Vince

Wow... Everyone kind of ran with that. I appreciate the feedback, and I'll let you know the solution at the end. But now I need to defend myself. I don't want to get away from my kids, I am not a bad father, I am not absent. I stayed home with them when they were babies, I own a construction company, so I make my hours around them. I drop them off, and pick them up everyday. They are my best friends. And since their mother is not in the picture, and I've been a single dad for the last sixteen years, I finally found a woman to be with me, and my kids love her. My girlfriend is amazing. On top of that, my friends are like my brothers, we have an unbreakable bond, we all met in highschool, and now our kids are growing up together. I love my friends and family and prioritize them over everything. I would much rather fish with the kids for an hour than by myself. I appreciate my time with them and cherish every moment. I was JUST SAYING... is it unreasonable to ask for a 12 hour fishing trip alone, because I love fishing. It's my one passion, that I use to bond with my friends, my significant other, and my children. It bonded me to my grandfather, and my dad. But it's also a stress relief and time alone. I don't drink, I don't gamble, I don't womanize, I don't do drugs, I don't watch sports, I just like to fish. - THE SOLUTION - As several users posted, fishing for 12 hours alone is not at all unreasonable. And it is important to take time for yourself, no matter who you are. I've talked to my girlfriend and kids about this, and they understand that I'm very passionate about fishing, so I get a solid 12 hour fishing day every month to myself. I still will go with my kids, girlfriend, and buddies on separate trips. I'll fish about a dozen times a month, but one of those is all mine. It's a happy, healthy way to figure it out, my problem was that I was too scared that people would feel like I didn't want them around, or that I was being selfish. Turns out, my loved ones are more than understanding, and actually wanted me to have a long trip every weekend, but I dialed it down to once a month because that's what felt right. Sorry this was so lengthy, and thanks for sticking through it. I appreciate all the feedback, great advice all around, especially from the old guys. You all helped me get through this. I'll update after a few months, let you know how it goes. 👍🎣

I fish, but it's not enough for myself to be satisfied. I love bass fishing, like everyone here. I love every aspect of it, I listen to podcasts about it, I watch tournaments like normal people watch the super bowl, I would fish in my sleep if I could. However, I find that I can't get to some ME time. I fish with my girlfriend, which is nice, but always having to give her attention takes away from my fishing. I fish with my kids, but most of that is teaching, pulling out backlashes, and I can't go for as long as I'd like, which takes away from my fishing. I go fishing with buddies, but they quit on me and we have to go home early, which takes away from my fishing. But all of these count as fishing trips, but I still feel like I haven't fished. I want to show up before the sun comes up, get to a good spot and start breaking down the body of water. I want to fish from sun up, till sun down. I have had at least a dozen fishing trips over the last month, but feel like I haven't really gotten to fish the way I'd like because they last five hours at the most. I can't talk about it, because I fish more than the average person in my life, so they think I go all the time. But two to three days during the week with only an hour or two to fish... And one day on the weekend with less than 5 hours to fish makes me feel like I'm only snacking and never having a full meal. Is a 12 hour day on the water too much to ask? Am I being dramatic? I wish I could fish right now, but i already went for 4 hours on Saturday, so I'm guilted into thinking it'd be selfish. Sorry for the venting, but I've been struggling with this all year. Haven't fished in six years, finally get back into it, it's been a month and I feel like I haven't scratched the itch. I only have 2 rods, and only enough tackle to fit in a fanny pack. I don't have a kayak, I don't have a boat, so I understand bank fishing for that long is basically hiking a marathon. I'm not asking anyone to come with me. But every time I go out, kids, buddies, or girlfriend wants to come, and I can't be mean. So I go with people who will quit and end my fishing early. Will I ever be able to fish and feel satisfied, or should I just give it up again because I'm obsessed? Is a 12 hour day on the water, twice month too much to ask for?