This is a great time to be a fisherman and the worst time to be a northern fisherman (who doesn't like ice fishing). Kind of the best of times and the worst of times. In the last couple of weeks I picked up two new rods at great prices -- a St. Croix LTB casting rod (6'6" MHF) and a St. Croix Avid (6'9" MLXF). Also got a good deal on a Shimano Sahara reel to pair with the Avid. Thus, the best of times. Both fill solid spots in my rod line up, and I'm really excited to give them a full workout. But, alas, the season is pretty much over here -- the worst of times. The boat has been winterized and is in storage. I was out in my 'yak today. The water temp started at 43 and rose to a balmy 45. (As a fishing report, I got a solid hit on a jig on the new LTB, set the hook, but it broke me off pdq. Gotta think it was a pike.)

Given that this weekend the weather here is going into the 30s for daytime highs with scattered snow showers, I think the season is just about over.

Anyway, the sales are great, if you look around and know what you want. But, I'm jealous of you all that are going to get to use your new gear now, and not have to wait until next season.

Enjoy!

It's the worst time for me to by tackle, especially lures. I always get a lot of wild ideas of things I want go try, then wind up with a bunch of stuff I never get around to using. A rod or reel, okay, not baits.

This time of year, I like to read a lot. I drag out all my old back issues of Bassmaster, FLW, Fishing Facts, Ohio Fisherman, some dating back to the early 70's. I like looking at how so many things have changed, how many lures have come and gone. The new techniques vs. the old. The contrast is amazing. I have old issues of Pro Bass, they evolved into Bassin magazine.

I tinker with my tackle a lot, organizing and re-organizing. A lot of things to do, and before you know it, voila, it's Springtime again.

Hootie

Whats a SEASON?

Whats a SEASON?

Yeah, Yeah, Let's hear it from you Florida. As if I don't hear it enough from my brother.

He lives in Tampa. You Florida guys are all alike, very, very, fortunate. lol

Hootie

Whats a SEASON?

Lol there's a cure move to Florida

Whats a SEASON?

That's just downright bad!! Mean-spirited! The poor fisherfolk north of the Mason Dixon don't want to hear of the glories of Florida year-round bass fishing and 10 pound averages...

Lol there's a cure move to Florida

I'm in Kansas but still get to fish year round thanks to a couple warm water discharge lakes. Nothing quite like a topwater bite when it's snowing and 20 degrees out