Tim,
I take alot of 4-5 hour trips to the local lakes or creeks and it puts the fire out for fishing and I can still get stuff done. I don't have the time for 12 hour days gone from the house anymore. I did at one time but know it takes more planning for me to leave that long.

Tyme,
For sure the best tyme to fish is when it's tyme2fish! Good luck on those Smallies.