is completely different than 5 years ago, 10 years ago or when it all started back in my youth. I'm posting this after much reflection after #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& and my good natured debate or should I say de-bait. Anyway #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&, I hope you took that as good natured fun, but it did get me thinking. I've caught bunches of big fish, trophies to most, of varied species and I am no longer in this game to catch the BIG ONE. Not that I don't fish presentations, locations, times of year and weather conditions, that will generally give me the best chances of catching quality fish. It's just not what drives me anymore. It's all about the experience, not just the fishing; the entire package. It's getting up to see the sun rise or set as the case may be. It's about getting away from the stresses of the business and the associated responsibilities. It's about letting my mind clear, breathing some fresh air, feeling the sun on my face, enjoying and appreciating nature and yes; catching some fish along the way.

I could be out from 4 am until 2 pm, catch but a small handfull of crappie on a local pond and still call it a great day. Pursuit of the trophy fish isn't what it is all about. Maybe it's about reaching an age, where your priorities change or you just appreciate the things around you that went unnoticed earlier in life. For me anyway I find the early morning quiet, the fresh salt air in my face, the sounds of the waves on the ledges I fish, the warmth of the sun after a chilly morning to be ample reward. Throw in a bunch of schoolies and I'm happier yet, a keeper or two and I'm in heaven. I count the weekdays, sometimes feeling like a ten year old days before Christmas. Like a great wine, I can't wait to drink in the great outdoors and refresh the spirit.

Anyway, my computer woes are behind me and I'm passing on my joy, my spirit is lifted and I'm back to counting the days before the weekend. The week started out grim, but things are looking up. Tomorrow afternoon it's off to the Marshfield fair with the family. Saturday morning it's some striper fishing. Sunday my wife's parents are in for a 3 day visit and life is looking up.

Tight lines all, enjoy the experience, don't get caught up in the game.

You have lost your edge, man! That makes you a good sport not a sportsman. Next thing you know you'll be paying someone to take you out in their boat. When you tell stories of clashing with the mighty sea in your tin boat and then tell us your doing it for the fun of it I see a mild contradiction. As far as other species.... well lets see STRIPED BASS. COM. Oh, I can see clearly now. I'm sure they have a shark board and crappie board on WMI. They used to like to bust mine and Bills chops over there too. Go check it out. I'm just covering for ol' man Nolan while his daughter is sick. WHo is GOt Stripers really? Tweak.

Hope all is well Bill.

Dave B.

No contradiction Cowboy, just different reasons behind the quest. You bet your *ss I will risk a good soaking/pounding to get out for the day, but it's not because I've just got to get my shot at the trophy fish. It's because I need my weekly fix and I fully intend to get it. Am I out there fishing for the biggest stripers I can hook, yes and no. No by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&'s standards, because I'm not out there standing in the surf all night flinging live eels. Yes by my standards because the hours I usually fish, the structure I fish and the presentations I use, do produce both numbers and some big fish. The difference is that I'm not disappointed at the end of the day, if all I've caught is a bunch of schoolies. Am I going to move locations if all I'm getting are 20-25 inch fish, not for a minute; because I'm not trophy hunting anymore.

Doesn't mean I've lost the edge, because I fish conditions in my little tin boat, that would keep most 20-25 footers in the harbor. Don't think for a minute I don't love the chase, but that's only part of the complete experience and I don't live and die for the big one. Tweak me all you like, I can exchange tweaks with the best of them, lol. That's why I started this with #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^& in the first place, he obviously wanted some heat and I was more than happy to cooperate, lol.

Tight lines.