I Need A New Game Plan

[Smallie_Stalker]

My PT is coming along well and provided my visit to the orthopedist next week doesn't reveal a need for surgery I will be cleared to return to normal activity in approximately 4 weeks. While I have this down time, now would be the best time to figure out how I'm going to approach fishing from here on out.

To be honest since I am bank-bound I had thought about throwing in the towel on fishing. My tumble on my only outing last year and my more serious incident last month have made me realize that navigating the terrain at the types of the places I prefer to fish is either going to be impossible or something I probably shouldn't risk attempting. My age, weight, balance issues and back problems made it hard enough before, but my body can't handle things like it used to and I'm afraid my next fall...............well, I don't really want to think about it. So I thought about giving up fishing but I just can't do that. I've been fishing longer than I can remember. It is my only real form of recreational enjoyment, It is my therapy and it is my escape from the world for a while. I suppose I could always just go to some local ponds and sit in a chair in the level parking area and catch gills or crappie but that's not what I want to do. I want to fish for bass.

Never having been one to just roll over and give up without a fight I am determined to find a way to fish for bass. But my old way is not going to work most of the time now, so I need a new game plan.

Right now, I am at a loss as to how to approach this situation. Inclines, declines, rocky stretches of ground and uneven patches of grass or dirt are all very common in my getting to the places that hold bass, and at the same time they are all potential sources of problems for me now.

So, while I have this down time I turn to you my UB brothers and sisters for advice, ideas, suggestions or wisdom borne of experience as to how to minimize my chances of another injury. To help me create a new  game plan to continue fishing for those green and brown fish we all love so much.

What say you all?

[Bud Kennedy]

Jim, there are no magic bullets when it comes to issues like this.  You either accept your limitations or do something about it.  First you have to realize that you, yourself must make some changes.  I bet you have a list of things the doctors have told you for years.  I would not be surprised if high on the list is trying to lose some weight, get some exercise etc,etc. 

As I recall from your posts over the years, weight has been a big problem for you.  It likely is one of the major things that is causing many of your problems.  You need to consider adopting a plan that gets you into shape and that includes a very solid diet.  I have had to lose weight many times in my life and I hate to think how much.  I can tell you of at least two times I had to lose 70 lbs, I did pay attention until I had a major heart problem while living in Boston.  I was only in my 40s and realized that if I did not get with the program I would not be around for a long time.  Although I still have a battle with my weight I can tell you that I currently am 50lbs lighter now than when I retired 12 years ago.  I don't take much medication only some prevastatin for cholesterol. The thing that has enabled this was eating a bit better and spending a lot of time messing with the boat and the wife and I have been taking daily walks for years.  It works.  I am 73 and in fairly good health,My knees don't hurt but I do sprain my back from time to time but that is because I don't do any core exercise that would strengthen my muscle groups. 

I then had to realize that this was not going to happen overnight and all good improvements only comes through hard work and discipline.  I think getting your weight under control would yield significant benefits.  You are too young to give up.  Get in the fight and make it happen and you too can once again participate with the rest of us old geezers.  Just remember you are not alone as many of us have been there and done that.  We don't have the answers but we certainly can share what we have done and what works and what doesn't.  Don't you quit on us or we will have to send Zippy back up there to kick your butt.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Thank you for the candid response Bud. Yes weight became a problem for me after I got married. She cooks well and I began spending more time sitting behind a desk for more hours a day and then too tired to do much after getting home. Several times I have lost large amounts of weight, once 87 pounds and as recently as 2016 41 pounds. But I always put weight back on and it's my own fault. I drink far too much soda and eat far too many chips and other unhealthy snacks. Yes some of my meds cause or contribute to weight gain, but I can't blame  them for just how far out of control my weight is. The good news is I have lost 7 pounds since my mishap and I intend on keeping that momentum going.

I think right now my two biggest concerns are balance and stability issues. PT has some exercises to help but it's not going to be a cure all. I just don't want to have to go down the bank with all my fishing gear strapped to a walker. 

As much as I would enjoy Zippy's company again I wouldn't want it to be for that reason. 

[Fun4me]

I don't get to check in on this site very often, so pardon my ignorance, but why are you stuck bank fishing? It seems that you could fish from a boat and not have to deal with the problems that bank fishing is giving you.

[Sandman7925]

Try yoga. It has worked miracles for people


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[zippyduck]

As much as I would enjoy Zippy's company again I wouldn't want it to be for that reason. 

Oh! We aren't going down that hill again. 

[Captsteve]

I cut out the sodas. I drink a very good tasting diet tea in a bottle. Gold Peak. lose the chips. cut your meal portions down and walk inking. you can do it brother.

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[Oldfart9999]

I've lost about 46 pounds over the last 5 or so years, as a diabetic I have to watch what I eat and when or I die young having a piece cut off here and another and another..... Be cause of my joint problems I exercise, not to look like Arnold but to be able to move around and keep moving. I would talk to your therapist about what you can do to help build your strength to help your balance, there are excersises you can do for your core, takes about 10 minutes a day. The bigger problem is between your ears, do you want to fish and enjoy the outdoors or do you want to become a couch potato and die early? Small boats are cheap and there are many places you can use them, you can store them unloaded in the parking lot where you live, I see small boats parked in apartment lots all around here, a tackle bag, several outfits in a carry deal and you're all set, doesn't take long to load or put away, beats staying home.
Rodney 

[fishandkamp]

I agree with fun4me  I took a look in your area on Google Maps and it seems you have some different lakes or pond not too far from you. Is there an electric only reservoir near you or a lake/pond with low hp restrictions. I ask this because these are good choices to set up a 16 foot jon or something like that. It can be powered by just a couple of trolling motors ands a few batteries. Now you can fish happily without spending 50,000 on a high speed bass boat or breaking your back falling down the bank.  I have owned several high power bass boats and a few low powered boats and honestly I enjoy the time spent on the low powered boats fishing in areas I did not have tons of boat traffic or big waves to deal with.  I posted a pic of the  reservoir rig I used to fish our drinking reservoirs with. No gas was allowed, however I did fish with the exact same boat with the original 9 hp Merc on some local lakes.

[Smallie_Stalker]

@fun4me and fishandkamp, it's a long story but finances prevent me from being able to get a boat. I don't even have a car or truck right now.

@Sandman, thank you that is a great suggestion. My brother suggested Tai Chi as well as yoga also. Those are two things I am giving serious consideration.

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[Smallie_Stalker]

Oh! We aren't going down that hill again. 

 

[Bud Kennedy]

What ever you decide Smallie just keep moving.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Will do Bud. 👍

[FD]

Join the ABA or a local club and fish as a non boater. That will at least get you some fishing time once a month or so.


Post hoc ergo propter hoc fallacia est

[caddyjoe77]

for you:  cut the sodas out -- start drinking more water -- wouldnt recommend cold turkey.  Eventually youll dislike the taste of soda.    As has been mentioned -- try some yoga -- I was my most flexible when I did P90X for two straight rounds.  There is a yoga day and I could really knock the cover off the golf ball then and I attribute that to the flexibility.  Im not saying do P90x -- but I am saying that yoga does help flexibility.  It doesnt have to be yoga -- but just do something -- walk, ride a bike -- anything I think will help. 

also, as has been mentioned -- see if you can backseat in a boat. 

most importantly -- dont quit -- ever. 

[merc1997]

Thank you for the candid response Bud. Yes weight became a problem for me after I got married. She cooks well and I began spending more time sitting behind a desk for more hours a day and then too tired to do much after getting home. Several times I have lost large amounts of weight, once 87 pounds and as recently as 2016 41 pounds. But I always put weight back on and it's my own fault. I drink far too much soda and eat far too many chips and other unhealthy snacks. Yes some of my meds cause or contribute to weight gain, but I can't blame  them for just how far out of control my weight is. The good news is I have lost 7 pounds since my mishap and I intend on keeping that momentum going.

I think right now my two biggest concerns are balance and stability issues. PT has some exercises to help but it's not going to be a cure all. I just don't want to have to go down the bank with all my fishing gear strapped to a walker. 

As much as I would enjoy Zippy's company again I wouldn't want it to be for that reason. 

wading in current is one of the best ways there is to strengthen your legs and also to strengthen you twitch muscles which are the ones you use to keep your balance.  grit and determination go a long ways when it comes to pt and getting back to navigating.

bo

[Smallie_Stalker]

All great advice so far. Thank you.

I like the idea of wading in current. It's cheaper and more readily available than a pool at the YMCA for hydro-therapy.

Also like the idea of becoming a backseater again. I had been thinking about it before the injuries so maybe this was a sign?



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[DonM]

Bud has the best advice!
"The thing that has enabled this was eating a bit better and spending a lot of time messing with the boat and the wife"   

SS, if you lived a little closer, you'd always have a seat in my boat! 

[Smallie_Stalker]

Bud has the best advice!
"The thing that has enabled this was eating a bit better and spending a lot of time messing with the boat and the wife"   

SS, if you lived a little closer, you'd always have a seat in my boat!

Thank you Don.