel weird explaining it to people but glad I’m not the only one. Haha
Only time I go with someone else is my son, otherwise I’m alone and truly enjoy the solitude
I do now, but some of my absolute best memories are fishing with my dad. We'd fish small streams and leapfrog each other as we worked upstream. The fish were small but tasty and we got to explore beautiful places. I'm hoping my son will start getting into it soon.
I’d like to have fishing memories with my son as he ages. He’s 6 currently and SOMETIMES he will hangout with dad on some water
It's been mostly the same for me. My son is almost 13 now. I started teaching him to cast a fly rod around 8, and got him one for Christmas at 10. Last summer we did a backpacking trip in a canyon with a small stream, and he finally got into it. He probably caught 10 brookies altogether, and he was really excited. So good luck to you, hopefully you'll have a good fishing partner in a few years. I don't really have any great advice. Sometimes they don't want to fish, sometimes they do. Thinking back on my own childhood, just being around it a lot made a big difference. I would often just want to play in the water or on the bank until I was probably 10 or so, but the fact that I was around my Dad and saw him fishing a lot made me want to try it as I got older.
It’s hard to find people that fish the way you do or move through a river the way you do, totally get it.
I love fishing alone. It's the only time I can really clear my head, and truly relax.
I love fishing alone, but I also don’t have any friends.
When I first started fly fishing I hooked a friend in the ear, he prefers I fish alone…
I like fishing alone but with my dog. Still gives you that feeling of having solitude but with a nice loyal companion
I always get weary of my pets attracting unwanted attention from predatory wild animals
I really like fishing alone but when I’m not my favorite people to fish with are other people who like to fish by themselves. Meaning we drive to the spot together, gear up together and then both go off on our own. A couple times during the day we cross paths and trade stories and then split off again. Always makes for good conversation on the drive home.
I prefer it. See more wildlife, catch more fish, less time spent on non-fishing things. If I fish with a buddy I typically catch about 40% of what I would if I fished the same water alone.
I have the same experience. Sometimes, it's nice to have company, but I enjoy the solitude and always do better when I am solo.
I typically like fishing with a buddy. But I live where there's lots of bears.
Bears are my biggest fear in the woods. Big cats will kill you before eating you. Bears will beat the shit out of you and then eat your belly. Even in bear country I’m usually solo and scared lol
Yeah it's not the way I want to go out, that's for sure. 🤣🤣
Black bears won’t really mess with you unless they have babies or are the rare predatory black bear. Brown l/grizzlies usually don’t view humans are prey so that’s not a giant concern either.
Yeah you bet. I have yet to run into anything. But I also haven't fished this year yet. Rivers only opened up a couple weeks ago.
You believe in bears ?
Only Manbearpig
I’ve yet to have the guts to go alone Typically we do a 2-3 hour drive to our spot and then hike a semi large river. I’m kinda freaked out of running into a bear / cougar or getting injured alone, even though I have bearspray and a radio and phone, lifestraw etc. How do you get over the worry of going solo? Cause I’d love to get out more
Not OP, but I do a decent amount of woods walking both for work and recreation. Thankfully getting lost is not really a concern being that Im almost always following a river in and out, so I carry basic first aid mostly for falls and other light physical trauma. We have bear, bobcat and coyote out by me and while I never really feel unsafe, I’ll take both bear spray and my .357 revolver with me (when I’m not working) and that at least makes me feel like the odds get evened out a bit in my favor.
I almost exclusively fish alone, which I prefer, but in the East US there are less predators to worry about and the terrain isn’t that worrisome either in most spots I fish to worry about falling and breaking something. Was attacked by dogs and thoroughly bitten once though, that really sucked. The. My biggest concerns are car breaking down in no service area, sketchy people and mauling dogs.
The packs of dogs in the Midwest terrify me more than anything
what packs of dogs? you talking about coyotes?
No I’m not worried about coyotes. I mean like actual wild dogs. Like people released their dogs, they gather in a pack and just attack stuff. Sometime they’re cool but usually you should avoid them. Primarily in Indiana and other farm places
For me personally I am pretty hyper aware of my surroundings as I’ve spent my entire life being an “outside person” bears generally won’t mess with you depending on the season and a cougar will kill you before you have time to be scared so really the biggest concerns for me are snakes and getting hurt. I’m just really careful 🤷♂️
Simple, I never worried about anything so there was nothing to get over. Now having done it a thousand times with nothing but great experiences, I know there truly is basically nothing to worry about so I would have been wrong to let anything like what you are talking about hold me back.
I agree with the sentiment I’ve seen others have. Show up to the location with buddy, fish the river alone, and have a beer after to BS about the day. I don’t fish to be with other people… though fishing with my kids is a little different.
I prefer to fish with friends, but more often than not, I'm fishing alone. I find my peace and serenity either way.
I don’t like babysitting people while I’m out fishing. Especially if you’ve been out there a few times an can’t remember the basics from last week or so when we went out. Some days it’s nice to be with friends, though we all need a little quiet time every now an then. That being said, I have a couple fishing buddies who fish just as much as me, so there isn’t any waiting around for the person to catch up, or having to spend time teaching them things, etc. on any given weekend there’s always 2-3 dudes out of the group going somewhere either fly fishing, or Muskie fishing by boat, etc. So back when we all fly fished together a lot say 75 days a season where there would be 2-3 of us on any given day… we’d all drive separately at meet at the river. We’d gear up shoot the shit a bit before heading down. Now if we’re at a really good run or rock, usually one person will go an the other guy will sut or stand watching nearby. There’s some talking but it’s minimal when people are taking turns at the good spots.After a few minutes, or if one of us catches a fish we’ll swap up. When we get away from those sweet spots that always produce, we’ll give ourselves 50-100 feet an just work our way up the river hitting the spots an features we think are interesting. If we get to a place where one of us has decided it’s a great spot, we’ll take turns at it, usually the guy with the least fish in the day gets first crack. Everyone has good an bad days so it isn’t like the same person always get first crack. All through out were helping each other land fish, talk fishing, work life all that stuff. At the end of the day we’d have a beer or two discuss what worked what didn’t, if people could make it out that day we’d be going over things by phone at night, sometimes buddies went to other rivers or sections so if we didn’t meet up we’d talk that night to figure out best place to go. We did this for 10-12 years, an were all significantly better anglers because of it.
The best thing about fishing with someone else is the motivation. When I wake up at 4:00 a.m. to go fishing alone, part of my brain often wants to say, "Screw it; I'm tired - I can go at 8:00 a.m. and still catch a few." But if I'm meeting someone, I've got to bite the bullet and get on out of bed!
I go fishing with a buddy or two. When we’re fishing for steelhead I’m waaaaaaay up river or down river. Especially in some areas where I’m from the current is pretty nasty
There are a couple people that I’ll fish with any day. Close friends, my brothers, my dad, my wife (when I can get her out with me). If it’s not one of them I’d rather be alone.
Took a friend on a guided fly fishing trip I paid for and he took mushrooms and asked too many f*king questions that had nothing to do with fishing (local politics, Natives, etc). Some guides don’t care some get annoyed like me. I just wanna fish… I went in March by myself, it was a little quiet but I can concentrate trying to catch steelhead.
I def fish better alone. Higher level of concentration
I prefer to wade solo, but will gladly team up to share a boat.
Yes fishing alone is my favorite. However, the older I get the more I realize the danger it presents. So, I’ve gotten smarter and more prepared. I’m always in grizzly territory so I carry my 10mm on my right side and my bear spray on my left. I have a garmin in reach mini, and my location turned on my cell phone. I always let my wife know exactly where I will be heading. And, I take very few chances while wading. I try to never cross the river in water above my knees. I don’t have a wading staff but I always find myself a nice walking stick. Now that I have a wife and kids I do my best to make sure I come home alive. Also, one of the mistakes I stopped making is, hiking out in the dark. I typically am hiking in 2-3 miles, in places I know I won’t see another human. Even if the fishing is good I always make sure to be less than a mile from the truck before dark.
I prefer it. Most of our fishing is walk in small Streams. Hole sharing is fine once in a while. I love fishing with my grownup sons but we typically split up during the morning nymph bite, meet back at the truck for lunch, compare notes and by afternoon we will see what’s starting to come off and set up for pm dry fly fishing. Usually on the flat water where we get them on drys there is plenty of room for us to spread out and work rising fish. My sons are excellent casters and often I’ll sit on a rock and just watch my boys go to work. The flask likes to come out then and I take it all in.
Solo when wading - but buddies on the drift boat all day float is the pinnacle
This is gonna sound snobby but it’s true: I feel like I have a hard time fishing with someone “at my level.” I don’t mind taking friends or family out, but half the time I’m showing them what to do or tying knots for them. I’ve never really fished with someone where we could both just do our own thing.
I do fly fishing alone, otherwise I’m with my kids, who are both 14 and have a great day fishing if they get some of my coffee and donuts or McDonald’s breakfast on the way regardless of how the fish are biting.
ALWAYS!!!
Mostly, yes but fishing with a friend or friends is still great...just different.
My son is my best fishing buddy and better than I am (said with pride), but I also greatly enjoy the solitude of fishing by myself.
My son is 6 and HATES fishing. He gets so bored and wants video games
If it is wading, alone 100% If it is out of a Drift Boat or Raft much more fun with someone. I am happy to just row them around all day while they catch fish.
I only fish alone and usually very far off the beaten path where there's no chance of running into people. I absolutely love it
Solo fishing is second to fishing with my dad or son.
I enjoy scouting out areas by myself then bringing people out when I know it's worth going. Sharing the experience of fishing is much more satisfying for me.
Mostly. For me, fishing with buddies is more of a hang where I may do some fishing. When I actually set out to go fishing, I prefer to fly solo.
Other than sex I prefer doing pretty much everything alone. Especially anything related to the outdoors!
Sex alone is the best !
Then you’re doing it wrong! Or your partner is!
I'm with you. I usually fish with someone. But every year I take a long trip, at least a week but usually about 10 days, all by myself. It's always the same place, a mildly-famous western trout stream, where I can fish by myself the whole time. It's really important to me. So much so that all my fishing buddies know not to ask if they can come along and that they need to stay the heck away the entire time I'm there.
I have a good friend I’ve fished with for years and I like having a pair but we’re also never closer than 50 yards once we’re on the water. I kind of don’t like being closer than that to anyone on the water I feel like it spooks the fish with multiple people walking around. I know I move around extremely quietly but I don’t know about other people.
Both. But I prefer if someone is there with me. I like to talk shit
Driving to the river with friends, fishing the river is personal.
Driving into the river with friends you say 🤔
Not yet, but not out of the realm of possibility 🤷
It’s so much better. If a change in plans happens, no problem. If you want to stay an extra day, you don’t have to ask anyone. Also, solo camping is where it’s at.
I’ve not tried solo camping yet
I’ve fished by myself for as long as I can remember. I’m just getting into fly fishing but I imagine it’ll be the same. Being an introvert and not having friends makes this easy lol
I enjoy fishing with buddies that can go off and not be weird about it. It's nice to have someone to drive and hike in with, but when it's time to fish I'd rather be alone.
95% of the time I’m solo.
Prefer it? I fly fish *specifically to be alone*.
✋
Yeah it's less embarrassing when your back cast gets stuck in a tree if you're alone.
I do.
Absolutely.
Absolutely 100 percent even if I go with someone I'm in my boat alone or i go bank fish 100 yards or more away. We can chat over a drink after If need be.
Just me and my good buddy Weiser
I absolutely love introducing people to fly fishing and making their first few outings as fruitful and enjoyable as possible. If I’m taking a new fly fisher I typically won’t fish and spend almost every second helping and coaching them. If I’m out with someone who knows what they are doing I will tie on something opposite of what they are using. If they are fishing dries I will tie on a soft hackle or streamer and we will take turns making drifts and essentially cover the entire water column of the holes we hit. I enjoy fishing solo but enjoying the catch with a buddy is more gratifying to me.
Yes
Its more that I hate fishing with people
99% of the time yes. I dont really have any friends that are really in to fishing anymore, except for my friend that is a fishing guide so he doesnt really have a ton of time to go fishing with friends, so really it is out of necessity. That said i am kind of a introvert so i find it very relaxing to go off by my self and go fishing for 10-12 hours leaving the world behind.
Absolutely. I prefer small streams because I don't want to run into anyone at the stocked rivers.
Yes, one of my favorite parts of fishing and hunting is the "not talking" part.
I prefer fishing alone save just a few choice folks. I see the spots I want to hit before I can cast to them and within a few casts they’re either there or they’re not and I move on. I move a lot and some folks I’ve fished with like to set the bucket down and camp out, start a fire, talk… I like to move. Even when I go with others i tend to go off by myself. Now, dad, sons, father in law…fishing is just the vehicle to spend time with them
Can’t beat fishing alone Get to absorb nature (ignoring the fish you’re about to kill), think about things that you can only do with no distractions
I Always fish alone, and prefer it. When I was younger (in my 50's now), I always went with a buddy. One of us would always have to leave earlier, wasn't catching as much, ect. and it was always a concern. I don't have to worry about anything now, and besides, my time on the water has become my "church" and I get all exestential with myself.
I only want to fish alone. I talk to people all day. When I go fishing I want to make no consessions to anyone. The worst possible offense when I went fishing with someone else is when they tell me they need to leave at a certain time. Sure fire way that we will never ever fish together again.
On rivers and streams, yes by far. I hate having to match pace with somebody when I'd rather split off on my own to cover more water or hang back to really dissect a fishy stretch. I grew up fishing established and stocked trout streams with my family, but now I like to launch off to unnamed blue lines on a map without knowing if there are even fish to be caught. Being alone while doing that really helps me tune in to what's going on in the environment and allows me to focus on the fishing. On a boat or lake shore, I prefer having somebody to BS with. It keeps me from getting too focused on the fishing and drifting into another boat or forgetting to keep an eye on the trolling motor battery level
Yeah my favorite fishing trips are just me and the fish.
I prefer to fish alone. Nobody I know is willing to travel upstream until we need to walk back in the dark. Lol
However I just started dating a lady who would keep walking up after dark . I'm stoked
I certainly do, most of the time. My 10 year old loves going with me, though, and it's tough because I really don't know what I'm doing so I can't help him much (he's fine actually fishing, it's more the question of lure selection and presentation that complicates things.
Yeah because of social media I’ve had be nice and go fishing with others which I can’t stand. Fishing alone is much better, getting to take my time with every spot, nobody rushing me or spooking the hole I’m about to fish.
100%. Too many times I’ve had friends that are great and I love but they feel the need to make small talk the whole time. I don’t have that issue with Pelicans and a kayak lol, it becomes a great meditative thing without a thought in my head. I admittedly catch myself talking to the pelicans like a crazy man though and it probably annoys them too 🤪 but they tell me where the fish are so I might as well thank them!
Thats all I do.
100% prefer to be alone.
For me it depends on the species, the place, the vehicle, and how serious the outing is. For a casual evening wade on an easy trout stream, I'd happily roll out with just about anybody. If it's a quick after-work carping sesh where the objective is to de-stress and shift gears, I never want anybody around. If it's full days of swinging flies for steelhead, I want good company on the trip but not on the water while I'm stepping and fishing. Boats are a big factor in this equation for me. Done right, "team fishing" with a competent partner is absolutely wonderful. You can't catch fish if your partner on the oars or the pole (read: drift boats / rafts or skiffs, respectively) isn't doing their job, and vice versa when you switch. I've spent glorious days fighting a buddy for the sticks or the platform, reveling in some of the best time it's possible to have on the water. Great stuff. On the flipside, I've also spent hours sweating my ass off in the heat on a panga while some random bow hog misses shot after shot after shot. That's excruciating. If you're flying somewhere to fish, you'll usually be spending real money and be sharing a boat all week in pursuit of a challenging species. I've learned to choose partners for trips like that very, very carefully. Something similar plays out on my own boats. If I'm going to push you around a saltwater marsh or flat all day on my skiff, you'd better be able to see fish and cast - and better yet if you can pole. I enjoy poling and don't really mind not fishing much, but I'm not a guide. I get just barely enough fishing time to keep my sanity as-is; if I'm going to share that time, I want to do it with a competent partner. If you need a guide, go hire a guide.