2018 Wrap up : Notes, Numbers, and whimsical Details

[Ham]

If it bums you out when people count the fish they catch, you should look the other way right now.

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2018 was a tough year for me. My Dad’s health failed. I was unable to take him fishing again before he died. I fish because I loved spending time with my Dad. I likely would not be a fisherman without his loving guidance. Thanks Dad ! You were the Best.

by the Numbers

I fished in 4 states.

I fished with 15 friends and family.

I was able to make 78 fishing trips.

I caught 45 species of fish.

I caught 2757 fish all together.

best I could tell I made 27 trips in the trout boat, 13 trips in the BassCat, 14 trips in a yak/canoe,   11 trips wading, and 13 trips as a guest in someone else’s boat. 

I had some tremendous experiences and I Thank everyone that took the time to fish with me.

I hope to have a fun and successful 2019. I’ve got Big, Crazy ideas for my fishing in 2019. It’s gonna be stupid Fun!

 

[1farmer]

Ham, sorry for your loss. My dad passed away (28 year ago this February) and like you I know now that I lost my best friend. He was always there for me, even if he didn't always agree he always supported me. As I look back now , I realize the many times he did for others instead of himself. We don't always remember how lucky we are to have someone like that in our life.       

I'm so thankful that the good lord blessed me, not only with dad but also with Teresa. He was there for 32 years and she has put up with me for 35. I think that God made them from the same mold (except from gender) their only faults were they never put themselves first.

Here are my numbers:

32 trips, which is about 150 less than most years. The farm got in the way and as Teresa said your just not into it.

14 tournaments, 8 of which were prior commitments.

6 different pools of water, in two states.

12 different partners.

16 different species.

5 crappie for the year.

3 second place and one third place finish, pretty sure winnings didn't cover entry fee.

The one thing I did learn from this year make that two things. 1)Something dad told me along time ago, and Teresa brought it to my attention when she said your just not into it. IF YOUR GOING TO DO SOMETHING ALWAYS GIVE IT YOUR BEST, and this is something I didn't do in the tournaments, as Teresa said I just went through the motions. 2) If you have committed to something and not prepared to give it your all, it is better for all parties involved if you just back out and let go.

[Johnsfolly]

Ham - Also sorry about the loss of your father. I know that it is still a difficult time.

I have in the past tracked my totals based upon the Missouri license period from Mar 1 to Feb 28th. I switched things up this year and only recorded totals since March 1 to Dec 31, 2018 in order to get onto a calendar year like most others.

The Numbers

I went out and fished 67 times and caught a total of 603 fish of all sizes from a Bluespotted sunfish to a sharpnose shark.

I caught fish in four new states: Ohio, Iowa, Virginia, and Tennessee - didn't catch many fish in any of those states, but one was enough.

I helped my daughter catch 53 total species and 21 new species including her first shark!

Got my wife to fish a couple of times and slowly getting her interested again!

I caught 66 different species (new high total for a year); 22 new species.

I caught 22 hickory shad which is quickly becoming a favorite fish species.

I added 13 more Maryland fish to the list; puts me at 22% of the total MD freshwater species. Still no largemouth or smallmouth bass landed in MD - looking forward to getting those in 2019.

My travel and move to MD kept me from fishing more with OAF folks which I regret. Also the weather issues around Jigfest stopped me from fishing with some other great guys. I am looking forward to some trips with OAF folks in 2019. I plan to continue to contribute to these pages even if I no longer live in near the Ozarks.

 

 

[Gavin]

It sucks when you lose your father, father-in law, father figure. They were they ones who inspired our love for the outdoors and they would want us to carry on. Set up an extra seat at the campfire for them.