Have you had to choose a life in the woods or on the saltwater?

[NEmike92]

First post by the way. Surprised it took me this long.

Basically, I'm torn. I grew up in AZ. All my exploring, hunting, off-roading started in the desert. I then moved to the Idaho Panhandle. Continued everything i loved. Spent every moment i had deep in the woods. Rough terrain nonetheless. But then life set in,

For a job that I no longer have got me to move to New England. CT to be exact. I lost everything i enjoyed back west. But I have become an exteme saltwater fisherman. In 5 years I have had a few boats, go out 3+ times a week and even became a part-time/fill-in mate on a charter. Often 40 miles off shore.

But that lifestyle is taking a toll on me. Mentally and financially. It just seems unsustainable. Everything about a 25' boat at a marina is big bucks and we're not talking deer.

But my love for the outdoors is too strong. If I dont have that here, I'll have nothing here. I am debating if moving back west is in my cards.

Of course if anyone is familiar with the Panhandle, there are 3 massive lakes for fishing. Some of those fish can be bigger than the fish I'll get out here. But I never got to involved in fishing there, I had enough going between hunting, hiking, shooting, exploring in the sxs, ect.


Has anyone else had to make similar decisions/sacrifices? Thanks.

 

[JeffRaines]

While I can’t say I’m in your position, I can tell you there’s nothing that would get me to move back to the east coast or south from the mountain west.

We have saltwater fishing over here, albeit different. Maybe move back and look into getting a boat you can trailer to the coast(OR or WA) to get your fishing fix when you want.

 

[gbflyer]

Southeast Alaska. We have both.

 

[TreeDux]

Kind of. I have a lot to be thankful for in eastern NC. We have everything from farm ponds to the Gulf Stream with a broad spectrum in between. Private land is tough to access for hunting but clubs have openings, leasing comes available, and good public land opportunities exist for a solid range of species. But I do love the west and all the opportunities to explore an hunt amazing country and actually be able to get away from people ( sometimes). I never made that jump but I certainly understand the conundrum. You’re not alone is my message, I suppose.

Your comment on the unsustainable nature of your current pursuit seems pretty accurate also. Nothing about offshore fishing is cheap or even reasonably priced. Nothing. I love it but it’s something to do when I get an invite or charter a boat occasionally with friends. That reality will not change. There are certainly better places to get your salt fix than CT, but It’s hard to think of another pursuit currently more susceptible to the laws of diminishing returns than saltwater fishing. Unfortunately western big game hunting is in that category as well.

If you truly have the opportunity to go in either direction that’s great, and somewhat enviable. Only you can figure out what will make you happier.

 

[bigbassin]

Not quite the same as New England vs the West, but I had a choice between North Georgia and Tampa.

Lived in Tampa and hated every minute of it. Enjoyed being able to catch snook off the beach, could catch a 5 pound bass weekly, and the availability to duck hunt. But otherwise couldn’t stand the place.

Moved to Georgia and am loving every minute of it. Deer hunting is night and day better, endless amounts of public land (at least compared to Florida), hiking and backpacking, can fish for bass in the rivers (not nearly as big as Florida, but feels more adventurous to hike to a river and wade all day), trout fishing, driving distance to skiing in NC for the day, etc. I just feel there’s way more variety up here.

I do miss duck hunting and fly fishing for snook, but otherwise don’t care if I ever see the coast again.

 

[Loper]

What about off shore fishing appeals to you? Is it types or variety of fish? The size of the fish? Being on the water? Being outdoors? The whole process?

I ask because there’s plenty of saltwater fishing that can be done that does not involve big boats and going 40 miles out, just depends on where you live.

 

[TreeDux]

Lived in Tampa and hated every minute of it.

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Florida. Really liked a lot of places throughout the state. Tampa does NOT make that list.

 

[bigbassin]

Lived in Tampa and hated every minute of it.

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Florida. Really liked a lot of places throughout the state. Tampa does NOT make that list.

Grew up in Florida so I’ve been all over. Tampa was by far my least favorite spot, but I still wouldn’t trade access to the mountains for anywhere there.