The Arrival of Spring

Less than two weeks ago, we had 8 to 10 inches of snow on the ground. Just this weekend, I was applying moss treatment to my lawn and noticed that all of the tulips were beginning to sprout. Can it be spring time already? According to Punxsutawney Phil, we're supposed to still be knee deep in winter and I should have several extra weeks to get my fishing trip plans and tackle organized for the 2014 campaign. Most of the US is still under winter advisories but contrary to what Accuweather is predicting, here in the Beaver State, we're getting ready for a fast transition to an early spring I guess.

Now don't get me wrong, weather doesn't generally dictate my fishing schedule as long as water conditions are somewhat suitable*. As previously noted, half the fun of coming down with springer fever is fighting the full spectrum of elements from season start to finish. Tracking the weather very early in the season is just a data point that may or may not indicate an early / late push of fish into the system.

Regardless of weather, spring always seems to come too fast... yes I said too fast, that's not a typo. Each year, I fall just a bit short of my grand plans to spend the cold winter months getting all my tackle cleaned, organized, replaced and ready to grab and go when the rivers come into shape and the fish show. Somehow, I never feel ready and find myself stressing out about getting everything ready to go**.  Looking back at notes, I am batting .1000 with starting my salmon and trout fishing off in the month of March... And last I checked, March, happens right about the same time every year so excuses for not being ready are hard to come by.

Fresh P-line CXX

Okay, so on to 2014 fishing preparations which is really what's on my mind and why I sat down with my laptop and opened a new post. The professionals admit that most of their fish are not caught by actions or decisions on the water but rather in their preparations and organization leading up to the boat leaving the dock. I'am not a full time guide that spends countless hours on the water and uses time "on the clock" preparing boat, tackle, etc... Instead, I am part of the common folk that have a day job totally unrelated to the outdoors. As a result, it's critical that people like me strategically setup an extended calendar of preparation events to get out in front of everything needed in order to maximize time on the water.

Soooo... as an often too busy, stressed out guy, I am using this opportunity to brag... um... I mean share my progress through my own stress reducing calendar of "get ready early and gradually" to-dos for the upcoming springer season.

1. Stocked my freezer full with more than a year's worth of herring as I've done since my very first post in 2011 (which has been a stress reducing, life changing event)
2. Outsourced my boat motor maintenance, an experience I shared in a post early last year. Having this checked off since the first week in January coupled with the added confidence my motors are in top performing shape equals a whole lot less to worry about.
3. Cleaned and re-spooled the salmon reels. Every year, this gets checked off at the end of fall when Fisherman's Marine puts P-line CXX on-sale.

Oh, BTW, I failed to mention a few weeks ago that this year's Columbia River spring Chinook run is expected to be the 5th largest run in history... Soooo... there's that!!! Anybody making plans yet?

*I think I just came up with another good post idea

**I realize that my idea of ready to go is a little obsessive, maybe to the point of OCD but half the fun for me is getting ready for a fishing trip.  Maybe it goes back to my old baseball playing days where I spent way more time practicing and preparing than there were games to play