Why I haven’t quit yet.

[dubob]

[quote riverdog]To me it looks like a whole lot of time and hassle for 3 fish a bit over a foot and some dinks. I can honestly say I've never spent that much time fishing with so little to show catching wise. For some of us it's evidence why it's time to give up ice fishing and hit the open water only. You get a laugh of others quitting ice fishing while I get a laugh of your results clinging to it stubbornly.
I realize you enjoyed the day so to each their own[].[/quote]"Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road." -Sol Gordon

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]RD,[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]When I see comments like that about fishing, I'm reminded of what I've read about the different stages of a fisherman's life. There are basically 5 of them and they go something like this:[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Stage 1: I just want to catch a fish![/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Stage 2: I want to catch a lot of fish![/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Stage 3: I want to catch big fish.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Stage 4: I’m just happy to be out fishing.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Stage 5: I want to pass on my knowledge and passion for fishing.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]I'm just coming out of Stage 4 and on the doorstep of Stage 5. Since we've never met, I don't know anything about you, but based on your comments about my post, I'd have to say that you are either in Stage 2 or Stage 3. And that's not a bad thing. Just try to remember that not everybody is at the same fishing stage in which you currently find yourself. And also keep in mind that no one stage is better or worse than any of the other stages. If you live long enough, you too will progress to Stage 4 and maybe even Stage 5.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]And while you move through the stages, enjoy the journey, because it is way more important than the final destination. And may your tight lines be many.[/#800000][/font]
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