We all know fishing has many great benefits for personal wellbeing for those of us that enjoy this fantastic sport of angling, whether is pleasure or match fishing but for some, especially some match anglers it can become an obsession. This may be OK for a single person as it gives them something to focus their spare time on, and everyone should have a hobby/pastime so I’m not knocking it but many wife’s, girlfriend’s and family member’s never asked to become fishing widows.

Even though I love my match fishing and can’t wait for the next match, a balance has to be met with ‘her indoors’ and to be fair, this has taught me that life is for living and there’s much more to do with your spare time. I look at some people that attend the matches I go to and they are there every week, rain or shine all through the year, fishing really has taken over their life’s, fishing both weekend days and even if their retired, fishing up to four or five times a week. They get really good, practice makes perfect I guess and some of these anglers have really got very difficult to beat. They are happy doing all this fishing which is good for them but are they missing out on partner time doing other things not fishing related, visiting places, doing things and making memories.

Fishing has always been more than just a hobby for many anglers—it’s a passion, a challenge, and a way to connect with nature. For some, it evolves into something more: match fishing. The thrill of competition, the desire to improve skills, and the rush of victory can quickly transform fishing from a peaceful pastime into an all-consuming obsession. But as much as match fishing can bring joy and excitement, there’s a reminder we should all keep in mind: life is about balance.

As tempting as it might be to spend every weekend at a new competition or perfecting your technique for the next big match, we must ask ourselves: What are we missing out on? If fishing becomes your sole focus, you risk neglecting the simple pleasures of life—the experiences, the relationships, and the memories that truly matter.

The Danger of Obsession

There’s no denying that match fishing is exhilarating. The pursuit of the perfect catch, the strategy, the preparation—it’s a rewarding challenge. However, if you start skipping out on important life events just to attend one more match or obsess over your fishing gear, you’re only getting a part of the picture. It’s easy to lose sight of everything else happening around you, especially when match fishing becomes the centerpiece of your life.

Time with family, for example, can quickly become a casualty of obsession. Weekends spent at the water’s edge may leave little room for family holidays, birthdays, or even simple weekend get-togethers. What do you really gain if you’re winning all the matches but missing out on seeing your kids grow up or spending quality time with your partner? These are the moments that create lasting memories—memories that won’t be measured in trophies or fishing records.

The Importance of Balance

Life isn’t just about the catch of the day or the next big tournament. Balance is the key to living a fulfilled, joyful life. Match fishing is undeniably fun and rewarding, but it should not take the place of other essential aspects of life, like personal relationships, self-care, and most importantly, making memories with those you care about.

This is where the concept of “Adventure Before Dementia” comes in—a reminder that life is about more than just the routine and the daily grind. It’s about exploring new places, learning new things, and creating memories with the people you love. Traveling the world to experience different cultures, sights, and adventures is something that can enrich your life far beyond the confines of the competition circuit.

Exploring the World and Making Memories

Think about it: how many people, once they’ve reached a certain age, look back and wish they had spent more time exploring the world instead of being wrapped up in work, obligations, or even their hobbies? Traveling is one of the most enriching experiences we can have. It opens our eyes to new perspectives, helps us grow as individuals, and, importantly, allows us to share adventures with family and friends.

Imagine going on a family holiday to an exotic destination, exploring the beaches of Thailand, hiking the mountains of New Zealand, or immersing yourself in the culture of Europe. These are the moments that can help you bond, teach your kids about the world, and enrich your life in ways that no match can ever compare to.

And let’s face it holidays are what you’ll remember far longer than any fishing tournament. You’ll remember the laughs, the stories shared over dinner, the sights that took your breath away, and the adventures you embarked on together. Memories like these create a sense of fulfillment that no competition or fish caught could ever replace.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

It’s important to remind ourselves that fishing, like anything in life, should remain something we enjoy—not something that controls us. Match fishing can be an amazing part of your life, but it shouldn’t be the only part. Adventure Before Dementia—this simple phrase encapsulates the essence of a life well-lived. It encourages us to get out, explore, and experience the world while we still can.

Set your fishing rod down every now and then. Take that holiday with your family. Go on a spontaneous trip with friends. Take time to travel, to see new places, and to create lasting memories. Life is about more than just the fish on your line—it’s about the adventures you have and the people you share them with.

So the next time you’re planning your calendar, remember: you don’t need to fish every weekend. Embrace life outside the lake, make time for your loved ones, and enjoy the bigger adventures that await. Adventure Before Dementia—because there’s a whole world out there, and it’s waiting for you.

So I think I have the balance about right. I’m not knocking those that choose to go fishing when ever they can but that’s not for me. We are all different. There’s a big World out there and I intend to see as much of it as I can while I’m fit and healthy and able to do it. remember the words – Adventure before dementia !!!

Just some of our memories

There’s more to life than fishing

When I’m not fishing I’ve been to and seen some great places. I proposed to Anna at the most romantic place on the planet, The birthplace of Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love in Cyprus and then a few years later we travelled to Las Vegas to get married. Stopping at the Bellagio Hotel right on the strip. We got married out in the Valley of fire (National Park) by Big Bird from Sesame Street. (well the actor Lionel Douglas who played Big Bird) who is now a Minster. Vegas is awesome, we’ve been their twice now. Two of the highlights were taking a helicopter to the Grand Canyon and seeing Celine Dion at Caesars Palace as well as hiring ‘THE’ American Muscle car, a Mustang as you do! and driving it to the Hoover dam. Vegas had so many highlights that there’s simply to many to list. But you only get one life and you need to make the most of it. Remember our strap line – Adventure before dementia !!

Life is all about making memories and not thinking about the bank balance. The following are the memories that I remember before dementia

Worldwide