Well Mike, I can sorta understand where you are coming from.

I was always involved in contact sports, and as a result Ive got a ton of injuries. I kept in great shape until 4 years ago; these days every injury Ive ever had is making itself known. Two years ago I had major shoulder surgery, the one I cast swimbaits with. It doesnt affedt my ability to fish now, although my shoulder usually aches all the time. I wonder if I will be able to fish at the level I want throughout my life?

The only solution I see for myself is getting back in the gym and working out. Without a doubt, my body feels much better when Im working out; the way I see it, when my muscles are strong, tight, and have endurance, they hold all my joints together much better. This reduces pain, plus your muscles are conditioned for all those little stresses you put on those muscles you use when casting.

I dont see a quickfix solution to these sorts of problems; and as we all get older its gonna get worse. But if you head off the problems by committing to some level of working out, you might be surprised at how much your body responds.