I've Come A Long Way

   I don’t spend enough time reflecting on how far I’ve come over the years with my angling prowess. As I was straightening up this evening, I came across some old photos spanning my early teens to early twenties that always make me smile when I need a lift. The reel on top, rod guides pointing upwards skill was something I was proficient at in my early teens as illustrated in this grainy picture. While I will agree the upside-down backwards spinning reel is hard to beat, the fishing attire was just so wrong too. Sooner or later I guess I must’ve noticed how other people were fishing and corrected it though it was working for me at the time. It was simply my personal preference, like wearing my socks inside out which I’m still guilty of.

 



I owe my love of the outdoors to my parents who instilled it in me at a very young age. My mom with her old Shakespeare push button reel.

 

 

 

My first kayak that I was so excited to get when I moved to FL. I didn’t even care whether or not it was seaworthy. I was so excited this day to stand next to something so magnificient. It certainly covered a lot of miles in all the years I had it!

 

 

My first snook I ever caught on our old 17′ Scout Sportfisher. I was new to saltwater flats fishing here so it was a really, really big deal to me!!!

 

 

 

Life's Beautiful Moments

  They are a lift and a gift. They are small and easy. There are so many simple, meaningful moments in a life that are beautiful like sharing a laugh with someone you love or walking on the beach. When I witness an anglers excitement catching their first fish on a fly rod or watching their faces light up when they experience that initial tug on their line and see that underwater flash as the fish fights with all its might to get away from them, it's a feeling like no other. Watching another person catch a fish is even better than catching your own fish.   The ear to ear grins say more than words capture.  It's these simple kind of moments that bring me tranquility, happiness and gratification.

 

In My Element

There's something to be said about taking part in something which I'm good at, familiar with and being in an atmosphere that makes me feel so content and excited everyday. I feel I'm doing what I'm meant to be doing and being who I'm meant to be. Finding my passion definitely changes everything. The places I get the opportunity to experience inspire me and I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing. The water is that place where my passions and my skills collide. It's essential for each of us to find our own 'element'- the things we love to do and what we're somewhat decent at.