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I was reviewing my fishing log the other day and realized that today, June 10th, is the anniversary of catching my first fish from a kayak. It was just a schoolie bass, but to me, at the time, it was an awesome fish!
Since then, I have been completely and utterly addicted to my sport of choice. I’ve pursued our aquatic prey from southern MD, to Boston, MA, and I’ve caught many hundreds of fish. I have made new friendships and reinvigorated old ones. I have witnessed moments of intense beauty and watched as mother nature explored her many moods. I have learned lessons from watching the natural world that I haven’t listened to in years.
To me, kayak fishing is so much more than merely catching fish. It has provided a balance to my life that was dangerously out of kilter for a long time. It wasn’t long ago that I was hating my day-to-day. Work was sucking the very marrow from my soul and I was finding it impossible to get outside. I was indulging in too many rum drinks and had put on a ton of weight. In short, I wasn’t really happy with who I was becoming.
Somewhere along the way, I changed my mind and decided to re-take responsibility for myself. I stopped indulging in unhealthy food and drink and I began to look for ways to reconnect with the natural environment - something that was woefully missing from my reality at the time.
That is when the universe presented me with the kayak of my dreams. I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that it was love at first sight. I knew within moments of first setting eyes on her that a new chapter of my life was about to unfold.
My wife, as amazing as she is, recognized it as well. She knew of my discontent and was eager for me to find the mental health to match the physical wellness I had discovered and thus, my world changed.
Whenever I commit to something, I do it 1000%. Go big, or go home is how I approach things and I was soon embroiled in learning all I could about my new sport. I quickly discovered Snaggedline.com and was off to the races.
I loved every aspect of my newest passion, from reading and learning about new techniques to shopping for new toys to trick out my ride. I love planning trips and deciphering mysteries of where to go. I enjoy exploring new technologies and learning of old tried and true methods. I am thrilled with tinkering on my boat and working on my gear. I have made new friendships and connected with people up and down the coast that I never would have otherwise. Their kindness and generosity will forever be appreciated and further fueled my passion. I thrive on getting out there when few others would. I even appreciate learning from my mistakes - and I have made a TON! Last, but not least, I love the creative outlet of writing about my adventures!
Oh yeah, and catching fish is pretty freaking cool too!
I have no illusions that kayak fishing has had the same impact on everyone’s lives as it has on mine. We each get out of it what we put in and what we need. I have been given a great gift. Not taking the time to acknowledge that fact just seems selfish and unappreciative.
So on this, my “anniversary,” I wanted to take moment and express my thanks for the sport that I love. That includes all of you who make up the kayak fishing community. Reflecting on this past year makes me excited about the many more to come!
Tight lines, folks. I hope to see you on the water!
First Striper.jpgG0021943 copy.jpgDSCN3861.jpgDSCN3776.jpgG0015044.jpgDSCN3935.jpgG0021894.jpgDSCN3752.jpgDSCN2961.jpgDSCN2454.jpg
Since then, I have been completely and utterly addicted to my sport of choice. I’ve pursued our aquatic prey from southern MD, to Boston, MA, and I’ve caught many hundreds of fish. I have made new friendships and reinvigorated old ones. I have witnessed moments of intense beauty and watched as mother nature explored her many moods. I have learned lessons from watching the natural world that I haven’t listened to in years.
To me, kayak fishing is so much more than merely catching fish. It has provided a balance to my life that was dangerously out of kilter for a long time. It wasn’t long ago that I was hating my day-to-day. Work was sucking the very marrow from my soul and I was finding it impossible to get outside. I was indulging in too many rum drinks and had put on a ton of weight. In short, I wasn’t really happy with who I was becoming.
Somewhere along the way, I changed my mind and decided to re-take responsibility for myself. I stopped indulging in unhealthy food and drink and I began to look for ways to reconnect with the natural environment - something that was woefully missing from my reality at the time.
That is when the universe presented me with the kayak of my dreams. I won’t bore you with the details, but suffice it to say that it was love at first sight. I knew within moments of first setting eyes on her that a new chapter of my life was about to unfold.
My wife, as amazing as she is, recognized it as well. She knew of my discontent and was eager for me to find the mental health to match the physical wellness I had discovered and thus, my world changed.
Whenever I commit to something, I do it 1000%. Go big, or go home is how I approach things and I was soon embroiled in learning all I could about my new sport. I quickly discovered Snaggedline.com and was off to the races.
I loved every aspect of my newest passion, from reading and learning about new techniques to shopping for new toys to trick out my ride. I love planning trips and deciphering mysteries of where to go. I enjoy exploring new technologies and learning of old tried and true methods. I am thrilled with tinkering on my boat and working on my gear. I have made new friendships and connected with people up and down the coast that I never would have otherwise. Their kindness and generosity will forever be appreciated and further fueled my passion. I thrive on getting out there when few others would. I even appreciate learning from my mistakes - and I have made a TON! Last, but not least, I love the creative outlet of writing about my adventures!
Oh yeah, and catching fish is pretty freaking cool too!
I have no illusions that kayak fishing has had the same impact on everyone’s lives as it has on mine. We each get out of it what we put in and what we need. I have been given a great gift. Not taking the time to acknowledge that fact just seems selfish and unappreciative.
So on this, my “anniversary,” I wanted to take moment and express my thanks for the sport that I love. That includes all of you who make up the kayak fishing community. Reflecting on this past year makes me excited about the many more to come!
Tight lines, folks. I hope to see you on the water!
First Striper.jpgG0021943 copy.jpgDSCN3861.jpgDSCN3776.jpgG0015044.jpgDSCN3935.jpgG0021894.jpgDSCN3752.jpgDSCN2961.jpgDSCN2454.jpg
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