This may sound like a dumb question, but being only 19 and the target of the I pod craze, I like to listen to my I pod while I fish. Is there anyone else out there who does this, or do you think it ruins the purpose of fishing?
If you enjoy the music then go for it. I myself enjoy the music of the river. I like to hear where the fish jump or if something is approaching or whatever is happening around me. I think that the more I’m in tune to my surroundings the better fisher I become.
Wow that is just scary!
Born to fish forced to work.
Alan
Reminds me of last fall when I darn near hooked a moose on my backcast. And I wasn’t listening to music! Let’s be careful out there… DAN
I would never listen to music or anything else while fishing, listening to the water is part of fishing. I woulndn’t want to lose one of my senses.
I guess I am with those who do not. There are too many other sounds to listen to while I fish. I can listen to music just about anywhere else.
Good question.
Having three grown children, I can understand how you may have a different perspective and preferences than some of the other (read that as older) members of this board. Since that I fall into that “other” category, I must admit that I would not enjoy listening to music while I fish. One of the things I’ve found about fly fishing in particular is that it has made me become MUCH more attentive while fishing. Many times, I will hear the splash of a fish that I would have never seen. This has resulted in me catching more fish and learning to enjoy the entire fishing experience even more. For me, fly fishing is about the entire experience of casting, fishing and watching, listening and learning more with each trip. That’s just me and if you enjoy listening to music while you fish, go for it. The intent is for you to enjoy yourself and get away from the “stuff” of life. Listen, enjoy and don’t let others disuade you from what you enjoy.
Jim Smith
The music we listened to this past two weeks includes wind in the trees, jumping fish, songbirds, the whirl of the line being taken out, among other delights of Nature. Don’t miss out on all that because of earphones plugged in to your head. BUT … if you’re going to listen to music, thank you for using headsets so as not to “inflict” those around you.
Trouts don’t live in ugly places
Wait, Betty “jumping fish”? Weren’t you in SD? Whats up?
Flyfishing, to me, is “back to basics” & reliance on my basic senses to savor my surroundings & enjoy the sounds of nature.
Mike
You can call me Mike & you can call me Mikey…Just remember that this site’s about sharing!
Once, many years ago I brought a transistor radio fishing with me.
Tke only station I could pick up only played polkas at that time of day.
Cured me of the need for fishin’ music
“Well, you see Norm, it’s like this … a herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the lowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attack the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers”
Cliff to Norm
Never!
Young Man-
I am aproximately 3X your age. I say go for it. I too used to take the stance that listening wouyld be a distraction and a bummer while fishing - just like most of the others here have posted.
However, one a day while fishing the Humbolt River in central Nevada in the mid-80’s, a friend sort of insisted that I try his “Walkman” that he had with him (we didn’t have iPods then) . So I pluged in the headphones and continued fishing. By golly-it was pretty dang cool fishing a hot bite and listening to some good music. Well I learned something and enjoyed the music and the fishing.
So yes I have tried it-but not with an iPod. I do have an iPod Nano and will give that a whirl next time on the water. 
For those who can only imagine the horror of music while fishing - Try It! Music & Fishing works. Not all the time. But cool.
Rich
Hey Nymph Man,
I’m afraid that I’m a member of the majority who prefer nature’s music but don’t be discouraged by the response so far. If you like fishing music, particularly since head phones prevent intrusion on others, by all means enjoy. Go for it! 8T 
You had better learn to be a happy camper. You only get one try at this campground and it’s a real short camping season.
Somehow I missed the fork in the road. If one is fishing, does he/she NEED to be entertained? If so, why?
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
…or do you think it ruins the purpose of fishing?
Very interesting you would ask this question and I’ll answer it with another question…
(You see it coming…)
What’s your purpose of fishing? You have to figure that out for yourself. Only then will you truly know the answer, Grasshopper.
There’s almost nothin’ wrong with the first lie, it’s the weight of all the others holdin’ it up that gets ya’! - Tim
Whatever floats your boat, as long as you aren’t disturbing others.
For me, though, the peacefulness is a big part of the experience. A couple of weeks ago I had an entire valley all to myself as I fished a high mountain stream. Had to drive past a lot of roadside trout water, and hike in over 12 foot drifts of hard packed snow, to get there. But the peace and communion with nature were well worth the time and effort. I just can’t imagine spending that day with headphones on.
(not the typical me but…here goes…)
Hey dude,
If ya wanna go get some head-bangin’ and slammin’ goin’ on whilst yer on the water, then all the more power to ya. To each his own.
Tune into AC/DC and Deff Leppard and let that reverb do it’s magic, if that’s your thing. It’s whatever trips your trigger…
Seriously now, enjoy yourself. I have a little “moderate” music playing when I’m at work and it makes the day easier, by far. If a little streamside tune helps you enjoy your time more then it’s not “out there” at all.
At 56, I’ve gone full circle from…Now I’m starting to sound like a dad.
Do your thing and enjoy it! But stay alert to your surroundings…
Jeremy.
Yes I think it ruins the purpose of fishing. I have been a musician and music lover for most of my life. I listen to music in the car on the way to fishing and on the way home. But while actually fishing, NEVER!
As long as you aren’t bothering others, I say knock yourself out!
Listen to some Phish while you fish.