Fishing, Loss, and Finding Balance – Why I Started Tag End

Life has a way of throwing challenges our way. Sometimes, those challenges are small frustrations, and other times, they are the kind of losses that shake us to our core. Recently, my family faced one of those moments—the kind that forces you to reflect on what truly matters. While I won’t go into the details of that loss, I will say that mental health was likely a factor, and it compelled me to share something I’ve wrestled with for a while: the deeper purpose behind Tag End.

The Real Reason I Started Tag End

For most of my life, I have dealt with depression and struggled with managing anger. These challenges have shaped who I am, and like many people, I’ve searched for ways to cope and find balance. When I was first introduced to hunting as a serious pursuit, it changed my perspective on life in a way I never expected. The time spent in the outdoors, the focus it required, and the connection to something bigger than myself gave me a sense of clarity I had been missing.

That experience naturally evolved into a love for fishing. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that being outdoors—whether on the water or in the woods—has been one of the most powerful tools in maintaining my mental health. That’s why I created Tag End. If I can help even one or two people discover the benefits of fishing and the outdoors, then this venture is a success.

Fishing and Hunting Aren’t a Cure-All

I want to be very clear: fishing, hunting, and outdoor activities are not a magic fix for life’s struggles. They are tools—valuable ones—but like anything, they must be kept in balance. If someone is struggling, these activities can help provide an outlet, but they shouldn’t be used as an escape to avoid dealing with deeper problems.

At times, I’ve found myself leaning too heavily on fishing as a way to avoid stress rather than manage it in a healthy way. But when approached with the right mindset, these activities serve as a reset button—a way to reconnect with what’s important and step back from the relentless pace of modern life.

The Overload of Modern Life

We live in a time where information is constant. Social media, technology, and the pressures of daily life push us in a thousand directions at once. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and for me, stepping away from all of it and spending time on the water has become a necessity. Fishing isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about the moments in between. The quiet, the patience, the connection to nature.

Tag End isn’t about being the best angler on YouTube. There are professionals out there who can teach you every technique, every trick, and every gear optimization. That’s not my focus. What I want to do is remind people why they started fishing in the first place—to enjoy the experience, not just to maximize efficiency or constantly chase better gear.

Keeping Fishing Fun and Meaningful

I’ll admit that I fall into the trap of taking things too seriously at times. I get frustrated when things don’t go my way, and I sometimes let that frustration affect my time with family and friends on the water. That’s something I actively work on, and I know I’m not alone.

Fishing should be about joy, balance, and reconnecting—not just results. That’s part of what I want to foster with Tag End. A community where people can share their stories, their challenges, and their love for fishing without feeling like they have to be experts or spend a fortune on gear.

Helping Others Find Their Escape

If you have someone in your life who is struggling, consider inviting them to spend some time outdoors. It doesn’t have to be fishing—it could be hiking, hunting, or just sitting by the water. The simple act of stepping away from the noise of daily life can make a bigger impact than we realize.

Of course, fishing alone won’t solve life’s problems. If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available, and seeking support is a sign of strength. But for many of us, spending time in nature is a powerful part of staying healthy and grounded.

I hope that sharing this message helps someone out there. Fishing has given me a lot, and I believe it can do the same for others. If you have a story about how fishing or the outdoors has helped you, I encourage you to share it. Whether in the comments, with friends, or through community events—these stories matter.

Take care of yourselves. Take care of those around you. And remember why you picked up a fishing rod in the first place.