Overfishing our Waters

Recently, I have been reading about overfishing. Basically, the gist of the matter is that if we continue to overfish our waters as we have in the last 50 years, it is possible that we can deplete species of fish without even knowing it.

Look at bluefin tuna. Look at sea bass. The depletion of many of the fish that we enjoy is largely due to the 12,000 pound nets that large fishing vessels use to catch fish. Quantities of them.

The New York Times, for example, recently ran an article on overfishing. When we go to a store and buy fish, we are contributing to a demand of that fish. When you read this article, you will understand which fish we should and should not buy. There is another article in the September/October edition of the Utne Reader that explains how we have overfished our waters and what we should and should not buy as consumers.

The nets are the most disturbing. Portions of both of these articles, in addition to a bunch of other items of news currently in print, has defined a major problem: nets don't just catch fish, they destroy centuries-old corral reefs, ruin underwater environments, capture and kill sea turtles, and the list goes on.

As a consumer, you can ask about the fish. If it was farmed, it it very possible that it contains chemicals. If it was caught and imported, it was more than likely caught with a net that might have snagged some precious coral somewhere. Do you want to support this destruction? You have a choice to ask about the fish you are buying.

The safest and least destructive forms of fishing occur off the coast of Canada. This would include wild salmon, North Atlantic Cod, and other types of fish.

I never really knew about this problem until my awareness was tweaked. Hopefully, I have done the same for you.

Blue Ocean Institute

I think that we all know that the resources in our oceans are changing every year, if not every day. Overfishing, depletion of species, waste, plastics...all of these things contribute to a scenario of impending doom...if we continue on this path, our oceans will no longer be able to support not only the life that they contain but the lives that depend on it.

I think one of the more disturbing stories I've read of late is one that appeared in the New York Times. In this story, the author compares the difference in resource levels (tangible and non-tangible) over the past 50 years by showing a video of observations made from a raft (very interesting, imho). The article, which appeared in the dot earth blog of the New York Times, provides real data on a topic that we all should remind ourselves about.

Blue Ocean Institute is a not for profit organization that fosters education and outreach in an effort to educate people on the resources of the ocean. I learned about the institute while reading an article on sustainable seafood in the Utne Reader. The Institute offers a lots of sea related information like which types of fish are okay to eat; it even offers a text messaging service to send you reminders on what to eat when you go out to restaurants.

As fisher "people," we have an obligation to respect the sea. As consumers, we have a responsibility to make choices that are in our best interest, as well as for the greater good.

Think about it - if we stop depleting our resources (by overfishing our oceans), there will always be "plenty of fish in the sea." If we continue on this path, we will be passing our empty oceans onto future generations. Did our ancestors treat us with such disregard?

Sometimes, History Repeats Itself

Last year, I went to Richmond. My best friend Amber and I hiked along the James River. This is when I learned the story of the Snakefish, a fish that looks like an eel, swims like a fish, and has the capability to walk on land. This makes the fish more like an amphibian than an actual fish!

In today's issue of the New York Times, it appears that there is a team of scientists who have been studying the archaelogical remains of some of the the first fish that transitioned into creatures resembling amphibians.

We live in awesome times with awesome research tools and technologies!

Silver Sands...

On Sunday, I ventured to Silver Sands State Park to do a little seaside fishing. I had recently gone to this state park on a "picnic/walk date" not really looking at the park from a "fishing perspective." (On that particular night, mind you, we saw an owl fly over us - AMAZINGGGG!!!!) I figured that since I was in Milford, I might as well try out the fishing.

When I got to the park, I walked across the long, environmentally considerate (in other words non-pressured treated wood) bridge that spans the marsh and minute estuaries. Upon reaching the beach, I "hung a ricky" and eyed a stone jetty (I believe it is shown on the website link herein). I spent a good three hours out there, casting a fake eel for stripers and a few smaller metal lures for perhaps a baby blue or a porgy. No dice.

It was an adventure to just go and fish - I always enjoy the solitude and peace that fishing provides. It is a relatively low-key activity that definitely has its own rhythm. Fun times!

To Fish or Not to Fish? It's not a question of desire, but time!

One of my reader's emailed me the other day stating that I had not been writing much lately. Truth is, I just haven't made it a priority. I haven't done that much fishing lately. I love it, however I have been busy with a 3Hr round trip commute, traveling, and seeing someone phenomenal. Lovely. Kind. Sensitive. Intelligent. Interesting. Integrated. Wonderful.

So, I am in lllooovvveee. I've been a little side-tracked from my fishing addictions. But if you read back into my blog history, there was a cold, snowy night in Vermont...

Alas, my heart. Fishing will resume momentarily.

Life's a Beach...and then you live!

There is something special about fishing off of the beach. Chest high waders in the fall or just mucks in the summer, it is an experience every fisher should have.

Recently, Field and Stream featured an article on the top 20 places to fish. Montauk, NY was one. Check out the striper!

Now it appears as if this guy used a top water lure, kind of like a popper. My father has been successful with live eels from the shore. You can also use live mackerel or other "swimmers."

Planning a trip to Montauk is easy from Connecticut. As a matter of fact, this article has inspired me to plan a trip for the Fall...October....Ahhh...

The River Wild

Earlier this evening, I was walking from the Beacon Falls train station after work. As I crossed the Beacon Falls bridge over the Naugatuck River, I realized the level of water in the river. I originally had hopes of spending the evening trying my hand at fly fishing (in other words, practicing my roll cast a la Mark).

I heard some splashing in the river as I crossed over it. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught something yellow. It was a bunch of kayakers, taking advantage of the overflowing water level which is amazingly high, especially for this time of year.

The water levels are really high. I was reading an article on stripers and the Housatonic River. It is arguable that the high water levels will make striper fishing more plentiful. When the levels calm down, I am planning on checking it out in Stratford or Milford. Are you?

Foot - peche-ish

I read an article today about a tiny Turkish carp that is used in the beauty industry in Japan for -- get this -- PEDICURES! A salon in Alexandria, VA is now performing the procedure...for a price!

These tiny fish nibble (they are toothless, so maybe they suck) at the feet of customers. This would actually make sense because the carp that I have seen do not have teeth but rather large, velvety lips.

Check this out!

http://www.abcnews.go.com/Travel/popup?id=3515313

What's in a URL?

Have you ever logged onto a website using a URL that you thought was correct? And what you received was merely a different website? Sometimes, it is actually really very embarrassing what you find. Like once, I put in www.boa.com (looking for Bank of America) and I got a beaked bird on my screen. They really should recoin the phrase “surfing the web” and change it to “fishing for URLs!”

The other day, I typed in the following website by mistake, thinking it was my own: http://www.fishinchix.com/shop/pc/home.asp

I have now learned about a woman-owned business called fishin chix – they specialize in lots of fishing related activities.

So, what’s in a URL?

Pro-Party Boat

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a party fishing boat in Provincetown. I took our friend Mark - he LOVED it. They took us for stripers and blues...we managed to catch sharks. And only sharks. One kid caught a pretty awesome fish that looked like a sea carp. Very cool.

Party fishing boats are a "reel" blast if you allow yourself to accept that (a) the gear is not yours and (b) the guy running the gig knows it all.

We went out for 1/2 day. It was $35.00 a head and they provided the bait, rods and reels, and sodas for a buck. For the money and time, it was fun!

When I was a kid, we did the party boats out of New London, CT. The one we took was called the Mijoy. I believe that they are still in operation today!

Next time you're planning a fishing gig for the family or time out at sea with friends, think about a party boat. Totally fun and reasonable!

"Train"ing

This morning, I awakened and walked to my 6:13am train. It was kind of an overcast morning, slightly gray with a mild temperature of 61 degrees.

As I cradled my hot cup of coffee and crossed the Beacon Falls bridge, I heard a wisp. The wisp of a fly – the sound so familiar - flowing back and forth at the end of someone’s fly rod. The river was running fast but over all of that noise, I could still hear the sound.

It is like the sound of a distant train that you could hear from your childhood bed as your lay there in the still of the night. Or the sound of peepers in the spring as the sun sets. Familiar. Real. Present.

I glanced down to the left and there was a man, standing in the river. On his back was a trout net. He wore a dark green fly fishing vest and donned a baseball cap backwards. Oh, how I wish it were a Saturday morning and I could put on my boots and join him. As my bridge crossing came to an end, I glanced back once more and there he stood with a small brown in his hand, delicately removing the hook. I stopped and watched him return the fish to the calm waters below me.

Wisp. Snap. Wisp. Snap. The sound lulled me on the train ride to work.

Dogfish Head

OK, today's entry is far more shallow than the previous entry. Dogfish head is an IPA (India Pale Ale)..a beer, not an actual anatomical component of a fish!

These IPAs come in 30 minute, 60 minute, and 90 minute varieties. Check out the Dogfish site!

This particular IPA is quite tasty and for me, it delivered quite a punch. I think that I managed to get tipsy from consuming two of these beers.
90 minute IPA

So, just when you thought that a dogfish had a tail (and a head), think twice before you go to buy beer the next time around! IPAs are more potent, similar to the bite of the bigger, stronger fish...

Catch and Release

So much of life is unexpected. Just when you're not looking, it strikes. Life, a fish or the fleeting idea you have attempted to capture for a good portion of a day.

Many thanks to Heather for sharing this beautiful Sarah Rossiter poem with me.

Catch and Release

It was once in early May, a raw day,
Bitter, on a western creek, I crouched
Beneath a weeping willing, expecting
Nothing, resting really, the black back
Eddy smooth as glass when suddenly
The rod tip bent with such great force
I almost fell, but didn't though
I couldn't move, it was that cramped
Beneath the tree nor could I even raise
My rod. I could only hold my breath,
The reel singing, line spun out,
Pulled by what I couldn't see, but
How I longed for just a glimpse,
A glimpse would be enough, I thought,
Until a glimmer showed itself, a flash
Of light deep in the dark, and then,
Of course I wanted more, the all of it
To see and hold before releasing,
Letting go. Like life, the way we're meant
To live, to let each breath be all there is,
But seldom do; it isn't easy.
Perhaps I prayed, I can't be sure, but
Inch by inch, the fish drew near, until
The moment, timeless, now, a rainbow
Like a blessing rose, shimmering,
A gift bestowed.
- Sarah Rossiter

It Just Dawned on Me

I am slowly beginning to learn and understand that not everyone likes to fish. I guess I could have taken a clue last year when I set up this site when my hit counter was 5 and no one was commenting. I don't know a lot of people who revel in tatting, but I have one friend who does it. The point is that your hobbies tend to dictate some of who you are.

Over the years, I have consistently found that fishing grounds me - centers me. Even if I don't catch anything, just the action of casting, reeling, and being with nature can do wonders for the soul. The trickling of the water, the birds, the sunshine on my shoulders that makes me happy (OK, no more bad John Denver interludes).

I find it logical that my hobbies and interests include those types of activities that one can do alone. I am very good at being alone. I always have been. I enjoy people so much more now than I ever did before (not that I am a curmudgeon-like social recluse), but I still appreciate the morning hours - when over the horizon, orange hues rise to meet the darkness of the sky, which we call dawn.

Fishing Shows Proven to Increase Cardio Vascular Activity

The other day, I was on the elliptical at the gym. I was plugged into a sports channel (via headphones) watching reviews of the Yankees and college hoops. Within about 10 minutes, an AWESOME show came on about walleye and small mouth bass. These fish were fighters and all I can say is that the small mouth bass were all fat and happy! It was by far the most realistic fishing show that I have seen in quite some time.

To me, there is nothing more misleading than a television show that portrays fishing as some totally active, always "on" type of sport. Fishing requires patience, respect for nature, serenity, and a keen eye for "spots." These guys did a great job of describing lures, showing how to properly catch and release, all of it. Problem is, I don't remember the name of the show. They were two middle-aged men who had obviously been doing this (fishing and making the show) for a while... I'll update my blog if I think of it.

And my workout? Well, it ended more rapidly than I anticipated...thanks to the awesome fishing show! Tips up!

Stepping Up in the World

I recently heard a story on the radio about the installation of a fish ladder in Carman's River, in Brookhaven, NY. A fish ladder. As if fish have feet and can climb.

The fish ladder is used to bypass an impassible waterway. The ladder allows the fish to get up the river to spawn. In the case of Carman's river, the fish could never get all they way up the river to spawn. With the installation of the fish ladder, the fish can now "climb" up the river to spawn via the ladder.

The concept of a fish ladder has been introduced in a number of aquatic environments. All I have to say is, "Dam!"

Opening Days are here again....

For many New England states, opening days are right around the corner. This means that it is time to dust off those reels, rig some poles, grab some live bait or flies, and hit a lake or river.

I recently ran across a nice fishing calendar from New York State. These are the kinds of calendars that you can keep and refer back to when you're not sure where to go or what to hit each weekend. I used to be a bit more diligent than I am now and mark goals and trips in my calendar. I have recently had some synchronizing problems, what with a blackberry, a google calendar, outlook, and then my home calendar.

Point is - organizing some time to fish this year. There are lots of events for kids (i.e., the Simsbury Take a Kid fishing day, the Take Me Fishing program, and even the state run No Child Left Behind program).

Fishing is family-oriented, fun, and easy! Some places even offer clinics - take a look around!

Just for the Halibut II

OK, I ran across this recipe and HAD to share:

Pan-Roasted Halibut with an Iberian Stew of Chickpeas, Chorizo, and Cabbage

Can you say YUM?!?!

For previous halibut recipes, see my previous entry.

The Mouth of the Housatonic

I love it when I see pictures of beautiful striped bass. The Friends of the Housatonic River have a nice display of stripers, bluefish, and other types of fish that team around the mouth of the Housatonic River.

While the fall is usually the best time to go river mouth fishing (fish go up river to spawn), the spring can prove fruitful, too.

I love to try new things. It is all about adventure. Would it not be awesome to snag a couple when least expected? I think that is the most magical thing - when things happen when they are least expected.

Insulated waders and some hot vegetable broth (with cayenne pepper) in a thermos, an overcast day, and a few fishing poles. Bliss.

Dam! What a Great Idea!

Well, if you have paid attention to the news lately, you read about the influx of water into the Grand Canyon. Thanks to the Federal Government, you can now enjoy class 5 rapids...just kidding.

The release of 300,000 gallons of water/second into the Grand Canyon is a Federal experiment to determine if nutrients and sandbars can be rehabilitated by opening dams and flooding rivers. If I were a hungry fish, I'd be excited.

In the Housatonic River in Connecticut, it has been stated that the fish are fatter and happier as a result of a similar influx of water, however natural (i.e., flooding). Hard to believe the influx of H20 would be good for fishing, though. I mean, if the "floods" brings added nutrients, plankton, and other plant life, why would a fish want to nibble a gnatty fly?

Let's have a vote, folks - see the SURVEY to the left.

Down East Magazine covers Rangeley Lake

Once touted as a lake full of bass and a river full of trout (with cabins and boats to boot), Rangeley Lake is a fisher's paradise.

This month's issue of Down East magazine covers the fishing in Rangeley Lake (as well as a partial review of the accommodations). The article focuses on trout and bass. The pictures are beautiful, really.

I've been going to Maine every summer since I was a child. I have never taken the opportunity to fish inland (i.e., lakes and rivers). I have always hit the ocean, as that is the locale of the tiny coastal fishing village (Friendship) that my family has frequented since 1948. An article like this has prompted me to consider other ventures. I mean, it is nice to dream of stripers up the St. Georges River, but why bat an eye at a lake that is connected to a river (via a man made dam) that is FULL of wonderful fish?

I will ponder an overnight stay. Here is information on Rangeley Lake Resort.

Striper Surf Day

Well, it's a good thing there isn't another <"p"> in the word Striper! That would make for an interesting coastal activity in CT in March!

So, some might think it is still too cold and wet to golf right now. It is never too cold to golf. Unless there is snow on the ground and the greens are covered for the winter - a common sight in New England. Golfing in the cold requires some creativity and effort - like the people in Switzerland who choose to make Snow Golf a pastime.

The other day, I was driving over the Connecticut River. Upon initial glance at the river, the <'GRINDING'> of the gears began and the churning would not stop. Look at all of that water and potentially, FISH!

The other day, I received a flyer in the mail through a bait and tackle shop I once visited in Old Say. The flyer was promoting Striper Surf Day.
Here are the details:

• March 8th, 2008 10:00am to 4:00pm


• River's End Tackle 440 Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook
  Click here for directions


• Live presentations, including "How to Rig an Eeel"


• Shimano Reels will be introducing a new reel (Spheros)


• ...and more!!!!

These events are fun because they allow you to interact with other fishing buddies and learn new things. Sometimes, you find yourself receiving an invitation to fish somewhere different. Kind of like golf - you meet someone, they play golf, and the next thing you know, you're playing at their club!

Fishing and golf are a lot alike and seem to attract a similar type of individual. A person who is at ease doing things alone or with others and is similarly comfortable with the peacefulness of each activity, respectively.

More on this later!

Fishing 101

When you started playing a sport - any sport - you were a beginner.

Just think back to your beginning days on the tennis court. Learning about deuce, scoring, foot faults, acing, lobbing, and game, set, match. When you learned how to play golf, a whole new dictionary emerged: par, bogie, eagle, birdie, bunker, drive, chip, and the list goes on. Fishing, believe it or not, doesn't really require an extensive vocabulary. It does require patience...and the possible recognition of a few things in your tackle box... like needle-nosed plyers, leaders, and a Dare Devil.

If you have never fished (or only in a derby when you were 8), the most important thing is to hope to catch nothing...zippo...nada...then, if you catch something, you will be absolutely thrilled with yourself. It is all about managing expectations!

Fish Eye (it's a Pinot Grigio, not a sporting predicament)

Well, if you have perused the average wine shelf in a liquor store lately, you are well aware of some of the labeling of today's wines. Sadly for some, the wine is horrible but the labeling sells it.

Here are some examples:

• Mommy's Time Out


• Jealous Bitch


• Fish Eye

Fish Eye is actually a fairly nice, light and crisp Pinot Grigio. The label also produces a cabernet, merlot, and a chardonnay. It is great for that summer day where you just don't want anything heavy. Believe it or not, it is offered as a boxed wine, too (which may tell you something about the quality, but it is kind of good). Did I say that about boxed wine?

Here are some of the labels that I would introduce:

• Roe, Roe, Roe Your Boat


• Troll in the Motor


• Bobber, Bobber on the Pond

Of course, I'm only hoping that my non-fishing friends get these!

Castaway on Coastal Oregon

Tonight, I find myself dreaming of a cross-country road trip. I want to take my Jeep, Gertrude, to fish Coastal Oregon for Chinook and Steelhead. Drive my Jeep onto the beach, make a fire, fish all day, relax, maybe cook my catch and just hang out catching fish for a few days.

Some would argue that this sounds like a man's daydream. Stereotypes aside, it is really the dream of anyone who loves to fish. Once it is in your soul, you don't let it go.

I could stop in Washington State and pick up some trout fishing and maybe even Idaho and hit a lake or two. I'm not sure what it is about this year of my life. It feels like everything is opening up right in front of me. This will truly be a year of exploration and adventure for me - I feel it.

I finally got the rod holders put onto the front of my Jeep. Correction. I finally got all of the necessary hardware to have it done. My goal is to have it on by the end of February so that I can drive it on the beach in Provincetown this spring. There is a fishing tournament there in March (more later on that event). Back to the west coast and travelling to it.

I have never driven across the country. I have lived in California, Arizona, Connecticut, Virginia, New York, and Washington, D.C. I have travelled to many states for business - but I have never driven across this country. Maybe I'll make it my 40th birthday expedition.

Ideally, I'd like to go in May. Months between March and June are the best months for Chinook (King) Salmon fishing. Some argue that the fall is good, too (which would probably work better for my schedule). It would also be a great time to travel since it wouldn't be as hot. I could camp out under the stars...or find some luxurious hotels along the way. Tonight, I'm feeling adventurous and rugged. When the time comes, I may fancy plush robes and sandalwood bubble baths. We'll see.

Look at these fish:
Steelhead
Chinook (King) Salmon

How great would it be to drive out there and fish? Talk about adventure. I could pick up a couple rounds of golf on the way, too! And here I was, wondering what I was going to do with my severance check - the Fishing Fund!

Snakefish of the James River

Sounds like the title of a book.

I was in Richmond for my birthday last weekend, visiting my best friend Amber (who incidentally, owns and runs Artemis Designs in Richmond, a landscape architecture and design firm). As my best friend of 20 years, she STILL LISTENS TO ME!

We took a long hike one day and crept along the border of the James River. I had to get a little bit closer (of course), which lead to a conversation about the types of fish in the river (i.e., catfish, small mouth bass, and snakefish).

The Snakefish





Ugly little critter!

The scariest fact about these "fish" is that they can move on land using their pectoral fins. They can live out of water for as many as three days. Jurassic River?

On a more serious note, the Snakefish can potentially be detrimental for the James River as well as the tributaries downstream. A snakefish is a combination of a snake and a fish. These “fish” have been noted to destroy families of other types of fish, causing extinction and other environmental issues. The primary issue is that these fish do not have a natural predator. For example, where a striper might eat an eel, the snakefish is too strong, adept, and camouflages itself so well that it virtually cannot be preyed upon.

If a snakefish is found or caught, it must be gutted or decapitated. In Virginia, it is illegal to own a snakefish. The DEP has information on their site; that is, if you are interested in learning more about these seriously ugly fish. And let me tell you that if these fish have teeth as sharp as a pickerel, I wouldn't want to be dangling my toes in the water near these puppies!

These fish have been documented as far up as Washington, DC. Similar in appearance to the bowfin and eel, these detrimental fish present with the following qualities (which will help you determine the future of your catch):

• As a family, snakeheads are native to parts of Asia and Africa. The northern snakehead is native to China, and possibly Korea and Russia.


• Typically found in a wide variety of habitats


• Northern snakeheads grow to a maximum length of about 33 inches


• Generally tan in appearance, with dark brown mottling; body somewhat elongated; long dorsal fin; jaws contain numerous canine-like teeth (similar to pike or pickerel)


• Capable of breathing air using an air bladder that works as a primitive lung (not found in most fish)


• Able to hibernate in cracks and crevices during cold temperatures and to go dormant in the mud during droughts


• Voracious top-level predator, eating mostly fish, but also eats other aquatic wildlife and frogs


• Capable of moving short distances on land using its pectoral fins; can live out of water for as many as three days


• Favored as a food fish throughout southeast Asia; also believed to have curative powers. Also sold in the aquarium trade.


• Four species have been found in the U.S., in eight states, probably the result of releases from personal aquariums or to develop local food sources


• No natural predators in the U.S.

If you ever catch a snakefish, kill it.

Florida Fishin'

A friend of mine recently approached me to assist her in planning a fishing trip for her to take with her nephew. Alas, a fishing guide travel agent I just might be…how fun!

My recommendations included a few options for a great fishing excursion: red fishing in Tampa Bay, butterfly peacock bass fishing in the Everglades, and possibly a charter out of Ponte Vedra. I recommended against Cabo since it is too far and for obvious reasons, probably over the top for a 14 year old.

Red fishing in Tampa Bay
Last May, my parents chartered a boat to go red fishing in Tampa Bay for the day. We caught tons of redfish with this guide and even hooked into some snook, which are awesome fish to fight. He cleaned the fish and we ate it for dinner - fresh, yummy - did sesame soy I think. Anyway, the guide's name is Greg McCullough - southern gentleman and explains everything. Click the link above - and tell him I sent you! Phone 813-478-5310

Tampa also has lots of other stuff to enjoy - beaches, great restaurants, golf, etc. You have to hit Frenchy's Cafe in Clearwater for a grouper burger (or two). And Crabby Bills...and Island Grille...

Butterfly Peacock Bass
While I have never gone on a charter with these guys, I follow their site (it is a link on this blog – see left). They seem to know their stuff. Butterfly peacock bass fishing is fun - I did it as a kid in Orange Park, FL at my grandparent's house on Doctor's Lake.

Here is their website if you want to check it out!

Overall, there are lots of options for Florida fishing. Considering it is a state that is surrounded by water, you shouldn’t find that hard to believe!

Ponte Vedra Charter
Another option is Ponte Vedra – Atlantic side – near Jacksonville. This resort offers tennis, golf, and guided fishing trips.

Florida is surrounded by water. In addition, there are lots of inlets, lakes, rivers, and streams, not to mention intercoastal waterways which provide lots of fishing opportunities. Canals can offer a nice afternoon of feet-in-the-water fishing off of somebody’s dock.

Roll up those pants and get your feet wet!

Mid-Winter's Night Daydream

It is possible to daydream at night? I think it is! The winter is a perfect time to conjur up ideas for travel, adventure, and future goals. I daydream at night a lot - it gives me a chance to take a pulse on the accomplishment of my goals.

For example - surf casting. Last year, I bought surf casting rod holders for my Jeep. I envision myself driving up to the surf on the Cape in Massachusetts or Rehoboth or Dewey Beach in Delaware, lights on at night, casting live or fake eels for stripers. I have ALWAYS wanted to do this - I have this feeling that 2008 is the year for this very event. I will be in Provincetown in February - not really striper season, but definitely a chance to enjoy the coastal fishing village in the off season!

My problem is that I am obsessed with adventure. Learning new things, seeing new places, and exploring. I would love to surf cast a few beaches from the Cape to Delaware - just for fun. I don't know from where my obsession derives. I am just very interested in seeing new places, doing new things, and trying to learn better, more efficient ways, of functioning as a fisher-woman!

My nephew received the gift of a fishing trip from my brother for Christmas, complete with waders and fishing poles. I never saw the eyes of a child so wide with anticipation and excitement. My father shall accompany them, wherever they decide to go. I love planning fishing outings - especially when a child is involved.

So, the rule is to daydream this winter. Daydream a mid-winter's night daydream. You never know what adventuresome ideas you might develop and act upon. The winter is a time of contemplation, yes, but it is truly a time for dreaming, planning, and preparing for spring adventure!