Editor's Log
July 29, 2009
Greetings from Yamamoto Central!
I know it’s full-on summer when we all start talking about the folks we saved on the lake over the weekend. Some are total nut-jobs and the rescue involves saving a life, some folks head out unprepared and undereducated, and some simply run out becomes a war zone. Connie Kilpatrick mentions a few doozies and I’m sure they’ll bring to mind many fantastic launching experiences of your own.
I guess it has something to do with time on the water – they more you’re on it, the more respect you tend to give it. I feel the best thing a fisherman can do for his dork of a neighbor is take him out fishing just once and show him how to launch, retrieve, and behave on the water.
Fortunately, along with summertime craziness comes the constant, perpetual smell of outdoor grilling. Like clock-work, 6 p.m. rolls around and you can almost hear the “whoosh!” of flames as briquettes everywhere are lit. Even now my eyes are glazing over as the smell wafts through my neighborhood.
Last week I received an invitation to a friend’s house for some Shrimp Gumbo and homemade beer. I don’t think I need to tell you I arrived on their doorstep early and eager. I’m always on the lookout for my next great foodie experience. Will this gastronomical event be my new “best thing I ever ate”?
The dinner was fantastic – and it left me wanting more. Each new mouth-watering dish makes me yearn for even better food. I’m constantly on the lookout for fresher ingredients, new cooking techniques. I’ll do whatever it takes, I just have to keep reaching for something even better.
I heard a lot of this kind of talk coming from the folks lucky enough to make ICAST in Florida this year (don’t worry, guys, its back in Vegas next year where it belongs!). The first words out of anyone’s mouth when they stop by a booth are, “What do you got that’s new?”
We’re always looking for something bigger, better, faster, stronger. Something that will top the best fishing experience we ever had might be just around the corner! It keeps us motivated. It keeps us going, and it keeps us from pulling out our shotguns on the launch ramp. This too will pass. We’ve got bigger fish to fry.
So stay hydrated and cool, dear reader, both physically and mentally. To take you through the rest of summer we’ve got some tips coming up on how to pick out a baitcasting reel, and an interesting piece is in the works for you concerning the current state and potential future of professional fishing in the West.
Seems these western guys can be just as opinionated as the guys out east. Who knew?