Goals are good! The old saying is, "if you fail to plan, you plan to fail". That said, fishing isn't life or death, but having goals and hitting them is rewarding.
I am really new to fishing, getting my first boat in July 2011. I have to much to learn, so my "David Letterman Top 10" goals are (in no particular order):
1. Learn to use my electronics. I mean
REALLY learn them.
2. Start throwing soft plastic type baits, as well as jigs. I prefer "moving" baits such as crankbaits, spinnerbaits, etc. Gotta learn the other stuff too!
3. Enter a few tournaments to see how the competitive fishing feels like.
4. Fine tune and understand my gear, ie., how certain rods, reels, line, and lures should be matched up.
5. Learn to pitch, skip, and flip. Sounds like a workout routine!
6. Make some new fishing friends, especially via the TFF.
7. Mentor some younger people while fishing, using the time on the water to influence their lives in some positive way.
8. Beat my personal best of 7 pounds, preferably a DD if possible.
9. Have my bride catch a "nice one". Not sure what her personal best is, but it's probably 2 pounds or so.
10. Take a guide trip, and have the guide focus on some presentations and techniques that I am weak at.
Other than that, I am looking forward to spending more time on the water in 2012, and going through an entire year of seasonal fishing changes, not the least of which will be fishing the spawn, preferably on lakes like Fork, etc.
Here's hoping you all have a fantastic-fishing 2012! Catch the bass of a lifetime!!
Jim
