Intrusive Thoughts : Can a leopard change its spots?

[Ham]

So, in 2023, I did that crazy thing where I decided to try to catch 100 species on fly in a single year when I had a fly fishing Life List of like 62 species. I changed my fishing around and went to all sorts of new places trying new things. Dave and I fished South Florida. I worked hard at it and had some great Luck. With the help of friends and fishing buddies, I was able to get it done. 
I promised myself Never Again.

2024 rolls around and I get off to this tremendous start AND Dave and I did South Louisiana so how could I not go for 100 species on fly two years in a row. Plus, I had done it before so now it was easy  right? 
well, It wasn’t Easy, but I got it done. Again, I said “Never Again”.

well, it’s 2025 and and and I seem to be doing it again. Stockholm Syndrome or OCD or just making bad choices? As I catch unusual or difficult species, I start thinking that I’m off to a tremendous start and I fall into that trap again.
Currently sitting at 61 Species and while it’s an uphill climb, with perseverance and a little Luck, I should be able to get there. 

 

[Flysmallie]

Good luck on your quest. 

 

[Ham]

A little catching up.

January catches

 19

[Ham]

Addition January catches 

19) Smallmouth Bass

20) Bleeding Shiners

21) Central Longear Sunfish

22) Shadow Bass

[BilletHead]

 You can do it! 

[Ham]

Largescale StonerollerBlack RedhorseShadow Bass

[Johnsfolly]

Good luck Ham. Let.me know if you need any help on species that I may know a bit about, maybe like common shiners😉

[FishnDave]

I can help with the black bullheads, goldfish, and koi. 

I've only caught 30 species on fly so far this year, and no new-to-me species.  I'm still plenty thrilled with 2023 and 2024's results.  

[Ham]

2 hours ago, Johnsfolly said:

Good luck Ham. Let.me know if you need any help on species that I may know a bit about, maybe like common shiners😉

Man, you know how to hurt a guy 

[Ham]

It’s a weird deal trying to work out the when and the where with Winter looming around the corner. 
Bennett Springs is saved for catch and release season and I’ll add a couple of species.

in 2024, I knew I was starting at -30 since I would not be doing south Florida. This year I felt like I was starting at -23 because of the fish I did not expect to repeat from local water and south Louisiana. 
I do have a pending retirement as an Ace Up My Sleeve. If I get desperate, I can add a serious road trip.