A week before Christmas, OTW publisher Chris Megan and I were wading the shoreline of Cliff Pond on Cape Cod, in the shadow of the freshly snow-covered hills, casting metal lures for trout. The branches of the trees hung low under the weight of the snow and just as I was admiring the beauty (and shivering to stave off the 19-degree wind chill), Chris announced, “Fish on!” When the fish came to hand, it was one of the most handsome rainbow trout I’d ever seen – its freckled, dark-olive back giving way to a faint pink stripe, its belly as white as the snow on the ground behind us. The fins were perfect, the tail full and squared off – had we not known better, we might have thought it a wild fish rather than one of hatchery origin. The brilliant colors of the trout contrasted spectacularly against the white-washed hills around the pond, making for one of the most picturesque moments of my entire 2011 fishing season.
But you’ll have to take my word for it.
The camera was in the truck, a long, cold hike from the action. So despite being caught by the publisher of a fishing magazine in front of the magazine’s assistant editor, not a single picture was taken.
Which leads me to one of my fishing-themed New Year’s Resolutions – take more pictures and carry a camera at all times.
So what are your fishing resolutions for 2012? Get out more? Introduce someone to the sport? Post your Fishing Resolutions in the comments section, and we’ll give a 6-month membership to the Red Tuna Shirt Club to our favorite post.
My resolution is simple, to catch my first blue fin tuna on Stellwagen Bank this summer…then my second, and third, and fourth …..
For sure CPR more fish. I promise to have My Camera ( with FRESH batteries ) with me at all times.
I resolve to urge my sons to join me more this year for fishing as there is nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than being on the water. There is always something to see on every trip.
I am going to start fishing the $4.99 a pound live lobsters so when and if I get skunked I can eat my bait when I return home, any leads on a harness for lobsters greatly appreciated.
My fishing resolutions for 2012 are to teach and take a troubled kid fishing ,take a veteran fishing and to volunteer at the powder mill hatchery in Nh. On salmon day . And to enjoy each and every moment I get to spend fishing . And to learn to fly fish .
Besides getting out more, I plan to try different things, and above all, TAKE SOMEONE FISHING!!
My resolution is to finally get on the OTW TV show with my friend Jeff Werner via the contest we won at the Striper Cup a couple years ago with our “Fat Guys Fishing” intro and closing.
I HAVE TWO: 1) TO ALWAYS HAVE A “CANNON” ROD WITH ME SPOOLED WITH 50 # BRAID WHEN I AM FISHING P’TOWN HARBOR 2) TO FISH THE “NEVER BEEN FISHED BY ME” SPOTS THAT I HAVE BEEN THREATENING TO FISH, INSTEAD OF THE “OLD FAITHFUL” SPOTS.
HAPPY NEW YEAR… YOU GUYS ROCK!
At the risk of sounding like Wilford Brimley telling you to check your blood sugar, my resolution is to “Fish, and fish often.”
I’m also making it a goal to find a good fishing spot in Waltham, and for me and my Dad to take my nephews fishing to get them hooked. Pun very much intended.
Is wondering why my first post is no longer up here.
I’ll start 2012 by participating in the West Bay Anglers weekly Lobster Raffle, benefits the Take a Kid Fishing and Make A Wish organizations, a great way to winter over. Sponsor a membership on the Aquidneck Island Striper Team for a needy veteran. Continue to pursue saltwater fishing activities from boat, shore and kayak that supports the mission of the Aquidneck Island Striper Team.
My New Year’s resolution is:
12 in 2012…I am going to work my hardest to catch at least one striped bass from the surf every month this year. A modest goal, but challenging to some degree. February and March will require a lot of long drives and hard fishing to find stripes, but I am determined to get it done. I missed it this year by two fish (February and November).
Sign up for the StriperCup and win one of the monthly prizes !
My resolution is to get my 9 and 7 year old sons addticted to fishing has bad as I am!!!
With all the pressure on the fishing stocks and my desire to have future generations have the same opportunity to fish like I do my resolution is to practice more catch & release and when I do decide to keep a Striper to limit it to one. It’s important in lieu of regulations changing that those of us who love fishing set a good example, police ourselves and hope it rubs off on others. Happy New Year.
My resolution is to get another 50# pin after 2 years just knocking on the door. (more a promise than a resolution)
My resolution is to put my 11 and 12 year old sons into every species possible in our 24 ‘ boat. Top of their wishlists are tuna and mahi
Resolution in 3 parts:
1. Get it done for 7 months in Afghanistan (Semper Fi).
2. Make up for lost time when I get back by fishing with my son and daughter.
3. Enjoy the land of the free…more fresh fish on the table from more time on our gorgeious home waters.
To never give up and to think more like a fish!
To buy a boat so I can take my kids out on the water and do more fishing like we were hoping to do this year.
I’m pushing 70 now, I have allways fished but It was a joy to watch my 8 year old grandson catch his first striper in the Canal.
Take your kids fishing, they will never forget it !!!