Fishing Bests of 2013

To be honest, 2013 wasn't the greatest fishing year for me with respect to tangible results.  I didn't travel much, I largely missed out on an incredible Lake Michigan Salmon Season, and I endured a very long slump while I pursued muskies.  I often fished alone, and I don't have that many pictures worth sharing.

And yet, 2013 was possibly my most Fishing-Filled Year ever.  My part-time employment in the Fishing Department at C's filled my schedule to the brim.  I've met many new friends (mentors, co-workers and customers) there, and I've learned a lot from them.  Hopefully I've shared a bit of fun and experience with them.  And while this effort has required some sacrifice (both personally and by my family), overall I think it has been a Positive Growth Experience.  These efforts are positioning me for better things in the future; not the least of which is largely financing our February 2014 Florida Fishing Trip.  And my thoughts are filled with fish as I practice my Internal Appreciative Inquiries.

As I review my photo files from the year, obviously some good things took place.  So here are my nominations for "Fishing Bests of 2013!"

*****

Best Part of Part-Time Employment - I met some new guys who are passionate and knowledgable about fishing.  I've developed new friendships and shared boats with some; and will do so with others in the future.  Some of their passion and knowledge has rubbed off on me; I've tried new waters and techniques and targeted new quarries based on this experience.  That's why I'm there.  It's certainly not for the money!

Big Nick loves to fish!  He's a Good Guy!

Best New Way to Spend A Spring Morning -  When I learned that our local musky enthusiasts were sight-fishing, I figured I should give it a try.  Blessed with perfect conditions and a little bit of luck, I successfully sight-fished my first outing; and most of my season's plans were de-railed as I quickly succumbed to a morbid Musky Addiction.  Seeing that first musky lying in the weeds, and watching her respond (positively!) to my pitched senko was more exciting and memorable than fighting and landing her.  

That first musky ignored the more traditional baits, but could not resist the Wacky Senko.  The Gliding Rapala at the left has since become a Musky Fave and may see some Florida duty in 2014.

Best Bass and Setting - Early one morning at the end of June I launched Arracuda for the first and only time all season.  The fishing wasn't great, but the conditions were; and this chunky bass ate my Silver Minnow weedless spoon in a text-book setting.  This fish was complemented by several other bass and a nice dog-fish, too.

Not the most giant bass, but she was caught on my Terms and Conditions; and look at those Bass-y Conditions!

Best Paddle-Powered Outing - What more could I ask for than a couple of canoes on the Connecticut River and some smallmouth bass?  How about all my girls and a chance at a giant?  Let's have Katie do all the paddling, too, while I concentrate on the fish.

I simply love the Connecticut River around Hanover, NH.

Best Shore Fish -  I've caught hundreds of stripers from my occasional shore position over the last decade or so.  Until August, the largest one I've landed there was the first.  That fish was a total fluke and was destined to be caught; I never should have landed her on the tackle I was using.  Since then, I've hooked many large fish, but moorings, chains, pilings and lobster pots have claimed most.  The occasional bad knot, thrown hook, and rubbed line have taken the others.  For whatever reason, this 37-incher successfully came to hand on August 1.  She makes me wonder about the others I lost over those few days of 2013 effort.   I could use heavier tackle and have a chance at these fish; but then I know I won't appreciate the more numerous, typical-sized bass I meet in this water.  All I know is that this fish on my tackle, in this setting, strikes the balance of success and frustration.  I could stand there all summer for the possibility of encountering others and landing a few.

My largest ever shore-bound striper ate a mackerel head on August 1, 2013.

Best Sunset -  A weeknight evening of fishing on Lake Michigan out of Port Sheldon was topped off by a beautiful sunset in extremely comfortable conditions.  We caught a couple of fish, too!

While the fishing wasn't great on August 14,  conditions were beautiful.

Best Hot New Lure - When proven patterns don't pan out and the clock on your entire season is ticking... it's time to try something different.  And so I broke out this Rapala DT20 late in the season when Reeds Lakes pike were not responding to my typical trolling presentations.  I've had this bait for years and have had some success cranking deep summer bass with it, so it's not really a new bait; but it was new to this situation.  It was also very different than the shad and smelt imitators I'd been dragging around the lake.  Long story short, this bait on a flat line, out in Reeds Lake's basin quickly turned the late-season outing around as multiple, nice pike fell for her.  Expecting more of the same during my next (and possibly last of the year) outing, I was surprised as she remained silent.  Time once again to try something different in an effort to save the day.  I was pleased to find that this lure, grinding bottom in 18 feet of water or so, triggered big bass and pike.  In fact, she then proceeded to catch the biggest bass and pike of Numenon's season within 100 yards of each other.

Rapala's DT20 caught fire for near season's end.

Best Bass - Simply put, she was the largest bass I've encountered in several years; she was verified at well over 6 pounds; she had the look of a true sow; and she swam away to be caught again (I hope.)

She was the first fish of the day as well as being Long! Fat! Heavy! and Bulgy! #NovemberBass!

 Best Pike -  Reeds Lake is an awesome urban fishery, and while I know a 36-inch pike is not considered to be "large" across much of the the pike's geographic distribution,  I don't encounter them all that often.  I've seen only one Reeds Lake pike larger than this (although I have heard stories of others), and my sample size is not inconsiderable.  This November 16 pike had the body, determination, and dentures to earn "Best Pike" honors.

36 inches and with good body condition.

Best Setting to End the (Open Water) Season - I was supposed to winterize the boats and do other chores on November 24, but taunted by recent success; better-than-expected weather; and the immediate availability of a partner with which to share the day, I went fishing instead.  Crappy, end-of-season weather turned bustling Reeds Lake into my own private 400-acre pond; and we notched a final 30-incher for the year.  I'm pretty sure Numenon was the last boat off the water for the season, as the next day the docks were pulled.  I got what I could out of this local gem in 2013.

Reeds Lake was my private domain at Season's End.

Best Fish Landed - I can't really argue with July 12's second musky of the day.  She wasn't quite as large as the one I subdued on July 6; as monstrous as the one I briefly struck on June 13; or as acrobatic as the first of the day, which somehow attacked my top-water PaceMaker from above.  But she was the first legal one that I held and photographed.  At over 43 inches and in the low 20's, she's the biggest-ever Esox aboard Numenon.  She legitimized my efforts and fueled dreams of more and larger muskies in my future.  I had acquired the Musky Itch from co-workers at C's; she legitimized my efforts there, too, as the expansion of my fishing interests, abilities and experiences was a primary reason I had taken that on.  If there's one symbol (numenon?) of my fishing efforts and experiences for 2013, here she is:

First legal musky in the net!  There were bigger ones, better strikes, and clearer memories; but she broke the ice and validated my efforts.  And, like every other fish pictured here (except for Nick's Salmon), she swam away, apparently unharmed!

*****

And so may I simply offer my "Thanks" to all who fished with me; motivated me; tolerated me; or shared in these adventures; and also to all who've read this and any other part of my blog!  Here's to a Fine 2013 and to an Even Better 2014!

Not half bad, by certain standards.

Gifts that Keep On Giving

My immediate family isn't too beholden to tradition; about as close as we get is a semi-required annual viewing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  In this holiday classic, Cousin Eddie was sincere with this reminder to Clark regarding his subscription to the Jelly-of-the-Month Club; "It's the gift that keeps on giving!"  What could be better than that?

Cousin Eddie- from the web!

My home and life are filled with such gifts, and I just want to remind all that you never know when that small item of appreciation can grow into something really important to the recipient.  A few that come immediately to mind are a Grouper-head vase and a "Bathtub Angler" sailfish picture from my brother; and a modest sculpture of a fisherman, bank fishing from the rocks, but captured forever in the very moment of snapping his line while fighting a fish.  (Thank you, Mom.  And while I was initially bummed when the line first snapped, I think with time this has enhanced the sculpture's dynamics and meaning to me.). There are many others; and as I review these in my mind, I realize that much of the "art" collected in my home pertains to these gifts.  Once again, thanks for these gifts that keep on giving!

Much of my outdoor gear falls into the Perpetually Giving Gift Category, too.  That includes a fair portion of the stuff that I have coveted, but wouldn't purchase for myself.  Just this past year I can recall the addition of my StormR neoprene jacket and Bogs muck boots to my arsenal of outerwear; these became instant classics!  I look forward to many more adventures in these.

Back in 1980 my Dad gave me one of the most influential gifts ever when he provided unlimited access to a new Bass Tracker III.  I was no longer stuck on shore or limited to smaller waters and paddle power.  While we probably could have done a little better with our catching, I was then able to expand my experience and techniques; and we ran into a few hawg bass, pickerel and panfish.  We travelled a bit and this all fueled my fishing dreams.  When I arrived in Michigan, I had a solid foundation for bass fishing, but I knew there were other fish to be caught.  I've been building on that foundation since.

One the more recent,  meaningful gifts was an unexpected replacement pole.  On a beautiful July day, young K was battling, and had almost bested, what would have been the largest salmon in a few seasons.  Near the boat at last, the salmon panicked and took one last run.  The rod torqued in K's hands and the braided line burned his thumb pretty well.  This was, literally, a blistering run!  K's natural reaction was to release his grip, and I helplessly watched the salmon and my gear swim off behind the boat.  After an awkward silence, we re-set lines with determination to put this event behind us; and shortly there-after K's dad landed the season's best salmon.  The trip was  a success.  Losing gear is part of the game, and we had a pretty good story to go along with our day.  But I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to later receive a gift card from K and his dad; this gift substantially subsidized an improved replacement set-up; and I can't use, see or think of this setup without thinking of the fish, the day, the story, or our friendship.  Thanks, guys.

You should have seen the one that got away!

But I'd really like to think I'm not a "thing" guy.  The stuff isn't as important as what you do with it.  And so the particular gift of which I've been thinking is "The Trip."  I'd hit rock bottom in 2009 when I fell in the driveway a month after back surgery.  My family recognized my need to get away from our Michigan Winter, at least temporarily, and so for Christmas, they arranged a trip for me;  airfare, a place to stay, three days of guided fishing, cleared work and family schedules, and even a fishing companion to share it with.

Double digit seas were no problem for Reel Busy out of Stuart.  

3 for 6 on sailfish, when most other boats wouldn't even try!

The sailfishing was grand, the kings were awesome, and we did have one day of comfortable conditions; but mostly I've held onto memories of surf fishing in big seas and freezing conditions on an abandoned beach.  It was, after all, the best blue-fishing I've ever stumbled upon.

Things have simply just gotten better since that fall on the ice.  I can't thank my girls enough for recognizing (and acting on!) my needs.  They're better at that than I am, for sure, but I'm learning!   And so they are accommodating my current employment situation, which entails a fair amount of (selfish) time away from home.  But it's helping to finance my future adventures, because they've taught me that you can turn day-dreams into reality.

This was supposed to be about little things; maybe simply my Tilley, a hot-spot and a thermos.  But little things add up, and I clearly have little control over where these entries go.  As we enter the peak of our holiday season, let's simply remember that little things do make a difference, and these things, tangible or not, are best shared with others.

Analysis, Catalysis, or Paralysis

“Hey, Jackie Chiles, what do you have to share with us today?”

Jackie Chiles - from the web!

“All my clients are victims of Analysis, Catalysis, or Paralysis!  Give me the green light and I’ll figure out the best angle to get this lawsuit started!”

***

Jackie sees Victims, but “The New Steve” sees possible Beneficiaries.  What’s the difference?  None, just perspective and which side of a transaction you happen to be on.  Just be aware that these three states moderate our (in-)actions and outcomes.  Each can save your life, or leave you there, holding an empty bag.

·       Analysis!  I’m an analytical guy.  I depend upon and thrive in the presence of Data.  I need information.  I need a basis for decisions and to be able to envision how things work, and to anticipate probable outcomes and associated consequences.  I need a plan.   I don’t just start fishing; each cast or trolling spread is a calculated attempt at maximizing my contact with the fish of choice.  My fishing attempts are a well thought-out process under constant scrutiny.   But I can spend so much time and effort thinking about it, that I run out of time or energy to do it.

·       Catalysis!  Let’s get something going!  Recognizing a desire for a nice Striper Boat or multiple Tropical Bluewater Fishing Trips in my future, but not really seeing the means to secure these sorts of things, I took on a second job.  Some Fish Cred should spin off from this effort, too, and I should be in position to act on certain future desires.  Similarly, you can’t catch them from the couch; given the chance to fish, go!

·       Paralysis!  But it’s so easy to just stay on the couch!  There are so many reasons to do so!  Ease!  Inertia! Fear!  Lack of Information!  Warmth!  Dryness!  Laziness (?)  OK, I won’t accept laziness, but I could certainly disguise my lack of enthusiasm for certain endeavors as arising from a lack of pertinent information.  Of course, not doing sometimes makes more sense than actually doing it (think “safety”); but the opportunity cost of not acting is unknown.  Rarely are there Accidental Heroes and you’ll never know what would have happened on a trip you didn’t take.

Now I really like fishing, and one aspect that I appreciate the most is simply figuring the day’s situation out.  Given available time, access and materials, what’s my best bet to catch some nice fish of choice?  And since I probably won’t get it right with Plan A, what are Plans B and C?  What tools do I need and when’s the optimal time to switch gears?  I’m motivated by all this; I’ve taken on a multi-dimensional, dynamic puzzle and I Iove seeking its solution.

And yet, don’t certain of my friends and acquaintances still catch fish and enjoy themselves, without really knowing what the “H” is going on?  Haven’t they saved themselves a ton of effort, angst and expense?  After all, haven’t I largely taken care of that?  And aren’t they occasionally better off, maybe sipping a beer in the comfort of their homes instead of battling the elements and unwilling fish?  Don’t they “win” when I’m dark, cold, wet, lonely, broken or fishless?

Let’s consider a recently planned trip to Lake St. Clair.  Analysis quickly indicates that the cure for my Muskie Fever ain’t “More cow-bell!”, but rather access to some quality fish; and that the greatest numbers of fish with the radius of a reasonable day trip reside in this world-class fishery.  With quality smallmouth and largemouth bass as Plans B and C, respectively, a day off work and a seemingly good weather window, it appeared as though I’d finally launch Numenon on her waters.  But I wanted to share the day with Katie, and while she likes fishing a lot, she doesn’t really embrace extreme fishing; and faced with an all-day effort, a long drive, unknown waters, and a mildly marginal forecast of sea conditions, when I noticed an atmospheric ripple sweeping across St. Clair from the southeast (the most unprotected direction from our access point) the night before our trip, it was all too easy (even though Numenon was fully loaded for each anticipated St. Clair scenario) to fall back on Plan D, which called for a continued, joint muskie quest on local Lake M. 

And so we enjoyed a full day’s effort, casting and trolling for muskie without a single fish encounter.  It was, truthfully, a beautiful and pleasant day, and just undertaking the effort provided a great deal of satisfaction; but the day still did little to cure my fever.

Imagine my trepidation when Mr. H (who previously appeared in February’s “Twice in One Night!” entry) approached me the next night with the enthusiastic greeting, “Let me tell you about Lake St. Clair!”  It turns out he’d been to St. Clair the day before; conditions were comfortable; and while the bass fishing wasn’t great, it was fun.  At least he hadn’t crushed muskies in my absence, but now I knew I’d missed an opportunity.  And yet I know I can’t really belittle the Lake M experience I’d shared with Katie.

I see this battle every day, and at both jobs.  I find myself often “damned if I do and damned if I don’t” at my primary work; and I have customers every night who, while obviously shopping, are unable to buy an item based on lack of information, too much information, fear of being screwed, or their private  internal demons.  I have other customers who are probably dooming themselves to a life of debt and bad credit, and yet others who seem to have substituted consumerism for substance abuse.  I’ve pretty much decided that “doing” is better than “not doing” if the analysis hangs in the balance; there’s always some comfort in appreciation of the process and effort in lieu of poor results – if it comes down to that.  And you just never know what might happen.  It could be something good and memorable!

These thoughts have all sorts of other fishing implications.  One that is crystallizing for me over the last few years, is “If it’s not working, change it!”  So whether it’s a trolling spread, speed or direction; another presentation; targeted species, technique, location or water body, I’ve developed an openness to changing my tactics.  These could be sweeping changes or minor alterations.  After all, even if I’m operating with the latest and greatest equipment and information…if it’s still not working, I need to change something.  To continue otherwise would be insanity.  And yet, I also have to recognize, that maybe what needs to be changed is my timing; and that my efforts, similarly executed at the right time, will be properly rewarded.  Crap, re-reading this paragraph, maybe this isn’t about fishing after all!

Can I think of our lives as an ongoing War between Catalysis and Paralysis, as moderated by Analysis?  We’re either acting on information or not; and we may or me not be utilizing that information properly.  I was recently told at a work In-Service that our effectiveness might be based on 85% soft “emotional” skills and 15% hard “technical” skills?  What am I supposed to do with that; are my strengths really that marginalized?  I know I have an uphill battle if that’s the case.  I know I’d at least like to argue that the proper ratio is more like 60/40. 

But maybe I should just cut right to it.  As the main character in Pain and Gain asks; “Are you a Do’er or Don’ter?”

So...are you a Do'er or a Don'ter?

I’m not sure he was too burdened by analysis, and things didn’t work out so great for him.  So maybe there’s hope for me and my path.  In the mean-time, I’ll take credit for the things I figure out, keep trying, stay safe, and merely enjoy any good results that I stumble into.  I have to believe that catching a giant fish intentionally, as planned, is better than catching the same fish by accident; but those happy accidents are also acceptable.  They too, are worthy of celebration.