Oh how a life can change in such a short time. So far I've had a great summer. Working out here in Utah has helped me learn a lot of things about myself and my life.

I have solidified in my ind that I am doing the right thing with my life. I have chosen a career path that makes me happiest I can be. I love every day of work. Fish are fascinating creatures and I feel truly blessed that I get to work with them day in and day out.

I've learned that the general public is truly clueless when it comes to things in the natural resources. Some of the things that we do really blow their minds. Just this past week I had a lady tell me she was ready to call the cops because what we were doing on the river looked extremely illegal. It had been a long week and I was not in the mood to deal with this lady, but I did my best to explain what we were doing and why we were doing it. I still doubt that she has any clue what we are doing, but at least she stopped bothering me. I also learned last week that when you take a whitewater raft, rig it up with electrofishing equipment and take it throught a trailer park, the entire park comes out to watch you go under the bridge and shock....You would have thought the circus had come to town, but then again maybe we are a circus.

I have also learned that long distance relationships can tell you a lot about the person you are with. I found out I wasnt with the right person. Becky and I have broken up (ok now you can say 'I told you so'). There is a chance we could get back together once I get back, but to be honest I dont think I want that anymore. So I was down and out for a few days and I felt pretty empty inside, but there is now light at the end of the tunnel. A fellow Pointer up here and another tech from Maine and myself have discovered a gem of a bar in Wyoming.

Another thing I have learned....I cannot dance. No skills what so ever. Can I make a musky bait dance in the water and make it so irresistable that a big girl comes and eats it? Sure. Can I make myself dance and appear irresistable? Heck no. But its all in fun. Plus the hot bartender cant dance on the job anyways. I have formulated a MuskyHopeful-esque plan to close the deal with said 'hot bartender'. Part I: Find the correct color pattern to outfit myself with.

One of the final things I have learned, Tiger Muskies are fun little critters, but I miss true muskies quite a bit. Fishing with Sorno has been a blast. We've seen my boss, a complete rookie to muskie fishing catch a 42 incher, while we cant hardly break the 30 inch mark. We've had a 14 fish day. With 12 of the 14 being 27.5 inches. I am planning a trip to come back in a few years and hit up that year class when they are all grown up.

My trip out to Utah is coming to a close in a hurry. Its been an unbelievable adventure. I'm already thinking about working out here again next year. Look out true muskies....I'm coming home soon!

awww mannnnn
probably one of many fish that will get away for you..don't worry, there's always a bigger one to catch.
did she keep the M1st gear?

Hi 102!

I was wondering where you went. Havent seen you on the Musky Hunter boards.

Chasing your dream huh?!! GOOD FOR YOU!!! I 'm too old to do that now but boy do I wish I could do MANY things differently.

Don't get hung up on one gal...you're young. Lot's of fish in the sea.

Take care and if you get back up WI way, shoot me an email!

Ifishskis
Wausau, WI

Have no magic words for you. Hmmm, like I should be giving any advice, I have swung and missed twice now.

Don't change yourself to be with someone, find someone that wants you as you. If you completely change who you are, then what do you have left?

You have many years ahead of you... we are pretty much in the same stance in life... you are just getting started, and I am getting started again.

So I guess we will just have to get out and do some musky fishing together... now that, is something I am really looking forward to.

Have a good time out in Utah! Will meet you back in Wisconsin!

there's no such thing as a "good one" ... they are what they are ... "women" and they were programmed differently ... life ebbs and flows and you have to make one choice ... are you willing to paddle down a compromised path ... find a woman and enjoy the kids you have with them but understand that when you want to go left, the boat might either stand still or go right with or without you ... and then there's the path of adventure where you chart your own course and enjoy the adventure ... if you start and stay on that course there are good and bad that will come your way ... and if you find yourself there at another time in life it's just as much fun but quite a bit more expensive ... life's a bitch son ... and then you marry one ...

best of all to you, but be happy to be where you are and don't define yourself by others ...

I hear you guys....its been an eye opening experience out here. Looks like they want me back next summer as well, so as long as I can come up with some housing I'll be back out here. Time to get back to the chase....there is a smokin' wyoming bartender that needs chasing.

Dude...

Sorry to hear about you and Becky. What the other guys are trying to say is basically this:

You're not done becoming who you're going to be. Focus on the journey, brother. Don't worry about where you were. Don't worry about where you're going, worry about getting the most out of getting there.


My heart doesn't go out to you either. My heart goes out to the guys who found out after 10 years or 20 years that the person they were with wasn't right for them. You are one of the lucky ones!

Time to get out there and lay some pipe.

IF you know what I mean.

My heart doesnt go out to you....you were stupid, cause you're young and stupid. You'll eventually not be young and stupid, but then you'll be older, and still stupid. We all are.
If you find a good one, you'll do whatever you do, and chances are it wont turn out to be what you think it is. Then you'll find another good one, that probably wont work out either. But, then you'll find one to marry (eventually) and there's about a 50/50 chance you'll divorce (nat'l rate of divorce) and then you'll find another good one....see my point?

NOT telling you that "I told you so"
Man, I wished you kids would make it.
Sorry, Brother. My heart goes out to you. Maybe you two will get back, or not. either way, you were your own man the day your were born, and will be until the day you are gone. You rock, Brother, with or without her.

I want to be the first....I told you so.