Effort equals reward should be a common statement or factor within your fishing and your chances of catching.  But, I believe that it’s more than that.  As it relates to the amount of effort which you put in, to get the rewards you are looking for.  Not anyone else and is very much related to my article about not comparing your self to others, that’s just pointless and can effect your fishing.

It can take a lot of effort for people to go fishing and the simple reward for them is that they got there, enjoyed themselves and maybe caught a fish or two.  This is all about the process of getting out and onto the bank side.  Others will not understand this at all, simply because the effort equals reward is completely different.

You may feel that catching is your reward, but you mustn’t fail into the trap of being obsessed with this either, as this pathway can lead you into the pit of doom.  Which is certainly hard to get out of and can result in selling your tackle.

Personally, I look at it in may ways, depending on my current situation.  If for instance I had had a hard week at work, it will take me a lot of effort to get me down the lake.  However, years of doing this, tell me that it’s definitely worth it, in the end.  I don’t focus to hard on catching when I arrive, as you need to unwind and then concentrate on catching.  You will find that you do everything perfectly without any thought and you will no doubt catch.

It’s all about evaluating what you want out of fishing each.  I like to fish by myself, without disturbance from others and I often avoid popular areas to keep myself away.  Its just the way I like to fish.  If you’re lucky enough to find a like minded person, this can make a great team.  Over the years, I’ve seen anglers turning up with their mate and he will always get the better swim/side of the swim, or even turn up first just to bag it. I find this hard to comprehend, you should be fishing as a team against the carp and share out equally the choices.  I’m very lucky in this instance and it makes a very successful partnership.

Sometimes you just want to be social and have a laugh, this also fits into the reward side of fishing.  You need a bit of fun after a week at work or just a break from the treadmill.

The important part is that you need to be happy and that you are putting in the required effort to gain the rewards from fishing each time you go – depending on your circumstances.  It’s not important that it isn’t the same goal each time, as long as you are happy.  If you just turn up on a Friday night set up next to your mate, chuck the rods out, have a laugh and a chat and go home Saturday morning, this is just the same as turning up looking, trying to spot carp and set up in the right spot, with the right rigs and bag a new Pb. You’re just focusing on yourself and the rewards that benefit you (and not others).  Fish for you and not others, this will help you enjoy fishing for many years to come and not get lost on the why.  I’ve done this once and nearly did a second time.

Hope this helps and enjoy your fishing.

Until next time

Richard