Thankful for 2011 and looking forward to 2012

Terry Madewell/Clarendon Citizen - Meagan Daugherty with a hefty blue catfish caught last week; catfish action is excellent right now.

It’s 2012 now and we’ve got a whole new year to plan and enjoy the great outdoors. While last year was great, I hope to improve on it again this year. I always say that and sometimes I actually succeed. I try to make new friends in the outdoor world, spend more time with existing friends, and just get out and enjoy the outdoor bounty we have right here in our backyard.

Have you ever thought about the fact that, no one else in the world (except those in our area around the lake in other towns) has lakes Marion and Moultrie in their backyard and all this great hunting for so many species available. Not to mention the freedom to just go look and see all of the wonderful wildlife, whether or not you are hunting or fishing.

This is the time of the year for being thankful and I hope everyone takes time to think about the many blessings and wonderful opportunities we’ve had throughout the year in 2011 but press forward to enjoying 2012. I know I’ve enjoyed every minute afield and afloat despite the fact that not every trip was as successful as I may have hoped or planned. But among the top events of the year in the outdoor world for me are listed here, maybe it will help you jog down a few memories as well when thinking about 2012.

I am very thankful that the overall fishery resource in the lake has resurged and the largemouth bass fishing is once again outstanding. There are still questions being asked and answered about what is best for the lake, but right now, the native grasses have helped reproduction and recruitment of not only bass but bream and crappie as well. Fishing is really, really good again.

I am thankful for early season slab crappies that are most willing to cooperate when it’s often too cold to catch much of anything else. These platter-sized slabs are some of the best fish of all to fry.

I am very thankful for schooling stripers and the opportunity to chase them with some friends. While we’ve had a lot of “restrictions” placed on this species, there seems to be little doubt it is working and the overall striper fishery is much improved in recent years. Twenty-six-inches is a large fish which is what a striper must be to be legal, but it is a worthy fish to catch. Even smaller fish are caught but released properly provide fun to the fisherman and offer a great opportunity to eventually reach the keeper size limit. We are beginning to see more of the larger fish. I think 2012 may be a breakout year.

Thanks a ton for turkey season again this year. Without a doubt, one of the most frustrating ever, but without a doubt one of my most enjoyable seasons ever. Frustrating because one old, long-spurred, heavy long-bearded gobbler in particular seemed to have my number, as the saying goes when you get outdone by a turkey. Enjoyable too, because one day he didn’t have my number and one moment is all it takes to square the deal.

I am very thankful for the opportunity to introduce a family member to the outdoors world of fishing. I think a fire within has been instilled.

Of course, what would a spring and summer season be without bass fishing with close friends. It was a very good year for largemouth, with quantity and quality fish caught. Lots of photos were taken and several special days and memories were made. Let’s go fishing Chuck, it’s about time to catch some pre-spawn bass.

Shrimping was tough in 2011, there just weren’t enough shrimp to survive the bitter cold last winter to produce enough for a great season. But the previous year was awesome, so I’m thankful to have paced my consumption and still have some shrimp in the freezer. But we need a good run in 2012.

I admit I sat on a horseshoe during deer season. I am thankful that it worked out that way and actually had the opportunity to just take pictures of several nice 8-pointers instead of feeling like I just had to shoot all of them.

I am thankful for an entire family that appreciates and uses the great outdoors. I’m thankful my dad finally learned to enjoy fishing. He’s 91 now and visited me twice from Chattanooga last year and we had great success catching big blue catfish both times. He truly appreciates and is thankful for those fish and I am thankful and truly blessed to have this time with him.

Most of all I thank the Good Lord for giving me another year with family, friends (old and new) and the opportunity to enjoy the Great Outdoors that He has made. I thank Him for this season and for His greatest gift of all to mankind.

I think we’ll do well in 2012. Bring it on.