Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2021 - 9

friend, relative, co-worker, veteran, or neighbor. Find
an individual in your many social circles who may be
receptive to fishing. Someone somewhere along the line
took the time to show you how to fish. This year is the year
to return the favor.

A new angle

Try a new fishing technique. Maybe, this spring you will
finally open the fly rod box in the corner of your garage that
has collected dust for years. Perhaps, the idea of becoming
proficient with a baitcasting reel is alluring. Possibilities are
endless-ice fish for the first time, experiment with planer
boards, or use lead core line while trolling. Learn how to tie
flies or use a fish finder. Innovative technology has inundated
the fishing world. One benefit to this constant change is the
window of opportunity to try something new is always open.

Bucket list

Come 2021, avoid becoming stagnant. If we only pursue
the same fish, we are missing out on many wonderful
species and beautiful examples of wildlife. There are scores
of gamefish finning the waters of Pennsylvania. Bring
a new one to the net this year. The associated learning
process and adventure will be reward enough. Holding
a never-before-caught species is icing on the cake. Many
have not hooked a Bowfin or experienced Delaware River
shad fishing.

Hook into the community

In the next 365 days, make it a point to join a likeminded organization. Sportsmen clubs, conservation
groups, and other fishing groups are waiting for dedicated
personnel. Kindred spirits abound if you are willing to look
for them. You may find you have a lot to offer. For starters,
a reservoir of fishing knowledge.

Fish fresh waters

Try a new spot, expanding the hook, line, and sinker
horizons to put an X on the treasure map. Pennsylvania
is comprised of 67 counties. How many have you fished?
Each one hosts unique fishing experiences. Pennsylvania
boasts more than 2,500 lakes and 86,000 miles of rivers,
streams, and creeks. That brightly-colored fishing license
you proudly purchased grants the privilege to fish
anywhere in Pennsylvania, not just a nearby pond or local
park.

Jitterbugs, not litterbugs

Most New Year's resolutions emphasize good habits
while eliminating bad ones. No better outdoor example
exists than litter. Not only should ethical anglers avoid
littering, they should pick up discarded or windblown
refuse. Leaving nature as we found it is not good enough.
We should strive towards leaving it better.

Gone fishin'

I have never heard an angler complain that they want
to fish less. Fish more in 2021. There are time tools and
resources at our fingertips. Use a calendar to ensure
scheduling a trip each season or, better yet, each month.
The time is now to book the adventure you have been
putting off.

Fish on, write on

A dedicated minority of anglers keep detailed, accurate
records logged across decades of fishing seasons. The
majority of anglers confine collections of blank fishing
journals to junk drawers. Often, it is the minority who enjoy
fishing success while the majority does not experience the
same success. Let 2021 mark the first chapter of the fishing
journal you have always tucked away in the recesses of your
mind. Likely, there are a pile of journals
family and friends have bought for birthday
or Christmas gifts. Put pen to paper to start
recognizing trends, water data, patterns,
and other crucial fishing data.

All aboard

Use a calendar to ensure scheduling a trip each season or, better yet, each month.
The time is now to book the adventure you have been putting off.
www.fishandboat.com

Get a boat or use the vessel you have
more frequently. Do you realize the
astronomical number of anglers fishing
from the banks dreaming about having
a boat to fish the open water and cover
more area? There are no excuses. Hook
up the hitch next time you get that
fishing itch.
Maybe, we as people, and as anglers,
are at our best the first day of the year
with no mistakes, no regrets, no worries.
The lone day when yesterday was last
year. Let us hope 2021 is one filled with
good fishing and even better memories.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * January/February 2021

http://www.fishandboat.com

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - January/February 2021

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