Stress reliever

Spent the day with neuro surgeon, and he is taking me off work for another 3 months.  I have been off for two already.  I have a battery of tests next week, got home, opened my disability check, first one without any vacation or sick time.  I was in shock, 30% of usual take home.  I am fubar.  So I did what anyone in their right mind would do, I went fishing.  Hit the port of sac a little late in the evening, but the bite was on fire!  Stripers galore, all just under 18, but fun to catch.  Caught a lot of crappie, only kept four big ones, and my little guy wanted a catfish, so I kept one for him.  All in all a great evening on the yak, fish finder was dead, forgot to charge the battery after halibut fishing, so I was fishing blind, but it was fun.

Nothing like being on a yak to rid the stress.

Big fat slabs. Congrats.

When life's storm clouds gather, a fisher's silver lining is a fish at the end of the line.

Best wishes.   

The thing about that, is very soon after getting in the yak and you start paddling, you forget the petty stuff of life.  Then, when you hook a fish, noting else in the world matters, it could be a crappie, bluegill, shark, or sturgeon, the fact is, this is better than any structured stress management program I have seen.  You can escape from "reality" for a short time, and your life becomes what you want it to be out on the water.  I have a lot on my plate right now, and if I can forget about all of that stuff for a few hours, and never once cross my mind, I think doctors should start prescribing kayak fishing to patients with depression and anxiety!

I think doctors should start prescribing kayak fishing to patients with depression and anxiety! couldnt agree any more my friend. Even though we do our best the only thing we earn is stress, right? any way my life aint fun right now either man. People try to shoot at me, Not to mention the slaying of my only brother. yet when i hop on my yak i turn my back to the world and throw up my middle finger, with that F*ck the world im goin fishing attitude. i hope that we as individuals and as an ncka family never lose this love or feeling of relief. im glad to hear your enjoying your yaking adventures. as we all enjoy reading your post. Good medicine my friend.

Getting shot at aint no fun, I took two rounds in Somalia, and many other close calls.  I would much rather kayak fish than pack an M-4.  I am starting my own PMC unit for vessel security, and almost have the paperwork done.  One benefit would be taking a yak around the world to fish for exotics in foreign ports.  I got to get healed up first, I am sure the soldiers I have on ready standby are not into kayak fishing.  Well, fishing for guys in kayaks!

very soon after getting in the yak and you start paddling, you forget the petty stuff of life.  Then, when you hook a fish, noting else in the world matters, it could be a crappie, bluegill, shark, or sturgeon, the fact is, this is better than any structured stress management program I have seen.  You can escape from "reality" for a short time, and your life becomes what you want it to be out on the water.  I have a lot on my plate right now, and if I can forget about all of that stuff for a few hours, and never once cross my mind, I think doctors should start prescribing kayak fishing to patients with depression and anxiety!

Amen, new Brother!  I'm sorry you've got so much on your plate, but I'm stoked to read your take on the therapy that so many of us have discovered and enjoy so much.  When tough as hell meets touchy feely I get off on the vibe that flows.   

"your life becomes what you want it to be out on the water"  I like that alot. 

Eric

Nice slabs! I agree when you are on the yak, lifes trouble to seem to fade away. It's the drive home where it always comes back  Hope to hook up with you soon.

Jeff

Just watched an episode of Seinfeld talking about "Even Stevens."  We will have ups and downs in life.  When we are down, invariably we will go up again.  Therefore, when we are down "Don't worry, be happy!" 

I know we worry.  But know that things will be good again.  And things are already good when we are in the kayak at liberty to do as we wish.

Sometimes I imagine the stuff floating pass me are the "stuff" in my life that I should and need to let go.  It always feels good to see stuff float away.

To all with burdens and we all have them, may your "stuff" float away too.

Yup, I like the motto I have in my signature

"I like to take my sorrows out the lake, and hold them underwater until they drown"

Yup, I like the motto I have in my signature

"I like to take my sorrows out the lake, and hold them underwater until they drown"

Yeah!!!  Drown them.

Shoot.  I may have hooked one of your sorrows the other day.

every night before a kayak trip i feel like a kid going to Disneyland or a kid on Christmas eve. anxious cant wait, can't sleep. the drive to the spot is always a good time to strategize. as soon as that yak hits the water though it all melts away.Then, I hear "this magic moment" playing in my head 

Nice catches!  Thanks for the report, pictures, and water therapy    I always feel good being close  to the water.  My dream is to live in a home next to the stream, lake, or ocean when I'm retired (here I am day dreaming again...) 

Those are some nice crappie, and what great therapy!  I would love to show up to work with a note from my doctor, saying I have to take off of work for some kayak fishing therapy.

Kayaks fishing id by far say is the best thing I have found to relieve stress...

Nice Slabs gonna go out to Nacci one day this week ocean doesnt look too pretty wx wise hope I can get a slab or two...

You're not alone.  kayak fishing is better than disneyland and cheaper too.  $4.50 for a rootbeer at disneyland,  .....a rootbeer scampi and a Ling attached at the other end...on a yak  = priceless