Fishing Bests of 2012
I've been thinking about my 2012 fishing experiences over the last few months, and in the spirit of end-of-year retrospectives, I offer this list of my personal "Fishing Bests" for 2012. This list is totally mine, all categories are self-nominated, and all entries are self-judged. The only criteria for entry are that the event occurred in my presence, during 2012. Even I'm surprised by some of the results, but since all entries have been marinated with time, I'll accept them as valid.
Most Alive –
You may recall my "Omni" trip of May in which I did it all; and another immediate, clear nominee was running in, post-dusk, with Katie and family friends from 250 feet of water after a wicked good, end-of-summer trip on Lake Michigan; but the event that keeps rising to the top for me is my First Lake Michigan Brown Trout of the season.
Not only was it still March; but it was my first trip of the year on Lake Michigan. I love to start my Great Lakes seasons early, targeting shallow-water browns, and conditions generally seemed perfect. When it became apparent (over the hours and miles trolled) that the fish just weren't there, or at least weren't biting the way I'd like, the hope for a single, big brown trout became my focus. When a variety of new lures didn't work; I changed location dramatically, and focused on a specific, deeper-water spot. I happily accepted a couple of small salmon aboard (they were, after all, the first Great Lakes fish of the year, despite their size), but the trip was made when the planer board got buried, and the drag started slipping on the rod with two colors of lead. While a six-pound brown isn't all that big (at least by our snobby, Lake Michigan perspective), this fish validated my efforts, was absolutely beautiful, was released unharmed, and has held up as our biggest brown of the year. I came off the water on March 31, 2012 feeling really, really good.
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| This Lake Michigan Brown Trout hit a small Scorpion Spoon presented behind a board with two colors of lead core. |
Greatest Sense of Relief –
I always feel a sense of relief when that first Great Lakes fish of the year comes aboard; our Lake Michigan fishery is a house of cards and could collapse any given season. That first fish represents the fish's presence and fulfills the hope of another season of their pursuit. On a smaller scale, when the first pike took a whack at the jointed Rapala 50 feet behind my down-rigger ball, and especially when it turned out to be in excess of 30 inches long, that was a cool validation of my unconventional efforts to catch more and bigger pike from Reeds Lake.
But my greatest sense of relief came when, just 10 minutes or so into my first session of the year in Maine, held mid-day and out of convenience as opposed to prime tides or favorable conditions, my float jiggled a bit and slowly went under. I came tight, expecting a mackerel or schoolie bass, but this fish pulled hard, against fairly heavy drag. My First Maine Striper of the Season came in at over 32 inches. After a year of waiting and over 900 miles of driving, not only were the stripers present, they were sizeable! Whew!
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| The first Maine striper of the season was well above average-sized at 32 inches. |
Best Deal –
I had to pay $1 to the State of Maine for
a non-resident’s Saltwater Recreational Registration Card. This is like entering the best “Chop House”
in town and having the opportunity to select your meal from their Dollar Value
Menu.
Best Bite –
Picking Katie up from college in June gave me the opportunity to fish my beloved Connecticut River. At our first stop, on my second or third cast with an F9 Rapala, an aggressive smallmouth bass took the lure off the water's surface. At only 13 inches or so, it was quickly brought to hand; but this Aggressive, Topwater Connecticut River SMB Bite ranks at the top of my list. Of course, the fact that it was with my daughter, at one of my favorite places, and allowed me to time-travel back 30 years or so, doesn't hurt my memories of this fish or its slashing strike.
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| My Connecticut River, above Wilder Dam. |
Most Deeply Ingrained Memory –
Early in June I found myself in a boat with Katie and a guide (Captain John Marshall of River Excitement at http://www.riverexcitement.com/) on a small Vermont Pond. We were having an exceptionally pleasant day, and while the fishing wasn't easy, fish were coming to the boat with decent regularity. Unfortunately, Katie's topwater and jerkbait bite had dried up, while I was doing all the catching on simple black rubber worms. So Katie tried worming for the first time; and shortly after I had caught the largest bass of the day (4.25 pounds on the hand-scale), Katie came tight. In a moment frozen in time, during which all three of us were keyed in on her fish and her efforts, the moment visually unfolded for all of us. Assuming the bass' classic pose, one which I've re-visited several times this year, and many times in my life, her bass came to the surface, tail- dance, shook her head, and threw the hook. We all agreed, this fish was way bigger than the one I'd just caught, and certainly over the magic "5-pound" mark. What a moment; does anything symbolize freshwater sportfishing better than a Leaping, Marginally Hooked, Flare-Gilled Largemouth Bass? If you’re reading this, I bet you can picture moment this perfectly!
Early in June I found myself in a boat with Katie and a guide (Captain John Marshall of River Excitement at http://www.riverexcitement.com/) on a small Vermont Pond. We were having an exceptionally pleasant day, and while the fishing wasn't easy, fish were coming to the boat with decent regularity. Unfortunately, Katie's topwater and jerkbait bite had dried up, while I was doing all the catching on simple black rubber worms. So Katie tried worming for the first time; and shortly after I had caught the largest bass of the day (4.25 pounds on the hand-scale), Katie came tight. In a moment frozen in time, during which all three of us were keyed in on her fish and her efforts, the moment visually unfolded for all of us. Assuming the bass' classic pose, one which I've re-visited several times this year, and many times in my life, her bass came to the surface, tail- dance, shook her head, and threw the hook. We all agreed, this fish was way bigger than the one I'd just caught, and certainly over the magic "5-pound" mark. What a moment; does anything symbolize freshwater sportfishing better than a Leaping, Marginally Hooked, Flare-Gilled Largemouth Bass? If you’re reading this, I bet you can picture moment this perfectly!
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| Katie lost the big one, but shortly there-after landed this really nice bass on the same rubber worm. |
Best Addition to the Arsenal –
The purchase of a
modestly priced, but quality, rod and reel spooled with 150 feet of Copper Line put a lot of Lake Michigan fish in the boat this season. This rig achieves about 40 feet of fish-catching depth, and is lighter all around than the full copper or
full core rigs. Overall, it's easy to fish with, offers a bit more sporting fight, and it generally feels right in the Great Lakes spread!
Best New Technique; -
Early in the season I would have said Rigging Deep with the riggers and big paddles, a technique I’m still working on. It seemed like the big salmon demanded the use of 11-inch paddles with flies 40-plus inches behind, all presented well over 100 feet deep (and down as far as you dared or had the down-rigger cable for.) This isn't really a "new" technique; it's well-known and heavily practiced by many; but on my boat, it's never been super-effective. Yet this year, with the purchase of a 12-pound pancake downrigger ball and a few proven flasher/fly combinations, I had some consistent success, including some salmon and a few really nice trout.
But as the season has progressed, I have to say that Great Lakes Methods for Pike have been my best "new" technique introduced into my boat's arsenal. I'm not much of a piker, I'm generally and historically much more apt to go fishing for bass. But I've enjoyed the year-long pursuit of pike on Reeds Lake this year, and as the conventional methods have crapped out, my use of riggers and cores/boards have accounted for more 30-inch (plus!) pike than the rest of my life.
Early in the season I would have said Rigging Deep with the riggers and big paddles, a technique I’m still working on. It seemed like the big salmon demanded the use of 11-inch paddles with flies 40-plus inches behind, all presented well over 100 feet deep (and down as far as you dared or had the down-rigger cable for.) This isn't really a "new" technique; it's well-known and heavily practiced by many; but on my boat, it's never been super-effective. Yet this year, with the purchase of a 12-pound pancake downrigger ball and a few proven flasher/fly combinations, I had some consistent success, including some salmon and a few really nice trout.
But as the season has progressed, I have to say that Great Lakes Methods for Pike have been my best "new" technique introduced into my boat's arsenal. I'm not much of a piker, I'm generally and historically much more apt to go fishing for bass. But I've enjoyed the year-long pursuit of pike on Reeds Lake this year, and as the conventional methods have crapped out, my use of riggers and cores/boards have accounted for more 30-inch (plus!) pike than the rest of my life.
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| This suspended pike was the first of many to succumb to a crank-bait presented with a down-rigger. |
Best New Water –
I've enjoyed many new waters this season, and of course, Narragansett Bay and a certain, small Vermont Mill Pond come to mind immediately. But realistically, I'll have to say that the best addition to my fishing universe has to be the Grand River above 6th Street Dam. In just a couple of introductory trips, I enjoyed quality bass of both flavors, and with this water's accessibility, I think it will ultimately yield more quality fish in the future!
I've enjoyed many new waters this season, and of course, Narragansett Bay and a certain, small Vermont Mill Pond come to mind immediately. But realistically, I'll have to say that the best addition to my fishing universe has to be the Grand River above 6th Street Dam. In just a couple of introductory trips, I enjoyed quality bass of both flavors, and with this water's accessibility, I think it will ultimately yield more quality fish in the future!
Best Baits –
2012 is the year I rediscovered Crank-baits. I’ve quite a selection, but other than early season, brown trout Rapalas, many do not see much use over the course of the season. (Crank-baits are fun to buy, but a bitch to lose!) Special Honorable Mentions go specifically to Flicker Shads (these are surprisingly inexpensive!) and any Reef Runner! However, please note that I'm not quite ready to hand over my senkos or trolling spoons, yet.
2012 is the year I rediscovered Crank-baits. I’ve quite a selection, but other than early season, brown trout Rapalas, many do not see much use over the course of the season. (Crank-baits are fun to buy, but a bitch to lose!) Special Honorable Mentions go specifically to Flicker Shads (these are surprisingly inexpensive!) and any Reef Runner! However, please note that I'm not quite ready to hand over my senkos or trolling spoons, yet.
Best Cast –
On the aforementioned June trip to that certain Vermont Mill Pond, towards the end of the trip, having endured a bit of a dry spell, I re-focused my efforts. Presented with a bassy haven of a snarl of fallen trees, I chose my target, executed the cast perfectly (remember, I was re-focused); and she was there! She was my last meaningful bass of the trip, and over three pounds. I'd probably not have touched her had I not knowingly pulled myself and my efforts together.
On the aforementioned June trip to that certain Vermont Mill Pond, towards the end of the trip, having endured a bit of a dry spell, I re-focused my efforts. Presented with a bassy haven of a snarl of fallen trees, I chose my target, executed the cast perfectly (remember, I was re-focused); and she was there! She was my last meaningful bass of the trip, and over three pounds. I'd probably not have touched her had I not knowingly pulled myself and my efforts together.
Best Quote (verbal) –
My youngest daughter Marie was along for a family trip to Reeds Lake on July 1. She's not the most enthusiastic fisherman, but she does enjoy a comfortable outing, and she'd already caught a couple of pike. She was relaxing in Numenon's bow while Amy caught the next fish; and Marie's spontaneous “Holy Crap!” when she glimpsed the 30-incher told me she was thoroughly engaged in the moment.
My youngest daughter Marie was along for a family trip to Reeds Lake on July 1. She's not the most enthusiastic fisherman, but she does enjoy a comfortable outing, and she'd already caught a couple of pike. She was relaxing in Numenon's bow while Amy caught the next fish; and Marie's spontaneous “Holy Crap!” when she glimpsed the 30-incher told me she was thoroughly engaged in the moment.
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| Marie enjoys fishing when it's nice out! |
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| This pike resulted in Marie's "Holy Crap!" expletive! |
Best Quote (written) -
I had enjoyed an early-morning excursion with my brother and Captain George Harris of Super Fly Charters (http://www.superfly-charters.com/) in Bath, Maine. Captain Harris did a lot to accommodate us, seems like a nice guy, and put us on some nice bass and blues. Part of my tip for the trip was my Striper Cup Sebile Magic Swimmer; imagine my pleasure at reading this in his August 1 Blog Update (I've made a few grammatical/typing corrections):
I had enjoyed an early-morning excursion with my brother and Captain George Harris of Super Fly Charters (http://www.superfly-charters.com/) in Bath, Maine. Captain Harris did a lot to accommodate us, seems like a nice guy, and put us on some nice bass and blues. Part of my tip for the trip was my Striper Cup Sebile Magic Swimmer; imagine my pleasure at reading this in his August 1 Blog Update (I've made a few grammatical/typing corrections):
- "The first cast with a chugger drew a huge strike and hookup followed by a second hook up courtesy of a striper that annihilated a Sebile Magic Swimmer (that was a gift from my clients yesterday...thank you Steve!!) "
It's good to know that the lure has been put to good (and enthusiastic!) use.
But this pales in comparison to another note I received. Back in May, I received this email after a short trip with some friends I know through their efforts to help our local age-group swim club:
- “Thanks for taking us fishing this morning. "B" and I had a great time. It was probably our best fishing experience of all time!”
Best Fishing Experience of All Time! That's my goal, every day!
Best Astronomical Moment –
While I was launching Numenon in Muskegon, pre-dawn on July 15, accompanied by Kelly S. and his wife, Kathy, a very bright Venus and Jupiter closely bracketed a Mere Sliver of a Moon in the east. I don't have any pictures, because I was in a rush to get out on the lake. That was a mistake; it was a beautiful sight.
While I was launching Numenon in Muskegon, pre-dawn on July 15, accompanied by Kelly S. and his wife, Kathy, a very bright Venus and Jupiter closely bracketed a Mere Sliver of a Moon in the east. I don't have any pictures, because I was in a rush to get out on the lake. That was a mistake; it was a beautiful sight.
Best Gastronomical Moment –
On this same trip, seas were heavier than expected (quick 2- to 3-footers, with occasional 5-footers), and I was getting sea-sick! Fishing was slow and there wasn't much going on; but then not one, not two, but three drags started screaming. Triple Header! With only 2 others in the boat, I had to grab the third rod! I lost my fish, but the other two came aboard, including a teenager king and a World Class 9-pound Steelhead. My sea-sickness subsided, and this dog of a trip had become a winner!
On this same trip, seas were heavier than expected (quick 2- to 3-footers, with occasional 5-footers), and I was getting sea-sick! Fishing was slow and there wasn't much going on; but then not one, not two, but three drags started screaming. Triple Header! With only 2 others in the boat, I had to grab the third rod! I lost my fish, but the other two came aboard, including a teenager king and a World Class 9-pound Steelhead. My sea-sickness subsided, and this dog of a trip had become a winner!
Best Use of Leverage for Charity –
Every year I donate a fishing trip to our holiday charity fundraising efforts at work; the trip goes to the highest bidder. We did this trip on May 19, and fishing was pleasant and productive. In fact, it was productive enough to prompt a request for a second trip with out-of-state relatives. I said "sure"; but they wanted to pay for the trip. I can't do that, and while I'd have done the trip for free, I suggested that perhaps they could consider making a donation to our charities. We executed the second trip on June 23. But the fishing wasn't what I'd liked. We got a couple of really nice steelies, but I simply wish we could have tapped some more fish. In the meantime, I hope they all have fond memories of the couple of World Class Rainbows we landed! And I have to admit, their donation to our Christmas Charities for 2012 Charity Trip II was more than pocket change, at least in my experience.
Every year I donate a fishing trip to our holiday charity fundraising efforts at work; the trip goes to the highest bidder. We did this trip on May 19, and fishing was pleasant and productive. In fact, it was productive enough to prompt a request for a second trip with out-of-state relatives. I said "sure"; but they wanted to pay for the trip. I can't do that, and while I'd have done the trip for free, I suggested that perhaps they could consider making a donation to our charities. We executed the second trip on June 23. But the fishing wasn't what I'd liked. We got a couple of really nice steelies, but I simply wish we could have tapped some more fish. In the meantime, I hope they all have fond memories of the couple of World Class Rainbows we landed! And I have to admit, their donation to our Christmas Charities for 2012 Charity Trip II was more than pocket change, at least in my experience.
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| One of a couple of nice steelies caught during Charity Trip II. |
Best New Addition to my Web Searches –
Let's face it, the Internet has made our fishing time more productive. Whether it's learning, shopping, or checking out the weather and conditions, the information is there. But this year I'd like to thank the Marine Engineering Laboratory of the Great Lakes Research Center for their deployment of buoys in Holland and Ludington. I'd love to figure out a way to show here the types of data and graphical depictions of conditions, but let's just say that a trip to
http://uglos.engin.umich.edu/station_page.php?station=45029
will get you started. Thanks for sharing this data!
Let's face it, the Internet has made our fishing time more productive. Whether it's learning, shopping, or checking out the weather and conditions, the information is there. But this year I'd like to thank the Marine Engineering Laboratory of the Great Lakes Research Center for their deployment of buoys in Holland and Ludington. I'd love to figure out a way to show here the types of data and graphical depictions of conditions, but let's just say that a trip to
http://uglos.engin.umich.edu/station_page.php?station=45029
will get you started. Thanks for sharing this data!
Best (Worst) Case of Rubber Hooks –
During my early June trip in search of Narragansett Bay Stripers, the boat developed a bad case of rubber hooks. Katie's snagging treble for bunker just wasn't working for her, and when we were fishing for bass, the combination of big baits, inexperience, and marauding, tail-snapping blues meant lots of bites, but not too many hookups. Let me be clear, this was no real fault of our
guide for the day, (Patterson Guide Service; http://www.pattersonguideservice.com/PGS/PGS_Home.html), and anybody reading this should be clear that this was a
Great Day despite these issues! We caught several fine fish this day; but our ratio of fish landed:bites was just a little low for the day.
Best Shopping Trip –
We didn't buy a thing, but I really enjoyed my October 14 trip to Hammond’s Fishing Center (http://www.hammondsfishing.net/) in Cumming, Georgia with my brother. I've got some Lake Lanier Striper Fantasies, and I enjoyed sharing these with my bro as we strolled the aisles. My experience with this place is that they have it if it works; the content of the store has been distilled down to what you might need for Lake Lanier. This distillation in some sense represents the numenon of Lake Lanier's striper fishery; while clearly, the striper represents the numenon of Lake Lanier's recreational fishery. So the day fed my fantasies of down-lining trout or herring; long-lining these baits behind boards; tossing Red Fins to boiling stripers; or, as a last resort, covering water by umbrella rigging.
And don't forget that the old man cleaning the bait tanks is the owner! And he's a super nice guy when you take the time to talk with him!
Best Fishing Gift Received –
While it was awesome to find a surprise box of pike baits from Bass Pro Shops, courtesy of my brother, on my stoop one evening, the Minn Kota Salt-Water Grade Electric Motor I received for Fathers' Day, which I used extensively during our Maine Vacation; subsequently a bunch on Arracuda; and further hope to bring some day back to Maine for some more saltwater striper action; is this year's recipient of this hotly contested category.
Best Fishing Gift Given –
While I'm surprised that K. S. didn't proclaim it "gay" when I gave him a birthday gift of Color-coded, Metered, Braided line
with a fluoro leader, this has provided an awakening of sorts to his pike trolling. It aids strike detection, as well as encouraging precision and
replication in his trolling efforts.
Best Guided Effort –
My hat is off to Captain George Harris of Super Fly Charters (http://www.superfly-charters.com/).
On July 31, in the heat of summer, and probably during his busiest time of the season; Captain George was
up by 2 AM in order to meet me and my brother at the ramp. And then he had to get my brother and his wheelchair safely and comfortably situated in his fine Parker boat; and then roar down-river in time to make bait and greet dawn with some finicky stripers. This gave us our best chance for fish, and with time clicking and weather and
seas against us, he worked hard for us. He's willing to burn the gas, too, when I’m sure he’d rather not. We got a few really nice fish, fished some new spots, and had a great morning!
Best Tip –
I was please to be able to give Captain George my Striper Cup Sebile Magic Swimmer as part of his tip for his
efforts. It was a beautiful bait, but just too big for my Michigan applications; and I really didn't envision using it. Captain George was enthusiastic in receiving this bait, and I believe he's put it to good use.
Best “Guiding” Experience –
I don't really guide, but I do take a lot of different folks (including kids!) out fishing during the course of the season. In April, I took a local friend and his son out to Grand Haven for some spring salmon. They'd never fished on Lake Michigan before, and I love Spring Kings! I was on some good fish, and I had some big expectations for the day. When I noted Butch's Beach Burritos along the channel, young Hunter became obsessed with the notion of getting some for lunch. We had a great morning of fishing, caught a couple of "Personal Best" kings, and went straight to Butch's Beach Burritos for lunch. Oh no, they come with salsa! This was a barrier to Hunter, until I explained that it was simply Mexican Catsup; and then he chowed them down.
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| Hurry Up and take the picture! I'm hungry! |
On September 30, friend K. S. and I went 11 for 13 on targeted pike in a half day. That's a great day, but then consider that we did this with new techniques, and 4 of the pike were over 30 inches? With windy, full-mooney, cold and clear conditions? These results are way out of bounds of expectations; my enjoyment of the trip correlates strongly to this factor. This trip also gives me the confidence to keep trying for Reeds Lake's Biggest Pike!
Best Individual Fish –
Pondering this, I keep coming back to my early June Narragansett Bay Blue? I've caught bigger blues in the past; and I've caught bigger salmon and stripers this year. But this fish was unexpected; it matched the (bunker snagging) tackle; it jumped and flared; and there was a visual element when I caught it like a pro when I “dropped” a bunker head down to a chasing bass. While I did a Palm Beach Release of a much bigger blue later in the season, that fish was much less interactive. And so this 10- or 12-pound blue, caught on the bunker snagging tackle, the biggest of the season seen by the guide to that point; wins!
Pondering this, I keep coming back to my early June Narragansett Bay Blue? I've caught bigger blues in the past; and I've caught bigger salmon and stripers this year. But this fish was unexpected; it matched the (bunker snagging) tackle; it jumped and flared; and there was a visual element when I caught it like a pro when I “dropped” a bunker head down to a chasing bass. While I did a Palm Beach Release of a much bigger blue later in the season, that fish was much less interactive. And so this 10- or 12-pound blue, caught on the bunker snagging tackle, the biggest of the season seen by the guide to that point; wins!
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| This bonus blue beat out the striped bass I was dropping the pogie head to! |
Let me also say that it was a pleasure to fish with Captain Brian Patterson of Patterson Guide Service (http://www.pattersonguideservice.com/PGS/PGS_Home.html). He's another super nice guy with a beautiful boat and nice gear who more than entertained me and Katie for a long morning's fish. I learned a lot about what I've been missing on Narragansett Bay!
Best Overall Trip, Guided–
I offer this category with some trepidation, because I was fortunate to share trips with 3 nice guides this year. Each trip was successful in its own right, and really none was truly better than the others. I'd recommend any of them (that's why I've included hyperlinks), based on your interest in their respective fisheries. And yet, if I have to pick one, I'd give this category to Captain John Marshall of River Excitement (http://www.riverexcitement.com/index.html).
Maybe it's as simple as More Time = Better Experience? I spent a full day with Captain John, as opposed to half days with the others. But I have to recognize that our day with Vermont largemouths was great! This was Captain John's Plan B based on recent rain and Connecticut River conditions; but he provided a quality experience. Katie had never really bass fished before this and his patience and efforts to help her succeed were obvious. Katie grew as a fisher-women; and overall, the day exceeded expectations. The fishing was simple (though not necessarily easy), and he provided quality (sensible) gear. To top it all off, Captain John seems like a super nice guy! I left the water that day at peace with myself, proud to have shared such a day with Katie. I look forward to sharing Captain John's boat again, either with Katie, or with another girl in the family.
I offer this category with some trepidation, because I was fortunate to share trips with 3 nice guides this year. Each trip was successful in its own right, and really none was truly better than the others. I'd recommend any of them (that's why I've included hyperlinks), based on your interest in their respective fisheries. And yet, if I have to pick one, I'd give this category to Captain John Marshall of River Excitement (http://www.riverexcitement.com/index.html).
Maybe it's as simple as More Time = Better Experience? I spent a full day with Captain John, as opposed to half days with the others. But I have to recognize that our day with Vermont largemouths was great! This was Captain John's Plan B based on recent rain and Connecticut River conditions; but he provided a quality experience. Katie had never really bass fished before this and his patience and efforts to help her succeed were obvious. Katie grew as a fisher-women; and overall, the day exceeded expectations. The fishing was simple (though not necessarily easy), and he provided quality (sensible) gear. To top it all off, Captain John seems like a super nice guy! I left the water that day at peace with myself, proud to have shared such a day with Katie. I look forward to sharing Captain John's boat again, either with Katie, or with another girl in the family.
Best Overall Trip (Non-Guided) –
On July 13, I skipped a little work; collected Numenon and Katie, and headed to Lake Michigan. There we were greeted by better-than-expected conditions; and we got on some fish right away. Over the course of the evening we got on some quality fish; got some decent photos; and I enjoyed 8 straight hours with my daughter and super good friend.
On July 13, I skipped a little work; collected Numenon and Katie, and headed to Lake Michigan. There we were greeted by better-than-expected conditions; and we got on some fish right away. Over the course of the evening we got on some quality fish; got some decent photos; and I enjoyed 8 straight hours with my daughter and super good friend.
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| I should be at work, but Fish On! It's a good day! |
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| Beautiful fish, beautiful conditions. |
Best Picture-
I can't tell if I took this photo, or if perhaps Captain Brian Patterson of Patterson Guide Service (http://www.pattersonguideservice.com/PGS/PGS_Home.html) snapped it and shared. But really, what else can I say about this?
I can't tell if I took this photo, or if perhaps Captain Brian Patterson of Patterson Guide Service (http://www.pattersonguideservice.com/PGS/PGS_Home.html) snapped it and shared. But really, what else can I say about this?
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| Katie's biggest ever Striper! |
So I didn't really set any records in 2012, but I enjoyed a lot of time on the water with a bunch of different folks. I tried a variety of new things, I brought old tools and techniques to new situations, and I grew as a fisherman while enjoying myself mightily. Looking at the winners outlined above, I sense a few commonalities: if an outing was better than expected; simple as compared to complicated; and if I contemporaneously took the time
to reflect on the situation, it was a winner!
How does this enhance my personal numenon? I've still got a lot to learn, but if I keep those three elements listed above in front of me, I'll enjoy things more and be better off. Moreover, others have brought a lot to my experiences this year; thanks to all for what you've given me. I hope the folks that participated in these experiences are better off for having shared these times with me.
How does this enhance my personal numenon? I've still got a lot to learn, but if I keep those three elements listed above in front of me, I'll enjoy things more and be better off. Moreover, others have brought a lot to my experiences this year; thanks to all for what you've given me. I hope the folks that participated in these experiences are better off for having shared these times with me.
So "Thanks" to all who shared in these adventures, and also to all who've read this and any other part of my blog! May the adventures be keener, and the blogging more interesting, in 2013!
