May be time to quit

[Bud Kennedy]

I always dreaded the day when I would realize that it may be time to hang up the rod and reel and park the boat for good.  I have not been fishing in over a year but it does not mean it was a voluntary condition.  My fishing partner and chief boat trailer backer upper is becoming more burdened by her handicap issues. We have been fishing and boating together for 57 years and the truth is that safety on the water has become a major consideration.  I am 79 and she is 77 and just don't have the vitality we had just a short time ago.

We are still planning on doing a little more fishing on the river once fall arrives.  At our age we just can't handle the heat of the South Carolina summers. For this reason we will hang on to our equipment for a little while longer but eventually this stuff will need to be sold off or donated or what ever one does with all their tackle resources.  We both really hate that the end to our fishing lifestyle is coming to an end but this is the reality of aging.  It does not mean we want to quit but it is just a fact of life I guess.  We would sell off our stuff should the occasion present itself but we are not actively looking for potential buyers.

We have been bass boat owners for over 40 years.  The idea of being boatless is not something we are looking forward to.  fishing has provided countless memories thanks to our Ranger boats.  They both were like family and it will be had to see the last one go away.

I have been retired for 14 years and having a boat was always part of our retirement plan.  Our 7 years at Santee were the best and we fished about 150 days a year on one of the best lakes in the country.  The ranger proudly displays a few "Santee Stripes" as a badge of honor representing a whole lot of stump bumping.  Those who have fished Santee know exactly what I am talking about.  When we sold the Santee place we moved the boat back here to the beach and have fished the Waccamaw river for the past 7-8 years. The Waccamaw provided a place to play but could never provided the action that we had at Santee.

For you aging members of Ultimate Bass.  Enjoy each day on the water because some day it can all go away.  It is truly amazing just how fast time goes by.

[Donald Garner]

For you aging members of Ultimate Bass.  Enjoy each day on the water because some day it can all go away.  It is truly amazing just how fast time goes by.

Bud, my good man tks for the posting.  Yes sir my time is coming soon I fear also.  Like you I have great memories of fishing and plan on till the time comes to hang it up.  I haven't fish in a couple years due to my health and the fact we had a serious drought that closed our lakes.

The lakes are now FLOODED out and the Corp of Engineers don't expect to have them Re-Open till sometime in Aug maybe Sept.  So my wait continues but that allows me to get healthier also 

I wish you and your wife the very best.

[D.W. Verts]

I'm fighting it. Trying to stay ahead of it. But I GET it. Thanks Bud- best to ya'll in the future!

Dale

[topdsm0138]

Man..sorry to hear. Especially when it's giving up something you love or what's been a huge part of your life. Have any kids or grandkids who would enjoy the equipment? Maybe it's time for them to make some good memories with a little help from yall.

Tiller Mafia.

[Hobious]

if you lived near me, I would be honored to back your boat down the ramp.  best of wishes from me. 

[J.W.]

I hate to hear that, Bud. I will take your advice on trying to enjoy every minute of it that I can. You're right, each year goes by quicker than the last.

[Princeton_Man]

So sorry to be reading this, Bud. I've said it before, I wish we lived closer.

[ike8120]

I can relate, I been retired for for over a year and tried to fish as much as I can. But life and medical issues always stand in the way. You take care of yourself and the Mrs. Always look at the good times that both of you have had. 

[FlatsNBay]

Boy, that boat has some great history and has provided good memories. I feel your pain having to turn the page.

[Bigbass201]

It's a sad day that I'm sure we will all experience at some point.  You will still have the memories of your times on the water together.  Shoreline fishing can be an option in the early mornings before it gets too hot.  Good luck in your future endeavors whatever you two decide to do together.

[fishingram24]

Always thankful for every fish I catch because you never know which one will be your last. At 69 I hope to have a few more years left in me but I know a day will come when its time to hang up the rods. As it is now I added steps with a handle to assist getting out of the boat last year, great add by the way.Just thankful for every day on the water.

[Pat Dilling]

I am in an "Old Guys" fishing club. There are members who are facing the same decisions that you are.  I think one of the great values of the club is some fo the younger guys, by younger I mean in their 60s and 70s, are helping the older or less capable guys get on the water.  I have a couple of fishing partners that celebrated their 89th birthday this year.  I enjoy going fishing with them, and they really appreciate it.  Maybe I am paying it forward, as I realize that time waits for no one.  I hope there will be someone to take me out when I give up our boat.  I hope you will still be able to get on the water once you finally do give up your Ranger.

[Bud Kennedy]

Pat, most likely my fishing will be on the salt water side.  Probably do some of the pier fishing along with a guide trip here and there to go chase some redfish.  Our salt water fishing is excellent so it should provide some exciting times that even an old geezer can enjoy.