Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Folks wonder why we fish .
Some of us are addicted to fishing , some are just casual fishermen and women.
I think the core among all of us is we fish for the beauty of it .
Fly fishermen get the low down grass roots of standing in a stream , with the most primal of presentations in a stream that is just wonderful to be in
Surf casters brave the challenges the sea has to offer
Cat fishermen from the banks has the spot figured out and wait for the bite.
Bass fishermen are a whole different breed. We go for whatever it takes .
Pan fishermen develop plans to limit out on their tasty catch
Musky fishermen are just like, well nothing else .
And offshore salt anglers. Well they are just lucky enough to get to do it!
My opinion is we all do this for the beauty of the sport.
The primal desire to do battle with an unseen prey.
The ability to lure the species. Whatever species to commit to mortal combat.
To me it’s a science I try to refine with every cast of every trip I make.
It’s perfection to me. It’s me against a wild animal.
Where is she , what’s she doing , what will it take to get her to play.
All in a world that ain’t made of concrete , and there are no deadlines , or lines you have to stay in , or schedules to keep

Get skunked , oh well.
Limit out, good stories over a campfire. Or at the tavern or with your kids or grandkids.

And oh catch a big one. Well that’s something to talk about for years !

I think we do this for the beauty of the whole experience. The scene , the hunt, the battle . The high fives from your friend who netted it .
And the honor to return a big girl after you won to go on livin and to fight another day

Anyone care to share your view on this topic?

CamT Loc: La Porte, Texas

I think you covered all the aspects very well Ben, sometimes catching isn't important, just wetting a line can be therapeutic for me.
Communing with the water gods lol

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

My take is to be one with nature. Plain and simple.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

I love the beauty, the peace and quiet, but it is the mystery of the nibble…the bite…the little tap, tap at the end of the line. Is it trying to outwit me…steal a free meal? What is going on down there?
Don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoy the anticipation of the strike and the subsequent blow up on the surface, too.
There are just so many things to love about it…

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

From the preparation to get ready to the time on the water, it’s world changing. And it’s not just about catching. I learned long ago that when I take the grandkids fishing……. I take the grandkids fishing. I don’t bring gear for me. I bring gear/bait etc. for them to maximize their experience. We all get to enjoy Mother Nature and each other.

mbrillhart1957 Loc: Southeast Wyoming

Great post and great examples, Ben.
Why we fish?
I think we all fish for different reasons. All the reasons are good. There are many niches in fishing. All good.
I know why I love fishing. It is fooling them to bite and then the battle to land them. The tug is the drug! That is why I love fishing for smallmouth and salmon.
There are also the side benefits of fishing. The camaraderie of my salmon fishing buddies. The time spent with my grandkids. Fishing with them and teaching them to fish. The solitude when I fish alone.
I thank God for the ability and opportunity to be able to fish!

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

nailed it Ben,I would only add to get a way from the chaos at work. Many times the phone rings when on the boat...only answer if it's my bride

dbed Loc: POMME DE TERRE LAKE MISSOURI

I fish because I like fish to eat good thing I enjoy my time on the water

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

You said it well

Rutinbuck Loc: Haysville, Kansas

It gets me out of the house and puts me smack dab into Mother Nature and all her beautiful surroundings. I leave the house hoping to catch a whopper but have a blast even when skunked. I love getting out with the grandkids but they are all busy going and doing their own thing. When I do snag some of their time it’s quality time together. I’m wanting them to catch the whopper, it’s making memories together. Most of the time it’s with a friend or two. It’s Me time with the solitude you only get when I’m fishing solo. It’s the unexpected blowups that bring you back to reality! The anticipation of that tap tap on the end of your line with a hand sized bluegill on the hook. It’s the anticipation of a strike from a perfect cast in that spot you always catch one in. It’s the beautiful sunsets that God has painted that makes for the perfect ending of the day or the beginning of the hunt for a big flathead. It doesn’t get any better than that!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

You have definitely struck a chord in our hearts that sums it up to a tee! When you think of the virtually limitless number of places on earth to fish, we will barely scratch the surface during our lifetimes even if we get out on a very regular basis!

Wv mike Loc: Parkersburg area. Wv

I’m kinda a multi species guy. I like the thrill of seeing a musky following close behind my lure or watching my bobber or seeing the smile of a family member or a friend when they catch something. And it’s a good feeling to build a lure and fool a fish into eating it.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

Just the peace and the solitude and feeling the tug on the other end

Danger25 Loc: Philly/ Cape may New Jersey

This is why

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I most enjoy the escape from the world, and the challenge of convincing the fish to attack my offering. The beauty of nature is also a big draw, when the crowds aren't around.