Fisher of Men

Hey folks, After reading the debate over "Hawg hunting" vs. "Regular bass fishing", I got to thinking. I am a certified hunter education instructor, and in the Texas hunter ed. curriculum there are five mindsets/phases of sport hunting (many of you may be familiar with them). They are: 1. Shooter stage (most often new hunters only concerned with getting more shots.) 2. Limiting out stage (self-explanatory; taking a limit is priority) 3. Trophy stage (again, self explanatory) 4. Method stage (concerned with "how" the harvest was made more than the harvest;i.e. bowhunting, muzzleloading, etc.) 5. Sportsman stage (concerned with just getting out and enjoying the hunt/nature, etc.) I have often thought that these stages were very similar to the mindset of many fishermen as well. My curiosity set me into changing the names of these a bit, and asking which of you are currently in each stage. As in the hunter stages, a hunter doesn't necessarily have to go through all of the stages, but I was curious as to which stage you are currently in, and, if you care to, comment on any special thoughts of previous stages you've been through. A brief explanation of the re-vamped "fishing" stages follows: 1. Casting stage- concerned with getting casts, with little regard to patterns, lure choice, etc.; just getting the hook in the water; maybe new to the sport. 2. Limiting out/tourney stage- catching the limit (perhaps for the table) or for the tournament. 3. Trophy stage- self explanatory. 4. Method stage- perhaps fishing from a tube; spinning tackle, flyrods, light line, etc.; limiting yourself to one type of tackle, etc. 5. Sportsman stage- just happy to get out and catch some fish for the recreation. I know it might be hard to nail down, but which stage are you in? Thanks ahead of time for your input! -Fisher

Yeah, Eddie, that "Santa Smile" is hard to beat. Wait 'til she gets a little older and it will be preceded by a loud shrill scream. It makes it all worth it.

I got a loving, caring family and (continue to have) Jesus in my heart. I also got some new Aggie apparel (pullover, necktie, t-shirt, and new football 12th man jersey- Gig those Golden Bears on Thursday!!), a new pocket knife, a BPS card for $35, some Zoom Horny Toads, and a pair of vise grips. The three of us also had a very fun silly string fight this morning under the tree. . . "What was Santa thinking?" as we cleaned up the mess. . . not that bad after all. Even if I would have gotten nothing, I would be so blessed. God bless you all this Christmas, Fisher P. S. Remember to read Luke Chapter 2 with your family if you haven't already.

That's awful!! However funny, though.

You go Russ. Never mind what Jim said. Since you guys will deliver right up until Christmas, when will you get a break? I know you must be tired and need some R&R after such a busy delivery season. It seems like you view your job as a service (and outreach) opportunity which is very upbeat and promising. Keep it up!! I do appreciate what you do, and have a Merry Christmas!! -Fisher

Seriously, I don't know. Like Avid said, it's all a big estimate. I've seen bass that were short and chunky, long and chunky, and bass that have chunks in different spots. Of course (not that I know anything about smallies having only caught one in my life) I would assume that their bodies are made up a little bit differently. The only way to be certain is to weigh on a precise set of digital scales. Of course, mine are always broken.

Take off a pound? Are you crazy? I have a perfect "weight calculator" right her between my shoulders and it's perfectly accurate. The bass is always a pound larger, we all know that.

But whales don 't multiply as fast as roaches and chickens to my knowledge. Raul, dang it. . . this was a serious discussion! Now, you've gone and made me laugh!! Now, back to the discussion. You guys have brought out some good points. I, too, have heard that Russia, Japan, and China are some of the worlds worst "rule breakers" and "overharvesters" of fish in the ocean. But, what, if anything can we (the citizens of these United States) do about the situation. Who, in fact, polices the oceans? It's not like there's some worldwide game-warden to fine these individuals, is there? I don't see any solution to the matter, other than just TCB on our part.

Leo, Try putting the phone in a frost-free freezer for about 48 hours. It's worked for a couple of friends of mine. It's worth a try. For one buddy (who's been in the drink 2X) it worked the first time, but not the second. Otherwise, it looks like your under "the man's" thumb, like the rest of us at some point in time. Good luck with it. -Fisher

Hey guys, There's a full slate of 2006 games on Espn classic all day today (Florida-Auburn, Oklahoma-Oregon, Texas- KSU, etc.) I also noticed a couple of Division II playoff games (playoffs, there's an idea) on this afternoon and tonight. Then, it all starts with the Poinsettia Bowl on Tuesday night. Although I'm not a real big fan, one of my local teams is playing. Go Frogs!!

Man, I'm lucky. My wife is not into jewelry. I have to agree that the spa certificate would be great.

All you tourney guys have been doing it all wrong. Here's the real way to fish for money!!

Here's a run-down of the Bowl schedule that I copied and pasted from espn.com (I had to delete travel information, etc. I hope I didn't leave something off): All times Eastern 2006-07 College Football Bowl Schedule San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Northern Illinois vs. TCU Dec. 19, 8 p.m. San Diego Pioneer PureVision Las Vegas BYU vs. Oregon Dec. 21, 8 p.m. Las Vegas R&L Carriers New Orleans Bowl Rice vs. Troy Dec. 22, 8 p.m. New Orleans Papajohns.com Bowl South Florida vs. East Carolina Dec. 23, 1 p.m. Birmingham, Ala. New Mexico New Mexico vs. San Jose State Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m. Albuquerque, N.M. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Tulsa vs. Utah Dec. 23, 8 p.m. Fort Worth, Texas Sheraton Hawaii Hawaii vs. Arizona State Dec. 24, 8 p.m. Honolulu Motor City Middle Tennessee vs. Central Michigan Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m. Detroit Emerald Florida State vs. UCLA Dec. 27, 8 p.m. San Francisco PetroSun Independence Oklahoma State vs. Alabama Dec. 28, 4:30 p.m. Shreveport, La. Pacific Life Holiday Texas A&M vs. California Dec. 28, 8 p.m. San Diego Texas Rutgers vs. Kansas State Dec. 28, 8 p.m. Houston Gaylord Hotels Music City Clemson vs. Kentucky Dec. 29, 1 p.m. Nashville, Tenn. Brut Sun Oregon State vs. Missouri Dec. 29, 2 p.m. El Paso, Texas AutoZone Liberty South Carolina vs. Houston Dec. 29, 4:30 p.m. Memphis, Tenn. Insight Texas Tech vs. Minnesota Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m. Tempe, Ariz. Champs Sports Purdue vs. Maryland Dec. 29, 8 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Meineke Car Care Navy vs. Boston College Dec. 30, 1 p.m. Charlotte, N.C. Alamo Texas vs. Iowa Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. San Antonio Chick-fil-A Georgia vs. Virginia Tech Dec. 30, 8 p.m. Atlanta MPC Computers Miami vs. Nevada Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m. Boise, Idaho Outback Tennessee vs. Penn State Jan. 1, 11 a.m. Tampa, Fla. AT&T Cotton Auburn vs. Nebraska Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m. Dallas Toyota Gator West Virginia vs. Georgia Tech Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Jacksonville, Fla. Capital One Arkansas vs. Wisconsin Jan. 1, 1 p.m. Orlando, Fla. Rose Bowl presented by Citi USC vs. Michigan Jan. 1, 5 p.m. Pasadena, Calif. Tostitos Fiesta Boise State vs. Oklahoma Jan. 1, 8 p.m. Glendale, Ariz. FedEx Orange Louisville vs. Wake Forest Jan. 2, 8 p.m. Miami Allstate Sugar Notre Dame vs. LSU Jan. 3, 8 p.m. New Orleans International Western Michigan vs. Cincinnati Jan. 6, Noon Toronto GMAC Ohio vs. Southern Miss Jan. 7, 8 p.m. Mobile, Ala. Tostitos BCS Championship Game Florida vs. Ohio State Jan. 8, 8 p.m. Glendale, Ariz.

Adam, I agree with you on the NC game. I think Michigan had their chance as well. I still think that OSU is the best in the nation, but they'll have to prove it against Florda's fast defense. Not that I care (you can see my hoodie), but Texas should be concerned with giving up so many points against Kansas State late in the season and giving up over 200 yards of rushing to my Aggies. Healthy Colt McCoy or not, they need to get a grip on D. I think you might see an upset by Iowa. They've lost everyone's respect since mid-season and would like to get it back.

Thanks Wayne, It kind of goes along with the phrase "Life isn't fair, get over it!" I'm trying to teach that one to my daughter early on. God bless you for the work you have done/do with young people. I teach 7th/8th graders and work with youth and children at our church. It takes a special person to connect with them. Avid, I put my Christmas lights up in shorts here, too. I was wearing shorts on Thanksgiving, then we had snow and ice for a week, now I'm wearing shorts again, and just might for Christmas. Texas weather has always been strange, but this takes the cake. Again, Merry Christmas everyone!!

Am I the only one who is kind of down since championship weekend? Bring on the bowls!! Perhaps some College FB talk until then: - Why two bowl games in Tempe? Are they in the same stadium? - Is the NC the right matchup? - Will a playoff system ever take off? - Will the "short" horns ever make it back to the top? - Can Boise State make a statement vs. OU? - Will my Aggies beat Cal? Anyone want to talk college FB? Gigem' Ags!!

Avid, you sexy thang!! Go Avid, Go avid, Go, Go, Go Avid!! That's just crazy!! You're killling me!! ;D

Here's a prayer that I try to live by: (key word- "try") The Serenity Prayer God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. Merry CHRISTmas to you all as well!!

Funny, I thought that, too. You guys are nuts!!

Haven't we seen these in Wal-mart about 15-20 years ago for about 5 bucks a piece. Back then, I thought that was kind of high for a lure. I, too, thought they looked kind of cheesy to catch fish. I have talked to a few people who bought them and said they caught fish. Hmmmm. I at least bookmarked his website in case I ever won't to step out on a limb. I just hope if I do, the limb doesn't break and I fall into the water.

Just some ideas for a few extra items: Little Georges(hammered chrome)- one treble hook, heavy, and easy to cast. H&H spinnerbaits- cheap, small hooks, and easy to cast. Beetlespins (white. or chart./green) These are real simple baits for kids to use. Their also cheap, so if they get hung up and lose them, your not out much $$$. You also don't get upset when they lose them.

Cranks- (I know they catch alot of flack from some around here, but. . .) Rat-L-traps/Cordell Spots, Bomber A Soft plastics- Zoom lizards, Berkely Powerworms Spinnerbaits- Strike King Top water baits- Heddon (Pradco)- Pop-R's and Torpedo's If it catches fish and is on sale, I'm buying. These are just brands I use, not that I couldn't be persuaded to use otherwise.

Middle School Science teacher (15 years) Bi-vocational Music Minister (5 years)

Paparock, Your words have encouraged me tonight. God bless you for using His courage and strength to accept His will in your life. . . good or bad. I am thankful for you and the many others here at BR. You are a living testimony for our King. I wish you all the best this Christmas and will hold you in my prayers. God's Will Be Done, Fisher Avid, God has a purpose for you, too. Apparently, you are already finding that out as you desire to serve the needs of others. I will offer prayers of encouragement your way, too. God bless!!

Me, too. ;D Sorry, couldn't resist. Yes, Raul. . . thanks for the pick-me-up tonight. That's some really good stuff.