Like Mark024 said, I'm thankful that I can go fishing.

bighead, glad you were safe. What was the water temp? And were you wearing the survival suit from mustang or something else? I'm looking into what I should be wearing as I mostly fish alone.

Water temp was not that bad @60 degrees. The air temps were upper 30's that morning and i had put on my rain parka and bibs. The mustang is just one of those inflatable PFD's. it's small enough to wear all day and taking it off was a mistake on my part. Get a good one that auto inflates and wear it all day when fishing alone. I will be!

My most thankful moment this year was when I took all my family for perch fishing.

My kids had a lot of fun and one of them asked me to be my fishing partner for next year.

First and foremost, thankful for a wife that doesn't have a problem with me fishing. I've got some friends that have a bit less luck in that department.

 

I'm also thankful for the good friends I've made in the past through fishing. Met some pretty cool people along the journey and it just seems to get better each year.

X2

Gettin my first fishin buddy back after 17 years

My most thankful moment was when I was fishing on a cold, windy day in late october. I was wearing gloves and had been doing fine fishing with them, when the rod slipped from my hand on a cast. It didn't go far, hit the side of the boat and was about to go completely underwater when I managed to grab the line running from the reel to the first guide. All this happened in about a second, and it scared me a little. Granted, this setup cost about $60 new but i really don't want to waste money on another when this one still worked.

 

My other one is catching my PB in mid spring. 12 lb mono, medium rod and a long cast isn't the ideal jig setup. One head shake and she was gone, but luckily I landed her to see that my jig's hook point had barely penetrated the top of her mouth. Close call!

My most memorable experience was fishing with an old friend in the Everglades in April. We fished together for two days, and had a great time catching loads of fish and reminiscing old times. It had been several years since we shared the boat together. My best friend was in great shape and was planning several trips with his wife to some exotic locations. Three weeks later he died of a sudden heart attack. I am so thankful for that time we spent together, and never forget telling those close to you how much you appreciate them. You just never know what the future will hold.