It had just been too long since I’d been fishing seriously. Since I started kayak fishing in 2007, I’ve pretty much fished every weekend that it was nice. This past winter, I went ahead and got the gear required and tried to fish twice every weekend. Then in February, I had to deal with some things that kept me off the water. It was miserable. I really missed fishing - a lot - but I felt I needed to take care of other matters, both professionally and personally. I did get out a couple of times in February, but the trips were short and unproductive. I felt like I was fishing out of spite. I didn’t care for that too much at all. Kayak fishing has become a really big part of my life and who I am. I was really bummed that I wasn’t getting out.

Well, the chaos of another Christmas is behind me, and I decided to do something I rarely get to do... TAKE A WEEKDAY OFF TO GET IN THE KAYAK AND GO BASS FISHING!!!!

It was absolutely gorgeous here Christmas day and I drooled all day at the prospects of hitting the water. 58 degrees, bright sunshine, and no wind - perfect! Unfortunately, it wasn't as nice Monday. I wanted to try a new bait, however, and didn't have any loads booked to haul until Tuesday night. There was no way I was staying off the water. Another layer of fleece under the dry top and waders, and to the river I went.

Therapeutic. That's what today's kayak fishing trip was. I didn't tear them up. I only caught five fish. I had a run in with a pair of inconsiderate jerks who decided to fish on top of me. I felt I needed to stay within sight of the launch. I only had an hour and a half to fish. No matter. I needed to get out today after a little bout with walking pneumonia.

The Gamakatsu Shaky head and Zoom Magnum Trick Worm did it again for me. The wind was absolutely brutal. Sustained 30 and gusting to 40 tough conditions for any kayak fisherman. I had to get creative to finding a spot that offered some protection. We've had a ton of rain this past week in my part of Oklahoma, so the river I normally fish was up and had a lot of current. It's been very low all year with our drought conditions, so I was glad to see it up and running. Seems like it needed a good "flushing out."