There are some drawbacks to fishing if you let them become a problem. Any hobby or pastime can become a problem if you become fanatical about it, and fishing is no exception. Take fishing for what it is and don't try to make it substitute for things that might be missing in your life.

Fishing Can Be Time Consuming

Even if fishing doesn't obsess you, it can take a lot of time. Unless you're one of the lucky ones with a pond or stream in your backyard, you'll have to get your fishing gear together and go to the fishing spot. This can mean anything from a short walk to a very long drive. If you fish from a boat you'll have to keep it working right. And fishing gear always needs cleaning and repair.

It's very easy to lose track of time while fishing, too. A short trip can quickly develop into an all-day or all-night affair whether the fish are biting or not. If they're hitting good you won't want to leave, and if they are not biting you'll want to stay until they start.

The High Cost of Fishing

You can easily spend a tremendous amount on fishing. Many fishermen leave their credit cards at home when going to one of the super fishing stores because they can fill up a cart with hundreds of dollars of equipment without realizing it. You have to have some discipline not to buy everything that looks like it might catch a fish.

Quality fishing equipment is not cheap and the high-end equipment can cost a huge amount. With equipment like rods and reels it's best to buy good basic equipment that will hold up under use, but you shouldn't try to buy the top-of-the line equipment to get started. Buying equipment to use, not to show off and try to impress other fishermen, will save you money.