“WINTER…It’s That Time Again”

Up until “New Years” and the recent early January “cold snap” we were still fishing the Susquehanna River and catching some nice bass and lots of fair sized Walleye… All the while trying to squeeze in some deer hunting. But even I have my limitations! It has just been too darn cold to be out there and I have hung-up the ole fishin’ sticks… At least for awhile.

Early January also marks the beginning of my “Show Season” with the “Fishing Expo” at Timonium, Maryland and the BIG Harrisburg, PA, show soon to come. But I still keep thinking about spring, and all of those 100 and 200 boated-fish-days of March, April, May and June, on the Susquehanna River. And my mind keeps wandering to the day Rod, Tyler, Len and I boated more BIG Smallies than we EVER had in one day. Or the tournaments “Burger” King and I kicked butt in. AHHH… The memories!

I have started with the basics… “My own big BUTT” and started the new “Dr. Adkins Diet” a couple of weeks ago. My buddy Rod has lost almost 40 pounds on this regime, and if HE can do it, I KNOW I can! So far, so good, and the pounds are starting to come off.

Next, I plan to GREATLY reduce the amount of tackle I haul in my boat next year. NOBODY needs THAT much “Stuff”. A few years ago, I went to the “Small Box and Bag” system, using PLANO 3600 and 3700 series “StowAway” boxes and one of their bags (Tailor the bag you use to your needs).That way, I can take along ONLY the lures pertaining to the time of year, location, conditions, etc, that I am going to face on that particular day. No use in hauling around top water lures when the water is 42 degrees! I am also cutting down on the number of “colors”, of any given lure I am taking along, and reducing the “type” of lures I take on each outing. This is going to require some thought, and some choices, but I think I can do it.

That is about all I can do for now. I REFUSE to cut down on the “What if” stuff in my boat… The 6ft X 8ft tarp I keep for a rainy day “break” under a tree somewhere; the tool box and extra parts I KNOW I will NEED someday; all of the extra ropes and lines; the water scoop/pee can combo; and all of those types of items.

Of course I CANNOT reduce the rain gear, rain boots, first aid kit, flare kit, boat paddle, push pole, landing net, anchor, and all of the other “Must Have” items the law and common sense dictate.

Maybe I could quit taking a lunch? Or cut down on the “Clear America” water and sodas? Or get rid of the “Snacks Box”? Or get a lighter partner? I can see that there are going to be some TOUGH choices to make and I’m not sure I can even cut down on the number of “Rods” I take along on each trip.

Decisions! Decisions! I wonder if people who play golf have these problems? OH HECK!! WHAT am I THINKING? I DID just order a NEW boat! I wonder if it will handle a 150???

Tight Lines,
Will Whitehead
"Pro Staff" Director