Fishing in 2025: Finding Freedom, Clarity, and Joy
“Many men spend their entire lives fishing not realizing it’s not the fish they’re after.” That quote, often attributed to Henry David Thoreau, has been on my mind lately. I was thinking about it this morning on a beautiful Wednesday, hiking out to one of my favorite fishing spots. It made me wonder, why do I fish? It’s definitely about more than just the fish. For me, it’s about clearing my head, experiencing freedom, and connecting with nature on a primal level.
Fishing as Meditation
In today’s world, we’re constantly bombarded with information. When I’m at home, I’m always thinking, always checking my phone. A commercial comes on TV, and I’m instantly looking up the actor’s name. Information is just too accessible, and it becomes a distraction. But when I’m out on the water, trying to figure out how to catch the fish, trying to make that perfect cast, I’m not thinking about any of that other stuff. It’s a way to clear my mind and reset.
Fishing is a bit like meditation. It’s a way to unplug and let your mind clear. “When I’m out on the water…I’m not thinking about any of that other stuff and so it’s just this way to clear my mind and reset.” If you want to read more about this concept, you might find my blog post on Fishing as Meditation Benefits useful; it explores how the focus and quiet of fishing can have similar benefits to meditation.
Fishing as Freedom
When I quit my office job almost four and a half years ago, I told some of my friends that the only thing I wanted to do was go fishing. I didn’t really know why at the time, but on that first Monday, when I went fishing instead of going to the office, it felt like freedom. It signified the beginning of something new. It felt like “this is the first day…of the rest of my life and it’s going to be different now.”
Fishing became a symbol of that freedom. After a couple of years, things started picking up on YouTube, and I started thinking, “Maybe I can just go fishing every day!” It became a goal, a symbol of the freedom I had worked so hard to achieve. It’s kind of like “it’s not luck that got me here”. My wife and I made a lot of sacrifices over 30 years to be in a position where I can go fishing pretty much any Wednesday morning that I want to.
The Primal Connection
Someone recently commented on one of my videos that Bait Finesse System (BFS) and ultralight fishing feel more primal. I think they hit the nail on the head. Maybe some of us are searching for something that takes us closer to that primal connection with nature. Think about it: using heavy power rods to catch a one-pound bass and basically skiing it across the surface of the water makes sense if you’re in a tournament. But when you’re out here angling, just trying to have fun and enjoy the moment, I think Bait Finesse and ultralight presentations bring a more direct connection. You can really feel the power and grace that these fish exhibit.
I would recommend checking out my thoughts on Kistler BFS Insights, including why these rods have made such a difference for me. I’m especially proud that the Hunt Bait Finesse Series Rods from Kistler are American-made.
More Than Just the Fish
Ultimately, fishing is about more than just catching fish. It’s about getting out in nature, getting some exercise, and creating memories. Whether this ends up being an epic day of fishing or just a nice day of hiking, it’s a wonderful day. Even if I don’t catch anything, it’s still probably going to be better than most of my days ever working. It’s something to think about.
So, why do you go fishing? What is it that you’re really searching for? Maybe it is the fish, but I bet there’s something more to it.
Share Your Thoughts
I’d love to hear your take on this. Why do you fish? What keeps you coming back to the water, even on slow days? Drop a comment below and let me know. Also, check out my other tips for Catch More Fish Techniques next time you get out there. Tight lines, and see you on the water!
