Richard_the_Aughth Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 I am honestly thinking of giving up fresh water fishing. My catch ratio is way less than salt water fishing, the fishing is less intense, the fish dont fight as hard, and I just dont have the free time that I used to. I might keep my trout rod for a day or two in the spring before salt water begins, but I am just not feeling it anymore. Maybe if I ever retire Ill pick it back up, but Im also put off by all the chemicals in the water and the "dont eat the fish" warnings. Anyone else feel the same? By the way, this is strictly for Massachusetts, if I had a chance to giant blue cats or other fresh water monsters that exist in other states I would not be saying this. If we had a good snakehead fishery I dont think I would be saying this either! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slicedcornbread Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 On 5/11/2023 at 11:31 AM, Richard_the_Aughth said: I am honestly thinking of giving up fresh water fishing. My catch ratio is way less than salt water fishing, the fishing is less intense, the fish dont fight as hard, and I just dont have the free time that I used to. I might keep my trout rod for a day or two in the spring before salt water begins, but I am just not feeling it anymore. Maybe if I ever retire Ill pick it back up, but Im also put off by all the chemicals in the water and the "dont eat the fish" warnings. Anyone else feel the same? By the way, this is strictly for Massachusetts, if I had a chance to giant blue cats or other fresh water monsters that exist in other states I would not be saying this. If we had a good snakehead fishery I dont think I would be saying this either! Whaaat? I could take you to a few good ponds and lakes down my way and you wouldn't be saying that. Of course not everyday is super productive, but this is prime time right now. I've been getting into some quality fish lately. My ponds are loaded with herring right now and the Bass are gorging on them. Think big swimbaits right now. Nite_Bite_00 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard_the_Aughth Posted May 11 Author Report Share Posted May 11 On 5/11/2023 at 12:06 PM, slicedcornbread said: Whaaat? I could take you to a few good ponds and lakes down my way and you wouldn't be saying that. Of course not everyday is super productive, but this is prime time right now. I've been getting into some quality fish lately. My ponds are loaded with herring right now and the Bass are gorging on them. Think big swimbaits right now. Yea maybe I need to explore more. Now that I can get past the shore I should try new areas! slicedcornbread and DMacLeod 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slicedcornbread Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 On 5/11/2023 at 12:21 PM, Richard_the_Aughth said: Yea maybe I need to explore more. Now that I can get past the shore I should try new areas! There ya go. That canoe will get you into some tight spots not accessible from shore. Time to branch out from your comfort zone bud. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishermanTim Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 I pretty much gave up on salt, with all the ever-changing restrictions. Seems like the "powers-that-be" want to squeeze out the recreation anglers and leave the waters exclusively for commercial and "for-hire" operations. Note that the restrictions for rec's have become more stringent and yet the fish stocks are still dropping? Maybe the rec's were only a small part of the problem and it was easier to make us the scapegoats for the whole thing? Anyway, back to fresh,,,If you have a kayak, canoe or small rowboat you have countless waters to explore. I've done this numerous times over the past decade or so and found some VERY productive waters. One point to consider is what species you would like to catch. If you just want to catch a "fish" then you should be good to go. if you want to target a specific species, then your trips may not be as fruitful. One point I make whenever I head out is that even if I DON'T catch a fish (which dos happen) I enjoy being outside away from crowds and people. Plus, you will eventually get to meet other anglers with a similar mindset.... I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lateral Line Posted May 11 Report Share Posted May 11 Ohhhhh myyyyy. Get out there! Go fish a rock pile on a reservoir for top water first lite smallmouth. Hook a night feeding large trout on plugs. Want to watch drag fly.... go carp or catfishing. Throw pencils at stripers way up the Delaware to junction pool.... Anywhere you live.... the above type waters are found. I'm learning there's a lot more to learn. Certainly a ton of fishing entertainment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Striper9 Posted May 12 Report Share Posted May 12 Stripers may fight better but the hunt for largemouth and smallmouth is much more enjoyable to me NewAtIt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Callmefish Posted May 12 Report Share Posted May 12 On 5/11/2023 at 11:31 AM, Richard_the_Aughth said: I am honestly thinking of giving up fresh water fishing. My catch ratio is way less than salt water fishing, the fishing is less intense, the fish dont fight as hard, and I just dont have the free time that I used to. I might keep my trout rod for a day or two in the spring before salt water begins, but I am just not feeling it anymore. Maybe if I ever retire Ill pick it back up, but Im also put off by all the chemicals in the water and the "dont eat the fish" warnings. Anyone else feel the same? By the way, this is strictly for Massachusetts, if I had a chance to giant blue cats or other fresh water monsters that exist in other states I would not be saying this. If we had a good snakehead fishery I dont think I would be saying this either! Lol don’t eat the fish applies to supermarket fish as well. rkw 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeK Posted May 12 Report Share Posted May 12 With the striper populations being what they are, i have spent way more time freshwater fishing the last three years.. Getting into fly fishing was a new and exciting challenge. Captain Ahab 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joefishnj21 Posted May 12 Report Share Posted May 12 (edited) Interesting you feel this way. I'm a salt guy here in Jersey and sometimes freshwater is a welcome change. The crowds, the beating that the stripers take, and just the overall grind of chasing the salt bite sometimes takes its toll. Particularly the crowds post covid. Freshwater is a nice change of pace. Edited May 12 by joefishnj21 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunker86 Posted May 12 Report Share Posted May 12 I did just the opposite. Beach work killed the surf. But slinking around the River for SM, Or a WMA for LM. I may never surf fish again. Lived in Belmar for 20+ years. To watch the surf slowly die was heartbreaking. And yes to Mikek,. Catching a crappie on a fly will get the heart pumping. Captain Ahab 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mack26 Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 Alot easier to catch LM/SM these days than stripers, IMO. KidDkivahh, Captain Ahab and slicedcornbread 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R.R. Bridge Fisher Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 Maybe stop with the eat your catch thinking and try relaxing and just getting out. Fresh or salt it's all a joy to be out there. slicedcornbread, Captain Ahab, Niveker and 3 others 2 4 troll #122 <*)))< Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KnewBee Posted May 16 Report Share Posted May 16 four/five years ago only fished fresh water. Loved it. Then I started figuring out the salt and with the kayaks, well, I rarely go back. Much rather hook into striper, redfish, flounder, specks, and Sheepshead. They are so much better in the skillet! I do miss the solitude of my fresh water haunts as the inlets and bridge tunnel salt spots are so crowded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Ahab Posted May 17 Report Share Posted May 17 On 5/15/2023 at 8:27 PM, Mack26 said: Alot easier to catch LM/SM these days than stripers, IMO. True! I fish fine look stupid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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