I fished at School then pretty much gave it up until I retired the first time in 2003 when a much younger mate (Adrian) taught me some new ways.
I have stuck with a Rod & Reel - Pole Fishing is not for me. Learnt about Feeder Rod Fishing, Bite Alarms, Boilies & Pop Ups etc. Then of course with Commercial Fisheries the catch rate & weight has increased no end.
As a kid my biggest ever freshwater fish was around 7 oz. My personal best is now just over 20 lbs for a Mirror Carp & around 23-24 lbs for a Pike when I fished Pode Hole Land Drain down South on New Years Day in 2004/5.
I do find it very relaxing so no fishing competitions for me - its all about scenery nature & Human v Fish its all a bit in the primeval part of my brain! The Missus thinks I'm a bit touched in the head.