My Ramblings

Fishing – It’s All About You

Do you remember when you first started fishing as a kid? What gave you that unmistakable buzz? Maybe it was the knock of a float, the subtle tap on a quiver tip, or—if you’re as old as I am—that magical moment when a swing tip gently moved. That was it. Pure excitement. No pressure, no expectations—just you, the water, and the thrill of a bite.

Over time, many anglers lose touch with that feeling. Some fall out of love with fishing completely or become disillusioned with modern methods. They get stuck in the past or distracted by what everyone else is doing—comparing catches, chasing social media likes, or feeling like they always have to “perform” on the bank. But here’s the truth: none of that really matters.

Remember why you really started fishing. It wasn’t about out-catching your mates or chasing monsters. It was about being outside, sharing laughs with a friend, and maybe catching a few along the way. And if you were lucky, you’d head home grinning, reliving those little moments for days after.

Too often now, anglers become obsessed with catching every time they go. They forget the simple joy—the anticipation, the peace, the connection to nature. Yes, times have changed. Maybe things were better back then. Fewer people, more respect on the bank. But the world has moved on, and we can’t change that. What we can change is how we respond to it.

Don’t let the noise ruin your fishing. Shut it out. Tune back into what made you fall in love with it in the first place. That buzz is still there. It hasn’t disappeared—it’s just buried under life’s pressures and the weight of unrealistic expectations. Dig a little, and you’ll find it again.

And when you do, that first knock of the day or a single bleep from your alarm will hit differently. It’ll feel like magic. Being outdoors, immersed in nature, does wonders for your health—mental and physical. For me, carp fishing is the therapy I never knew I needed. Spending a few days on the bank resets everything. Closing the lake gate behind me feels like leaving the world’s chaos behind. And let’s be honest, with the news as grim as it often is, we need that escape more than ever.

I’ll admit, I used to be obsessed with must catch thinking. I’d chase target carp around the country, get frustrated if it had been caught already, and jump from lake to lake. It took a toll. Eventually, I realised something had to change.

These days, I still have that fire to catch, but it’s no longer the be-all and end-all. Now it’s about being there—soaking in the moment, listening to the birds, watching the water, and appreciating the beauty around me. Funny thing is, the more I’ve let go of the pressure, the more I’ve actually caught. It’s like being in tune with nature makes me a better angler.

It’s been over twenty years since I made that shift, and I genuinely believe it’s made me a better fisherman. I still log all my catches and take plenty of photos—I’ve always loved documenting it all. That’s how my website came to life. It was easier than scribbling in a notebook (especially with my handwriting!) and gave me the chance to tell stories, share photos, and even add videos.

Whether I’m by a lake or a river, I go to enjoy myself. The fish are a bonus. Yes, you still need to work at it—tweak your rigs, read the water, observe fish behaviour—but when you’re truly connected to your surroundings, everything just clicks into place more naturally.

The key message is this: focus on your fishing. Not anyone else’s. You have no idea why the angler in the next swim is there. Maybe they’ve had a brutal week and just want some quiet time. Maybe they’re just there for a social. When I go on social trips, I don’t fish as hard either—because that’s not the point.

I even wrote a piece about this called Why Compare Yourself to Others? Because it’s true—comparison steals joy. And in fishing, your only competition should be with yourself.

This is your fishing. Your time. Only you know why you’re there and what you want to achieve. And that’s all that matters.

So remember—really remember—why you fell in love with fishing. The buzz, the peace, the laughs, the adventure. It’s all still there.

Until next time,
Richard

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