The 20 Stages of Fishing (or, insert your hobby)

I’ve come to believe that fishing is a full emotional journey. A cycle, really. One that repeats itself with remarkable consistency and full of personal growth.  Below are the steps many of us go through every time we go fishing.

1. Cognitive State

You start thinking about fishing. Check the weather. Then check it again. Then look for any possible justification that today is, in fact, a great day to go.

2. Goodwill State

You do something small but noticeable around the house. “Honey… I unloaded the dishwasher.” It can be anything, but it shouldn't take much time.

3. Signal Your Intention State

You casually float the idea. “Looks like it might be nice out today…” No pressure. Just planting seeds.

4. Planning State

You quietly prepare. Gear staged. Clothes ready. Boat mentally launched. Pro tip: begin developing a believable reason why your phone might lose signal today.

5. Risk Assessment State

You evaluate schedules, obligations, and most importantly spousal positioning. Timing is everything.

6. Departure State

You slip out with minimal noise and zero eye contact. Like a Navy SEAL… but with a tackle box.

7. Transport State

Freedom hits. So does the urge to drive way over the speed limit. You are both alive yet slightly guilty.

8. Arrival State

Pure euphoria. Your spot is open. The water is perfect.

You mentally prepare for the greatest fishing day in recorded history.

9. Dead State

Thirty minutes. No fish. You begin questioning your life choices… and possibly your identity. Deep vulnerability and a mild depression set in.

10. Initial Success State

You catch one. Instantly, you are back to being a legend.

11. Reality State

Things level out. You catch what your actual skill level supports… not what your imagination promised. 

12. Synchronization State

Your phone rings. You stare at it like it’s a bomb. Do you answer… or claim later that it was on silent?

13. Second Wave Cognitive State

You begin negotiating your exit. “Just one more.” “Next bite.” “Last cast.” None of these statements are true.

14. End State

You finally decide to leave… 45 minutes after you first decided to leave.

15. Reconciliation State

You call home. “Hey, I’m on my way back… need me to pick anything up?” This is a critical move.

16. Reconnect State

You listen. Really listen. Today is not about your fishing story. This step is about their day.

17. Information Sharing State

You report back to fishing friends. You share just enough truth to remain credible. But not enough to disclose intellectual property. 

18. Self-Actualization State

You conclude that fishing was the highest and best use of your time. Possibly even spiritual, moving you one step closer to God.

19. REM Sleep State

That night, you relive the day during your sleep… but better. Bigger fish. More applause. You are deeply admired.

20. Hour of Power State

The next morning…You wake up and think:

“You know… today might be a good day to go fishing.”

Out there, with nothing but water and time…you start to hear things a little more clearly, your thoughts, your priorities… maybe even your life's purpose. And you realize… it’s not an escape.

It’s a return to your ultimate potential as a human being. 

Tony Thelen is the founder of The River Coaching & Consulting, LLC, where he works with CEOs and senior leaders to help them live and lead with clarity, purpose, and intention. “The River” is a weekly column focused on practical wisdom for a fulfilling life and successful career. Learn more at www.therivercoach.org or contact him at [email protected].