Opinions on what makes a good trip

Lake of the Pines was tough Sunday. 15' above normal pool strong north wind with 3' white caps made just being in the boat without getting pitched out a challenge.
I had a family of 5 and they fished hard for 6 hours. We only managed to put 16 crappie and 10 sandbass in the boat and another 15 or 20 small sandbass thrown back
On the flip side it was a pure pleasure to be around such well mannered kids and everyone seemed to be having fun
I felt awful as I was standing cleaning their fish.
When I had all their fish bagged up so they could hit the road, they told me that they had all had a great day and thanked me profusely.

What makes a good trip for you. I guess I am spoiled as I expect to catch a limit with a few 2 # every trip.

A good trip for me is the kids getting enough action to keep them enthusiastic and interested. If they're having a good time, I'm having a good time. As a dad, you just want to see them have some success.

Side note, I thought Pines was running about 8 and a half foot high?

A good trip for me is I learn something and I catch something. Doesn't have to be a limit just some catchin.

+1

It is at 241.14 normal is 228 and is still going up site said it has gone up another 6” today. I worry for the folks on Caddo. At some point soon it will top the spillway and Caddo is already flooded.

A good day for me is just being out fishing. I try to bring someone with me. And if they are having fun then I am having fun. I want them to catch so they will want to fish again. For me. If i don't catch anything i will return. Fun times all the time while fishing.

Just being outside and enjoying God's creation.

Anytime I am on the water. Not getting a bunch of phone calls and return safely to the boat ramp is a great day.

3 foot white caps,...? I cant believe you took people out in that..!

this x3 have fun

For me it is success. If I am successful it was fun. If my goal is to find structure with fish on it or if I want to catch fish. I just want to be successful. If my goal is to catch fish then I have to catch fish to call it a good day. If my goal is to scout around and find new places to fish then I don't have to catch fish to be successful and have a good trip.I don't guide but I could not charge someone for a service I did not provide. Example If I told you I could cut that tree in your yard for 100 dollars when you get home I tell you it was a bad day and I just could not cut the tree BUT you still owe me the 100 you would not be happy. I have fished with guides NOT YOU!!! who charged me to sit in a boat (MY BOAT) and catch nothing. I could do that with out a guide.

Being on the water and staying safe.

Anymore, a successful trip is enjoying the company of whoever I'm with. Having an ice cold beer on the water and maybe catching a few. I just am trying to enjoy life honestly and not take EVERYTHING so seriously.

Plenty of fish, good buddy to fish with and plenty of cold beer..

Just depends on the trip.
I try to learn something new each trip.
If I'm in search mode and find new spots its successful.
If I'm in catch mode I expect to limit out.
Tomorrow I'm taking my 71 year old dad for a catching session, but it will already be great because I'm fishing with dad. He taught me a lot growing up and now I'm teaching him what new electronics and spot-lock can do on a fishing boat.