January 1, 2010

A new year and a new decade begins. When I reflect back over this past year, I'm reminded that this is the first year since 2004 that I've been able to go fishing on a regular basis. We lost my Father-in-Law in August 2004 which started the complete remodel of my Mother-in-Law's house. It was a two year project and unfortunately in 2006 we lost my Mother-in-Law too. In 2007 I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer which was removed and is completely gone, but the complications that occured from that surgery took me to another surgery in mid-2008, where those complications were finally corrected. Pretty much kicked my ass.

After recovering during the balance of 2008, I was able to get out and fish more starting in 2009. As I wrote in my post on Christmas Eve, I wanted to share my knowledge, and what I've learned during the year (and I've learned plenty), with others. I think the objective has been accomplished.

Now in 2010 and since I'll be spending more time in my float tube, my objective for this year is to share what I learn from that angle. I'll still be fishing from the shore on occasion, but will be focusing on how to catch & release more fish from further out in the lake. Oh yeh, I'm still focusing on those elusive Steelhead. The new year has dawned and the area of the American River that closed on October 31'st, is again, open. I'll just wait for a few days for those fishermen that hit the river Today, Tomorrow, and the next few days to get it out of their system. Then I'll get down to Steelhead business.

From my Family to your's, a Happy New Year. May you have tight lines and full creels all year.

Till the 2010 adventure begins, remember: "A bad day fishing can be cured with a full day of Bowl games".

Mark (Shoreman, Floatman, Tubeman, Float Tubeman and anything else You or I can think of)