I've never associated drinking with fishing. Fishing has always been enough of a thrill without the booze. Besides I'm casting every minute, I don't have time to pick up a brew. My partying days are pretty much past me. I've gotten into enough trouble already, and now the stakes are far too costly for me to even think about going back down that road. I wish you luck with your sobriety. I know you'll find it to be better in the long run. Heck just think of all the money you'll save and can buy fishing gear with. If you ever need to vent don't be afraid. There will always be someone here that will offer some encouragement.

I believe you can get fined( I'm not sure if you go to jail like you do if you're caught while driving a car) if caught drinking while driving your boat. Alot of those big lakes have Game & Fish officers, policemen, etc...

So thats great you stopped drinking.

I was a heavy partier for a LOT of years.....but fishing and drinking 99.9% of the time NEVER mixed for me. I simply enjoyed being out in Mother Nature too much to waste the time with a BUZZ.

I did go out on a pontoon boat with some college buds ONCE...and drank and fished...had fun...with no accidents.

But that was the ONLY time....as the next day I thought...."what the heck was I doing???"

Being near or on the water is dangerous enough...without the alcohol.

I TOO wish AND hope that you can stay away from the combination of drinking and fishing.

And I TOTALLY agree with Bob...that there will be folks on here that can and will listen....and offer encouragement

I'll go even one step further....and say....don't hesitate to PM us if you get to feeling depressed. Lack of alcohol will put you there real quick.

Masaitis,

Back in the day, it wasn't unusual for me to have a couple jugs of wine or short case of beer while fishing from the banks of my favorite rivers.  For some reason, I didn't fall in and drown.  I would go on the wagon from time to time, only to fall off harder.  I gave it up for good 18 years ago, saving my life, my career, and my marriage (not necessarily in that order).  The first six months were extremely hard when doing things associated with drinking, but I was able to fight through it each time.  There are still times these days when a beer would be really good, or a glass of brandy, but what the heck, that's what water and coffee are for, right?  Only you can quit for you, and I feel anyone can if they want.  Above all remember, no one is punishing you for fishing, and fishing can still be enjoyable without self medication.  Your instincts will improve, your health will improve, and your life will improve without it.  You may even like fishing more if you channel your energy the right way.  Good luck buddy, 20 days and counting.

JustDave

 No problem,

Like BigB says, it is definately on day at a time.  You'll find out who you're true friends are by the ones that support your efforts.  Misery loves company, so there will always be those that want to share theirs.  I've had to change a lot of my aquaintences through the years, but have some very good friends which support my decisions and you'll find them as well.  Health is a very good reason, wheather physical, mental, or spiritual to give it up.  Remembering that makes it easier to pass.  Use fishing and other hobbies to replace the time spent drinking and you'll find it cheaper and much more productive in the long run.

Continued success,

JustDave

well HOW ARE YOU DOING ??????????

REMEMBER

ONE DAT AT A TIME

Good job Masaitis. A major hurdle in your recovery will be being able to associate with your friends who still drink. I know when I'm at a bar it doesn't feel right to not be drinking with the crowd. Hopefully your friends are more than just drinking buddies, and they'll help not hinder you in your recovery. God gave me a beautiful daughter which made it easy for me to end the crazy days. I'll still party from time to time, but not around her, and only when I know I don't have to drive. Keep up the good work, and I look froward to hearing more fishing reports from you.

Keep being strong....and believe in yourself Masaitis  

Fred makes a good point here....seen in several of these other good posts on this topic

I had a DUI back in 2000 (cost me $5k even without a lawyer)....and the only reason that I got it was because the bar owner (previously good friend of mine) THOUGHT I was trying to bed his wife (NOT!)....and he had an off-duty airport cop friend of his follow me after leaving the bar one evening....and called the local cops saying that I was weaving down the road.

After going through that...and some other things related to that part of my life during that same time period, I quit for 6 months....during which time I came to some conclusions...

1. THere's times that a person can have a couple of drinks (or more)...but have a game plan SET ahead of time if there is driving etc...involved.

2. Be VERY careful...and cognizant...of HOW you act when and where you are drinking...as in my DUI experience....even the best of friends can turn on you.

3. Keep track of your eating. Having a drink on an empty stomach can start a binge...and start you on a dependency for sure. And binge drinking has killed hundreds of folks in the last 10 years.

4. I don't crave the stuff....but I do enjoy it. I can easily cut myself off. This is a question of willpower mentioned by SEVERAL other good folks here.

Finally....if you feel stressed...down in the dumps...etc....TELL / Talk to folks.

They...and we....will listen

ther is a place you will always find a friend and support it is called.................................   A    A

good luck,keep up the good work

and

god bless

barry

to bigd daddy dave ......................there is no question you have no idea what the heck  you are talking about !!! i do have a question for you ?  would you take you car to have it repaired to someone that has never seen a car ??  in other words why don't you shut up ! unless you have walled the walk how can you talk the talk ??

now the important question;

MASAITIS  HOW ARE YOU DOING  ???