The End Marks The Beginning!
Travis Frank
This past Saturday I found myself staring down an ice hole yet again. We reached our spot, and my partner Dusty had to run back to the truck to grab forgotten supplies. During this time, I took a few minutes to recap the past few months. Where did the summer go, and what about that fall hunting season? Wow does time fly by!
This summer was another great one. Many trophy fish in the boat again, and the smiles were endless from all that I was fortunate to fish with. I failed to land the new state record Muskellunge, but that is another story. I gave it an honest effort when I could, and came very close. I had some first timers, such as Mitch landing his first musky, and a 50 incher to boot. I had some very young kids in the boat, and that was their first time screaming "Fish On!" I enjoyed some beautiful sunsets and even better sunrises. I caught up with many great friends, and took a couple trips north. I learned lessons from the fish yet again, and also found new places to catch 'em. I gave seminars and speeches, hosted a radio show or two, and even filmed a couple of tv shows. I told the summer stories the only way I knew how, and loved every second of it.
This fall it seemed I spent more time chasing that darn record breaking muskie than I did pursuing other critters. I did manage a great duck opener, and bagged a few geese as well. The countless hours I spent in the tree stand will never be forgotten, and my arrow eventually found its mark. The rifle season was cold, but fun nonetheless. Deer camp is a yearly favorite of mine. I had a couple of recent outings that I will remember for the things I shouldn't have done, and found myself cold and skunked more than once. Hmmm! Another good hunting season no doubt.
Before I could continue with further thoughts of the past few months I felt a strong tug on the end of my line. "Haha! I got one!" I yelled to nobody. Chuckling to myself I laid the first slab crappie on the ice for 2008. A big smile came over my face as I was reminded how much I love this state and our great outdoors. Just when one season ends, I am lucky enough to start up the next one.
Dusty came back to 5 crappies laying on the ice, and we didn't stop there. He was all smiles, and so was I. Our first trip for the year was a success! We didn't catch the Walleyes that we were hoping, but we played it safely and only fished what we knew would be good ice. We hoped for the 'Ol Marble Eye's, but were pleasantly rewarded with a meal of slab crappies. For the first trip of the year, I was sure happy, and if you know me at all, this won't be the last. Welcome to the 2008 ice season! I'm calling it "The Year The Walleye Cries For Help!"