What do you consider a good fishing trip?

[Kent]

I recently had a three-day fishing trip where I only caught a small rainbow and a small cutthroat and only missed a few other bites, yet I consider it one of my better fishing outings. Why would I feel that way?

For me, the purpose of the trip was to learn how to fish for large macks and get some tips on how to catch large channel cats. If I happened to catch a large fish that would have just been a bonus. I was fortunate to learn some great techniques on how to catch large macks and also large cats, so the trip was a big success.

Often, I have had people say that they want to go fishing with me, especially to Strawberry, because they want to learn how I vertically jig and catch fish. After I observe them not really listening to my instructions and almost immediately fishing like they always have done, I realize they were just hoping that I would take them out and that they would catch lots of fish. If we don't get into them, in a big way, they consider the trip was a bust.

What makes a good day of fishing for you?
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[kj]

Good company... being able to lose myself in the activity... forgetting about everyday pressures... sharing the day with my wife.
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[Brighamfish]

I think a lot of people have a hard time getting "out of the rut" when it comes to old habits. I took a friend out bow fishing at Willard for the first time a few years back. He had plenty of experience shooting his bow at stationary objects and hunting. For the life of him he could not adjust for the refraction in the water when shooting fish. I told him for about three hours "you need to aim under the fish" to which he would reply "I am" but every shot he took went high. He just could not get himself to point that arrow where the fish "wasn't". After an afternoon of watching me shoot 20+ carp and him getting skunked he thought it was a pretty crappy day. I did all I could to coach him but . . . horses and water.

Myself I think any day spent outdoors where no one gets hurt and your truck motor or tranny doesn't give out is a pretty good day. Even on the bad days you learn something if you are paying attention.
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[WBestF]

I love fishing weather it is in a mud puddle or at flaming gorge . My father Herald @ Joe Giovannoni taught me to love it so much it makes me. Me.
What's a good fishing trip? ANY TIME you go, think about going, Enjoying good friends, the outdoors, If I catch a fish its grate if I don't, its still an excellent fishing outing.
To say I love fishing is a big understatement.
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[liketrolling]

Fishing is a big part of my life.
It is a lifestyle of adventure peace and spirituality and bonding with nature friends and family.
Catching a lot of fish is fun but learning and watching how others fish, is more fun
I will never be able to fish like some one else, but I learn something from them and hope to give some back.
I love being on the water a prayer of appreciation to all who made this.

A sport of endless surprises and sensations.
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[RockyRaab]

I like both extremes of trips, the good and the ugly.

The good: Good companionship, good gear, good scenery, good weather, good food, and good sleep are as enjoyable as good catching.

The bad: Poor company, mechanical trouble, miserable weather, lousy catching, poor grub, and rotten sleep are all enjoyable -- because they make for great stories.

I can truthfully say that every trip on which I've been invited has been enjoyable!
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[MasterDaad]

It depends on the trip.

If I'm taking the kids out, I want them to catch a lot of fish. Usually that means going to a lake/species I know will very likely be successful.

A good example is Fish Lake Perching. Just a few easy tricks and that's always non-stop entertainment for the 12 and under types. I had a five year old catch 30 fish on his own after I showed him how to know his line was on the bottom, reel up three turns, and set the hook.

If I'm with more experienced fishermen, it's usually about successfully learning something new or a "story-worthy" catch.

Helping a fairly good 16 year-old scout catch a 33" FG Laker was a highlight of the year.

This past summer I spent a lot of time learning Kokanee on Strawberry. By the end of the summer we were catching 4-5 and starting to feel we were getting the hang of it.

Every trip I thought we improved so every trip was good.
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[liv2hunt]

A good trip is when me and the others i go with have a good time! Ice fishing with my boy is my escape from day to day life. Call it healing, spiritual, enjoyment, or what ever term suites you. I need time away from the city. I love to be on the ice at sunrise, it is my favorite time of day. A cold, calm, still morning right at day light is beautiful. I some times loose track of that, but fishing with friends and my kids is what makes most trips. Fishing is a cat and mouse game just when you think you have it all figured out, the fish prove to you that you do not know it all. That is another aspect that keeps drawing you back. Large Lake trout can hand you butt to you a lot. They are far the toughest fish to consistently catch. I love to hate them.
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[Hardecker]

i used to be all about the "catch" but as i grow older and mature i realize its not about that at all. hell when i look back and think of the many trips i have taken from newton to the gulf of mexico, the most memorable parts of the trips have been the company that was with me and the journey. never the fish...
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[lovetofish]

I am of the mind set that you should never stop trying to learn something no matter what you are seeking. You can learn from books, videos, other people (young & old) but especially from trial and error. That holds true to all different things in life including fishing. Like you said you've tried to teach people what to do but they either don't care or are not listening. I look at it to pay attention and pick their brain and try to learn as much as you can from them. They've already gained knowledge from experience of what works and what doesn't. And their knowlege comes from years and years of trial and error.

I don't have to catch anything to make it a good trip. I just like getting out, catching something is just the icing on the cake. In my younger years (I'm now 71) I was of the mind set that quantity was better than quality. Not anymore, just getting the line wet is more enjoyable but catching is nice too. Although I do fish alone I'd rather share the outing with family or friends because that always makes the trip more enjoyable.
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[fishnate]

It's been fun reading all the differing experiences people have that make for a good outing. I hate that car trouble thing though, had too much of that in my life.

For me I study hard about fishing tactics, water, species, etc. It's in my blood. I do everything I can to catch fish, lots of fish! I love releasing and watching fish, especially BIG fish, swim away. I love the looks on peoples faces when they learn I released everything I caught. I've had a good trip when I go out and fish hard, doing everything I can, trying many different technics and locations to catch a fish whether or not I do (I'm usually successful catching something). It's fantastic showing off a torn up thumb at the end of the day and hearing my wife say, "poor baby." I normally enjoy getting away from every thing and everyone, except my family or closest friends, but this year I had tons of fun taking out some folks new to fishing and helping them catch a bunch. They at least listened while we were there. I love helping my wife and kids try something new and have success. I enjoy good natured competition and a little trash talk. I love fishing new water and new species. Sometimes I feel pretty stupid when I get home and realize I never noticed my surroundings - the sky, water, trees, and other wildlife. I'm trying to do better at that.

I've had far more good trips than bad. I can't wait for the next trip! I've got a bunch of new rod, reels, lures and electronics to try! Wahoo!
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[RonPaulFan]

[quote RockyRaab]I like both extremes of trips, the good and the ugly.

The good: Good companionship, good gear, good scenery, good weather, good food, and good sleep are as enjoyable as good catching.

The bad: Poor company, mechanical trouble, miserable weather, lousy catching, poor grub, and rotten sleep are all enjoyable -- because they make for great stories.

I can truthfully say that every trip on which I've been invited has been enjoyable![/quote]

Rocky, yours is a rare and interesting perspective that I applaud and share!

Being very into preparedness, with fishing part of that, I, of course, value when everything is going right yet I enjoy the feeling of success amid adversities with various combinations of improvising, tolerating and otherwise still accomplishing goals and having fun.

Ice fishing yesterday, somethings not perfect to me that would end the fun for many others meant that it would require physical more work and expending more energy -- that's all. It was fine for me. It was happiness and a count my blessings moment. I'm quite capable of more work. From an ice fishing perspective, it's work that produces more body heat. From a health perspective it's good exercise. From a preparedness perspective it's knowing and pushing your capabilities.

Sometimes I'm not ideally prepared for a fishing trip. Most often by being too busy to have just the right items selected and packed or pared down to just what's needed which is often unpredictable, so I often fish bulky with more than I need or light with something ideal left behind.

But, ironically that is even more so preparedness because situations happen and the preparedness is the ability to adapt and the mindset to use what you have available which is even more valuable preparedness attributes to develop than just preparedness items. It's all various sorts of challenges and success with challenges and learning new skills are often more fun than when everything is perfect and unchallenging.

Perhaps, most of us have a preparedness sense (hunting, fishing, outdoors, etcetera) without thinking of it that way and just knowing it's fun and what we like to do.

My advice to those here who find themselves in a situation that spoils the mood and adventure for you is to stand back from what might be your normal reaction (probably learned from it being common among those who surround us) and turn it into an opportunity to excel at a test which is more likely your true nature, being a fisherman. I hope this thought helps us all enjoy our fishing more.

It's common, yet an oddity to me that everything can be near perfect for some yet they can be upset or even abandon what would be a memorable adventure to others over the slightest imperfection of occurrences.

Some of my best and most memorable times have been solving problems that become inconsequential to me yet make for fun stories often with lessons learned and accomplishment or at least initiating thoughts of better ideas for next time or even a new product.
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[RockyRaab]

Fishing and flying share a truth: you don't get medals for routine training missions. RTMs are great, but the really memorable ones involve a change of underwear.
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[bassrods]

For me a good trip depends on the lakes history..
Take Deer creek, to catch 15 fish (bass or Waleye) would be a good day with 3 to 5 over 12" would be great..

Jordanelle now would be good to get 20 bass with at lease two over 12"..Great would be not to have the ski boats trying to run over you..

If and when I go fishing I go to catch fish the bigger the better, some lakes a big one is 8" others are 10 lb..
Most of the time if your catching your having a good time..
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[doggonefishin]

Talk about a complex question. []


1. Every good fishing trip represents a chance to relax and clear the mind. Success can be achieved by 1 hour on the river, an afternoon on the hard deck, a few hours on the float tube, or an all day or multi day trip. If I can get my mind off the cares of the world for a little while, the fishing trip is a success, regardless of the fish count.

2. Numerical "success" can vary widely. For instance, last year I took my son up to Strawberry on the hard deck. Numerically, the fishing was one of the slowest days I've had there. However, we threw snowballs, made a snow fort, and went on a sleigh ride. Both he and I called it a highly successful trip, even though the fishing was slow.

3. My interest in the fish count varies from trip to trip. That said, there is no question that there is a thrill when experiencing one of those epic days or even when ones proficiency allows consistent quality action. Saying that fish counts never matter is probably a bit disingenuous.

4. Learning new things is always fun. For instance, when you (Kent) took me sturgeon fishing the first time, I only caught one the first day. Nevertheless, I was stoked to have caught one and definitely enjoyed the day as much as the next, when I caught several. I agree with the sentiment you expressed.

5. You can tell some people how to catch fish till you are blue in the face, but if they aren't willing to really listen, and do something different, it can be a waste of time. Lots of people are just looking for a shortcut or a gimmie to fishing success. I wouldn't let it get you down when you encounter this.
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[JustJim]

A buddy and I used to own an offshore boat together in So Cal. We started noticing we had a better time fishing just he and I alone. After a while we realized that when we took others out, we put pressure on ourselves to make sure our guest caught fish, partly because they ponied up hard earned cash to help with expenses. The rest was that we just wanted to show them a good time.
When it was just us, or maybe with an experienced angler who gets the fishing vs. catching thing, we had more fun because of the lack of pressure we put on ourselves.
One of the best days I ever spent on the ocean was with a good friend, experienced angler. We did an entire lap around Catalina. Hit all my spots. Not even a tooth mark in an anchovy. One of the worst catching days I ever had. We had a blast!
Don't get me wrong, I love the catching. Comes down to the quality of the company and overall experience. Numbers aren't as important. But I do love a good fire drill that lasts all day! Infrequent thoughts of life's problems and issues is also a big plus.
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[rippinlipps]

For me, most trip is successful. in the past few years, we have started to target other species of fish, besides trout. after 20 plus years of trout fishing on the hard deck, you can only learn so much as far as techniques. and we all have our theories about moon phases, depth, colors, etc. so now we go out to different lakes, not knowing topography ans such. so we watch many videos and read lots of forums. thankfully other anglers will share some techniques and locations with others. so just getting out and trying is just a small step of gaining more knowledge for the next trip out. minus the day or 2 that we made the journey, but never made it out to fish, every trip for me has been successful. catching fish is like ultimate bonus.
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[WaveWolf]

I make most of my own terminal tackle, so for me it is thinking about what fish want and making something to emulate that. I also enjoy the friendship and of other fisherman and just talking about fishing with them.
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]Okay...I'll play. I can attest that you are a perpetual student, as well as a fine teacher. Our "fishing buddy" relationship has been mutually beneficial over the years. I'd like to think I contributed a few things to your knowledge base...and even though I sometimes get a bit smug and think I am pretty well learned in things piscatorial I still pick up a few tidbits from you and others.

It should be evident from all the written blather I dump on this board that I believe in sharing...when I can. And nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing or hearing of others benefiting from the stuff I pass on.

I also enjoy all trips...even the ones with "minor mishaps". Some may seem negative at the time but most remain in the mental data base as learning experiences...and some become treasured self deprecation examples to share with others.

As I advance in years and experience, I have become a bit more introspective. While I do not claim to know all there is about fishing, I do have a pretty good handle on what makes me tick...what I like and dislike about fishing.

1. I truly enjoy fishing by my ownself. A chance to commune one with nature and to concentrate on the enjoyment of fishing...and to focus on finding and fooling the fish. But I also enjoy sharing the water with a select few others...my fishing spouse and a dwindling number of fellow anglers who can put up with me.

2. I believe that fishing is always good...even when the catching ain't. If one goes fishing to just catch fish...and measures the success or failure of a trip by how many pounds of fish he brings home...he would be better off going to a fish market.

3. I fish for enjoyment...not endurance. I try to plan my trips to coincide with favorable weather and the potential for active fish. When conditions become intolerable, color me off the water.

3. That being said, the best time to go fishing is whenever you can. Even when everything is not exactly the way you would prefer, it is still better to be waving a rod over the water than to be grumbling in front of the TV...or holding your wife's purse while she tries on clothes at the mall.

4. I have had a long and enjoyable fishing career. So whenever I take a less experienced person...child or adult...fishing, I make the trip about them. I make sure there are comfortable fishing conditions, easy access to "facilities", adequate food and drink, etc. And if I detect that they have "overfunned" I cut the trip short...even if I would rather keep fishing.

5. I try to avoid being overly competitive...even with seasoned fishing companions. I do not enter tournaments or contests (except for catfish) and I do not make side bets with anyone with whom I am fishing. Bad juju. I would rather see them catch the first, most, and/or biggest...and gloat over whuppin' my behind. Well...sometimes. As long as they don't overdo it. With my wife it is a matter of self preservation and maintaining domestic tranquility.

How's that for a philosophical piscatorial dissertation? Yuk!
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[Tin-Can]

A good fishing trip for me does not really matter where I go, or how many fish, or how big the fish are that are caught. It is just the fact that I am still healthy enough to go. Getting out and on or near the water away from the routine grind is the first objective. Learning something new is the second objective, and I usually learn something on every trip. Sometimes big and worthwhile, and sometime small but still worthwhile. Catch a few, catch a lot, or catch none, it wasn't a wasted trip as long as I also learned something.
Catching fish is a distant third objective, and a great bonus to the trip.
Many of my best trips were with one or more of my sons, or my daughter, and my wife. Even when we may have brought home just a big stinky skunk. []
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