So what do you do when you can no longer fly fish?

[Nighthawk]

That is precisely where I am at right now. Will there be a time in the future when I can fly fish again? Probably. However I may not want to. So now my gear is heading for eBay and the local kids through their schools. I need the money with medical bills piling up.

I have not only lost my ability to fly fish I have lost almost all interest in it. I need to concentrate on things less physically demanding things until I can get my surgeries done but it's not just that. The thrill of this sport is gone for me. I have changed as has the sport perhaps neither for the better. This used to be a simple, uncomplicated, relaxing sport for me at one time. Now I feel that fly fishing, like most of our sports, has been over commercialized.

Time to put the long rods, the tying gear, into the hands of the younger ones so I can concentrate on some more relaxing, healing activities. Breaking out the cameras and picking my Appalachain Mountain Dulcimer back up.

Before i go ask yourself What would you do when you can no longer fly fish? What will you do if you ever loose the passion for the sport?

[rayhill190]

Nighthawk,For me,it has nothing to do with fishing.It is my way of getting lost,an excuse to be there.A moment of escape.As a Vet,I need that from time to time.What ever you do,whether a camera or Ducimer,find it and feel it.Ray

[rainbowchaser]

I'd like to hear you play the hammered dulcimer some time. I have no other suggestions except to say that you shouldn't sink so low as to spend your time watching "reality" T.V.

[FishnDave]

It happens every year around this time. I can no longer fly fish. So... I ice-fish.

I also usually read a lot more books in the winter.
I know this isn't what you meant. It's an intriguing question. I don't have a good answer...

[billhouk]

I didn't start fly fishing until I was past 55. So, I am the opposite as my interest in fly fishing is still new. I know one day I'll not be able to wade strong current or in to back country streams. I just hope sitting on the bank or in a canoe will get me close enough to wet a line. I recently had surgery and I am in physical therapy for a bad ankle and knee. My new brace arrived yesterday. I may move slower but, I still move. I hope you rekindle your passion. Perhaps sharing and teaching others is your way to enjoy the sport now...

[sharps]

This isn't to sound flip. I have so many hobbies and interests the thought of what to do if interest in one wanes has never crossed my mind. Church and doing a lot of music and teaching there consumes a lot of time. Gardening, sailing, hunting, shooting for fun, pleasure and competition, reloading and casting bullets, restoring bamboo fly rods, tying flys. I sitll enjoy downhill and XC skiing but at almost 60 those 10 mile ski trips are a thing of the past, dinking around with my vintage sports cars and reading and studying about all the above.