One thing I'll add is that if you fish with someone, try to drive separate if the location allows.  There's a lake in SoCal called Barrett Lake that's a pay-to-fish lake run by the city, where it's difficult to get tickets and not cheap.  It's in the middle of nowhere where people are waking up at 3-4am to make the drive out and get to the gate when it opens. I saw two guys at around 1130am after the morningbite, and one guy was whiny and upset he wasn't catching fish and wanted to pack up and go.  The other guy tried to talk him into staying that it'll get better but the other guy was having none of it.  So they both packed up and left.  I always prefer to drive separate for reasons like this, where if one person needs to cut out early for any reason, the other always has the option to stay and keep fishing.

I prefer to fish with someone as long as I'm not "babysitting" them.  As long as they have at least somewhat of an idea of what they're doing I can generally tolerate them.  Plus it usually makes it easier launching the boat and parking.  Sometimes I'll go solo mission but I worry about catching a huge fish and then not being able to get photographic evidence of it.  I almost always take my yellow lab with now.  She doesn't say much and she doesn't do much fishing either, she just kind of sits or lays there and enjoys the trip, and she never complains.

Realistically I really don’t have a preference, but when I get in a zone I am not a good conversationalist. It is always tough to find the line of just enough conversation, and it really depends on the bite too. I do like taking people on a body of water I know well and I can teach them some new techniques.

There is one time though that I like to myself. Those early morning trips on the vacation lake when the sun is coming up and I have had loons within 10 ft of the boat doing their assorted calls, the eagles are out and active, Muskies poke their heads out and check you out, and just the peace and quiet because I pretty much have the lake to myself. Those are the moments when you realize how awesome life and nature are.

Usually alone, it's relaxing 

I prefer to fish with someone else, it is usually my brother.  Helps to have two heads working on what the fish are looking for rather than one.

I fish anyway I can

I fish alone more often than not, but I don't mind a fishing partner at all - so long as he isn't the type to annoy me or wants to pack up and go home after only a short while.

Both have pros and cons, I like alone because I can try new things (lures, locations) and I won't care if I get skunked. When with someone I feel obligated to get on some fish but its a lot more fun when you're catching nice fish and someone is there to enjoy it with you 

Normally, I fish with my son or I fish alone. Mostly alone. I'm long since retired, and he doesn't have the luxury of going fishing as often as I do. 

Hootie

I prefer to be alone in my yak.  I do like being in the back of my buddy's boat, but I don't seem to do as well.  

100% prefer to fish with someone else.  95% of my fishing is done with my wife and it is some of the only time we get to have with one another.  When I am not fishing with her, I like to fish with buddies, I always seem to learn something new when I go out with someone else.

On Sunday, April 17, 2016 at 8:00 PM, blckshirt98 said:

part of why I like to fish is to be out there without the distractions of people or computers or machines or concrete, just me, the muddy ground, the plants, and the water.

what he said. I grew up in the city and spent my working life being part of a team on projects. now that I'm retired. I try to get as far away from "civilization" as I can get and be alone with the "wild and dangerous" wilderness. 

im mixed. When i fish a buddys pond i prefer to be alone. I just plug in my headphones (drowns out 4lane hwy nearby) and forget the rest of the world exists. In the boat i am ok fishing alone but usually prefer someone else to help with loading, unloading, as well as ifi get hung up or a fish on to control boat.

At the same time i also really enjoy fishing with folks better than me. Its how i learn about diffrent techniques,  lures, etc. 

I either fish alone in the kayak, with another kayaker (my buddy or my daughter) or from the back seat of my other buddy's boat.

They're all fine with me because they all have advantages, but I just seem to catch more and bigger fish when I'm alone in the kayak.

You know when I fish alone....I prefer to be by myself.

I fish by myself 75 percent of the time I take my wife out and friend from time to time.I prefer fishing alone I am more focused,I fish alot better,figure out patterns better and it gives me time to get in touch with nature and clear my head.

All things even, fishing with passionate guys are enjoyable.  That said, as the years have passed, I find myself content by myself.  My wife believes I prefer fish over 99.9% of the people I know

 

edit.....I plan on having permanent fishing partners as soon as my grand kids are old enough 

 

edit II....This Summer a couple of us are working with the local legion, and deticating 1 day a week to taking a vet fishing.....really looking forward to that

It’s like listening to music.  Alone or with others are both good alternatives but different.

We resurrected an oldie  the only person I’ve fished with was a guy from church, and we only went out once. I asked if he wanted to go, he says he has to finish something up and he’ll be right there. 3 hours later he shows up as I’m getting ready to walk back to the car. That kinda drives me nuts any way, especially when I figure you’re not coming anyway. I do take my 4 year old a lot, he’s usually pretty good, just plays in the dirt and checks out the fish I catch. 

I fish alone 90% of the time. The 10% with others is enjoyable but I hate when it turns into a competition. I am the quantity over quality type. 

I fish by myself 75% of the time. I prefer it that way. Just me, my thoughts, nature, fish, peace, quiet and serenity.

3 minutes ago, Glaucus said:

I fish by myself 75% of the time. I prefer it that way. Just me, my thoughts, nature, fish, peace, quiet and serenity.

i am the same way but i am a lone 90% of the time.

14 minutes ago, shovelmouth83 said:

i am the same way but i am a lone 90% of the time.

My wife and kids tag along sometimes. They make up 20% of my trips with others. The remaining 5% is fishing with a buddy or three from time to time. I'm blessed to have a fishing family. The wife and kids actually go often, but I literally fish every single day from the end of March to the beginning of November, weather permitting. Usually multiple times a day. 

I'd never go alone in the large expansive marshes & swamps on the MS & LA border. Two better than one...

I fish alone 99% of the time. I enjoy the peace and quiet.