This is my 98 New Year's resolution. Which I hope I adhere to better than previous ones. Or maybe I should use a little reverse psychology and vow to do less fishing this coming season, although I doubt if that is possible from last year. At least if things hold true to form from my previous resolutions of loosing weight, making more money, doing more handyman work around the house. I should be able to double or maybe triple my fishing expeditions from last year. The key is to be ready, at the drop of a hat to load up the boat and hit the water. Which means have your fishing gear on board or at least in a central location. When you driving home on one of those perfect summers days and you know the water is green all the way to the beach, with high tides forecast for the early evening. Then being able to get home, hitch up the boat, pack the ice chest and be out the driveway within the hour. Pulling up to the bay with a couple of hours light left in the day is all it takes to limit out when the conditions are right.

Another trick that works well if you can manage it, is to save those sick days you never seem to use until the fishing season has long since past by. Steal a couple of them from the holiday season and put them to more productive use, at least as far as fishing goes. Watch those weather reports and keep up with the current fishing reports for your vicinity. Give the boss a couple of days notice that you'll be taking off for an early weekend and hit the bays before the crowds get there. This not only does wonders to help break up those stressed out summers at work. But also does wonders for stocking up those freezers. You'll be pleasantly surprised how fishable those familiar waters can be without a hundred or so boats spooking the fish during the course of a day. Not to mention how nice it is to go back to work after a long weekend of hammering trout and reds even though it is a Monday.

Another way to beat the crowds and still get those valuable minutes out on the water during the week is night fishing. Though this fishing tactic can be a little hard on the majority of us the next day. Those old days of staying up late and going into work is best to those a little younger with not as much responsibility around the office. One can usually manage to drink enough coffee the next day to allow this on a monthly basis. And when timed right the night fishing can be outstanding especially during the red and drum runs around the jetties and piers.

And finally if all else fails and you have one of those bosses that just doesn't see eye to eye with you and your fishing fanatic ways. Then there is always the old call in sick technique that still works as good as it used too. The only drawbacks are telltale sunburns and those wide grins the next morning that you have to worry about. But with a little well placed sunscreen and practice at fascicle control and problem solve!!! Beware though this tactic does not work on too regular of a basis. When relying on this technique one must be aware of his or hers standing at said office. And have a good understanding on how much time one can loose without loosing ones job. Or else one will not have to worry too much about coming up with excuses of missing work, cause one will not have a job to worry about!!!

Well hopefully these suggestion will help you out this coming season in making those New Years resolutions come true.. The main factor is quit waiting for the perfect conditions both weather and personal wise to hit the waters. If the opportunity arises for you to hit the bays and it doesn't conflict with your family or work environment too much. Then that is the time to dust off the boat and let a little saltwater splash get on those sunglasses. As a wise man once said " A bad day on the water, beats the Heck out of a good day at the office anytime!!" And the trick to becoming a wise man is when to take those wise old saying and turn them into reality!!! That is the only true way that I can think of to make this the year you finally keep those New Years resolutions for a change. And next year we can work on taking at least a once a month fishing expedition to someplace were you could read the morning paper in twenty foot of water while casting for Tarpon if you get the urge!!!