interesting topic, Mike !
i see the with and without friends separately with no real preference between the two.
-with friends, the fishing is still there of course but it takes lesser importance than when by myself. chatting, taking pictures (when i remember...
), watching/analysing how they cast, fish, talking techniques and stuff all mixed in with jokes and the general good humour that happens with friends combine to make it a great experience by the water.
the flip-side to that is there's usually some kid of time-frames that need to be met: r/v, lunch/dinner times, they often have family or other engagements they need to include in their day, etc, etc, etc.
basically, when fishing with friends i usually have to 'work around them'. i hope that makes sense ?
- when fishing solo which an easy 95% of the time, i know when i leave and play it completely by ear as to what i do or when when i come back.
i fish better and tend to catch bigger and/or more difficult to catch fish when by myself. i'm more concentrated and more determined to try to break that particular day's code. i guess it comes down to having less distractions. (for lack of a better word)
either way, being by the water is always great so once again, no preference
cheers,
marc