Leap Day 2016 List of Fishing Aspirations

February has seemed exceptionally long this year, and there are only so many hair jigs that one can tie in a month.  To battle a temporary funk at my desk, I spent lunch on February 29, 2016 compiling this simple list of modest fishing aspirations for 2016.  Maybe by compiling this list, I will remember to act on more than a few of these items in the upcoming season.  Maybe I'll be able to reflect fondly on these in the depths of next winter.

Hair Jigs; originally conceived for cold-water bass, this obsession has crept into my preparations for panfish, trout and upcoming saltwater opportunities.  I expect to glide, swim, thump and float these, and I expect that they will be an expanded part of my arsenal this year.

New England; it's been a few years since I've gotten to fish hard in New England, but with my youngest's choice of college in place, it looks like there will more opportunity to visit the region in the future. I'm already thinking about relocating 'Arracuda to a Maine back yard, and it will be sweet to target stripers from my pond boat.  I'd love to launch her in the Connecticut River or some Cape Cod ponds, too.  I'm thinking about some strategies for more effective surf fishing (either in Westport or in Maine), and I think there is a chance that my schedule and geography could intersect with some Funny Fall Fish for the first time this year!

Florida; in a month I will be in a new-to-me part of Florida (Captiva), and I am looking forward to meeting some new species.  I'll go sleepless if I think I have to have a chance at jumping a tarpon.  I'll settle for a steady stream of ladyfish, jacks and trout if I have to.  Sharks, snook and reds are on the list, too.

Milwaukee; any time I can fit it in, I think it will be worth it.

Michigan Smallies; I have to go back and fish St. Clair, Traverse City and Leelanau.  Repeatedly; and starting earlier than last year.  And let's not forget the opportunities in new and/or forgotten waters; Crystal Lake, Manistee Lake, Platte Lake, Hubbard Lake and so many others!

"39 Hours"-type Competition; based on a Canadian TV/You-tube show, how many different species can you bag in 39 consecutive hours?  How many of those are the largest captured in that time frame by your competitors?  Who's cool enough to take me on with such a task?

New Folks to Fish With; I have a list and good intentions.  When will our schedules allow?

Simple Things; let's not forget or overlook the importance of little, simple events in the quality of our lives.  I think I'll enjoy returning to the Grand Haven Offshore Challenge, trying McEwen's soft water from a small boat, netting a muskie for a partner, exploring some new water, and perhaps getting a picture of a new Personal Best 'llunge.

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What do you know, undertaking this exercise worked!  At the end of Leap Day I created a short list of near-term fishing chores, and I banged them out in between walking Ollie, cooking dinner, cleaning up and all that a late-winter weekday night (with pending snow storm) can offer.  Two rods are now rigged and ready to go (1/16-ounce black bucktail and a Shadow Rap jerk bait), and my Black Rabbit Craws are done!