Rappin’ and Leadership*

One of the things I do best at my primary work is seasonal, educational outreach for the efficient implementation of a specific data collection program.  This program has been an integral part of my “career”, and I know I can unabashedly and indisputably claim to be “The World’s Foremost Provider” for this particular endeavor.

This outreach effort requires a bit of concentrated state-wide travel, and as I recently prepared to embark on my first trip of this season, I grabbed some music CDs for the truck.   Early into the trip, I was reminded about (awakened to?) the power and genius of (insert the hip/hop rap star of your choice; but I’m referencing a particular artist.)

I’ve never been a huge fan, and I suspect that we are different types of guys, from two worlds apart.  At the very least, I’ve had a strong Father Figure in my life, and I’m sure I’ve had other advantages (if only stability!) along the way.  I’m not angry, nor do I have reason to be.  But the guy is a Gifted Wordsmith; and he has been (and might be, again) at the pinnacle of his craft.  Who am I to discredit that gift through dismissive contempt, simple unawareness or naked oblivion?  He’s truly got a rare and unique talent.  No doubt.  He has been a good companion for most of my work-related travels, and he laid down the beat for my personal, silent sound-track which has been playing on “loop mode” for most of my recent conscious hours.

About 30 years ago, at a sort of leadership training symposium for a position I held in college, I was introduced to, but chose to quickly dismiss, rap as legitimate art.  This introduction was from perhaps “The World’s Foremost Student and Legitimate Professor of Rap” at the time.   To add salt to my wounds, I’ll also admit to dismissing aerobics as actual, worthwhile exercise on the same day.  After all, where were the horns, melodies, weights and bulky muscles?

Well, time has shown that I was simply wrong on both counts. 

I don’t mind being wrong (after all, I’ve enjoyed plenty of music and exercise, mostly without rap and aerobics in the last thirty years), but I now know I should not necessarily be quite so quick to form an opinion, close the door, or feel comfortably smug about my presumed correctness.

So; “Cheers!” to Champions of Diversity and to other Voices, Crying out in the Wilderness!  At the very least, these folks make things interesting; and to their credit, they can be a source of new ideas, tools and perspectives, any of which one might choose to adopt for one’s comfort, effectiveness, sanity or betterment.  And one never knows, who might be That Voice for oneself?

*Please keep in mind that this entry could easily have to do with the use of Rattlin’ Raps for impressive catches of pre-spawn smallies; but that’s another story.

Florida 2014 - Anticipation!

OK, Florida is not Costa Rica, but once you start thinking about it…it’s still pretty darn attractive, especially when compared to Late Winter in Michigan.  As we made our family holiday plans, various options were in the mix.  Unfortunately, both time and money remain limited and our families are awfully spread out.  We’re all on different schedules, and there was no pleasing everybody with any single plan.  Most destinations within realistic consideration didn’t offer the required seasonal allure, were too difficult to reach, or had too much uncertainty with winter weather and associated travels.  A family vacation to Costa Rica is still in the cards; just not right now.

But the Middle Keys are bathed in warmth from the nearby Gulf Stream; have inshore, offshore, reef and bridge fishing opportunities; are somewhat familiar; and are within an easy day’s travel (given good connections and flight schedules.)  So when we* found a suitable boat rental opportunity; available lodging in a prime location; and coordinated flights within our constrained schedule, it was all too easy to succumb to Florida’s temptation.  We’re Do’ers; it’s booked.  We’re going.  Marathon, here we come!  And so now I get to enjoy the Anticipation! Phase of the trip.

First; can you imagine stepping out the door to your boat, already docked in the water and ready to go?  Can you imagine the boat being a suitable platform for any of the fishing opportunities mentioned above?  Can you imagine bait-wells and outriggers, appropriate anchors and GPS?  I envision this 22-foot Dusky center console (AmyBaby22!) as my admission to Fishing Graduate School.  I’m going to have to put my book learning to good use and produce some tangible fishing results.  I’ve got a week to graduate from this intensive program.

I’ll be bringing my own equipment (I think), but of course traveling with fishing gear is difficult.  I’ve got to be smart about what I take with me.  I’ve got some fine gear, but a lot of bases and possibilities to cover, so most everything I bring will be put to multiple uses.  I’ve got access to much of what I’m thinking about at C’s, but I also know there’s a Bass Pro Shops/ World Wide Sportsman (and other local options) just down the road from where I’m staying.  Should I procure it now or later?

Where to start with the actual fishing?  In my dreams, I’m offshore with appropriate bait, and sailfish and dolphin are the targets.  Tunas and king mackerel are welcome, too.  Heck, Atlantic Sharpnose Sharks, jacks and bluefish are welcome.  If I catch it offshore, fair and square, for myself, I’ll be pleased.  Will I be trolling or power drifting?  I don’t know; it will depend on the availability of bait.  Will the bait be caughten or boughten?  Fresh or frozen?  I just don’t know.  I’ll simply have to deal with the situation at hand at the time.

I know the sea conditions might be iffy in February, and I can’t be too crazy with my efforts, so near-shore patch reefs and bridges might be my best realistic option.  Free-lining some shrimp, pilchards or silversides should bring a piscine cornucopia into the boat, and I hope I’m prepared for the occasional pelagic or grouper that might stumble by.  Should I encounter any barracuda, I hope to enjoy their fight, but then put them to work as bait.  I love working up the food chain as I fish, and this will be a new one for me.

And of course, there’s always the back side of the Keys and the inshore opportunities these present.  Navigation here (and lack of local knowledge) might be my biggest obstacle on this side, but this will also represent my safest refuge from the weather.  Whether I end up covering structure, channels and mangroves, or pulling some schooling fish (Spanish? Blues?)  into a chum slick out in the open water, what a fantastic Plan D (or E or F!)  

It’s not as if my Anticipation! is not accompanied by some Trepidation!  I can’t help but think it would be a bummer to spend all this time, effort and money, only to have the fishing fall flat.  Weather is probably my biggest enemy; but believe me, boat problems, missed opportunities, gaffing gaffs, and general confusion and lack of proper execution have all crossed my mind.  I’m just committed to doing the best I can with the conditions at hand, and to be pleasant to those around me.

I sure hope my girls join me (at least occasionally), and I hope I can provide some good memories for them.  I hope they have lots of fun without me, too, because I expect to fish a lot during my boat rental period.  After all, in addition to having just a week to make hay and explore new waters, there’s The Kingfish Bet that I’ve entered with a co-worker.  “Best” King Mackerel (or, in their absence, Spanish, Cero or Atlantic) of 2014 wins a free lunch.  Different water, different boats, different schedules; all that’s required is photographic evidence of a single, legally-taken specimen of the agreed-upon species and a Gentleman’s Agreement at the end of the year as to whose is “best.”  Size matters most, but we’re willing to incorporate other mitigating factors such as tackle, conditions, acrobatics, etc.  I haven’t lost a similar bet to my co-worker yet (carp, smallmouth bass, brown trout and northern pike have all been kind to me), and I certainly have no plans to lose this year.

I expect to return home dead tired, but motivated to finish off winter.  I hope to have my diploma in hand, ready to take on a local Post-Doctoral Opportunity in Muskellunge or Salmon.

*By which I actually mean A.  She’s awesome.

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.