2025 Goals and Plan
Fish more and weigh less
2024 was a really good year in many respects. My business(s) grew big time and I got to fish a lot.
There were some negatives though: Gained too much weight and got way out of shape, missed my annual guided trip with my friend Domenick Swentosky of Troutbitten, and spent too much money on gear.
I have too major goals for this year:
Lose at least 20 pounds and get strong again. More to come on this later
Get rid of a lot of gear and commit to a system for my fishing packs
I am going to first address the physical side and then the gear side.
Physically, the solution is simple. Eat less crap…seriously. I am going to prioritize eating protein and lifting weights. You need to be strong to wade in current and this gets even more apparent as you age. I hit 56 this year and have noticed a serious drop in my ability to wade safely and effectively. We will fix this asap.
Additionally, I need to be able to walk long distances with weight on my back to keep fishing my beloved brook trout streams. Enter walking for a couple of months and then rucking. This will be done ever day that it is reasonable and possible.
For those interested in the type of weight training, I will be doing a blend of kettlebell and barbell training with some serious balance work done and stretching.
On the get rid of lots of gear front.
I will be selling all my packs except my Fishpond ones. They are modular and allow me to switch to a lot of different options which should allow me to feel like I can experiment without needing anything new. The reason for this focus is I am just not comfortable with weight on my hips (it slides off my butt) supported by only one shoulder strap. However, backpack straps and an integrated waist belt works well. Plus, I can use my water bladder for most of the year.
For the warmer months, I have my Emerger side bag and a small Katadyn water filter for the shorter trips into my mountain streams.
I am also going to be selling all number of my rods, both western and tenkara, so keep your eyes peeled for those deals.
My focus for my fly fishing and fitness this year is to be in the best possible condition, both physically and skills wise, for my December guided trip with Dom. The other benefits (massive) will be better me in all aspects of my life.
Much more to come in the near term including some product reviews. How, if any, has your winter fishing been this season?
All the best and tight lines,
Mike
Admirable my friend. I've always kept a weather eye on those to factors. In the last 10 years there has been some ebb and flow but both remain top of mind. On the gear front, here's something to consider. Give some of it away to a deserving friend, colleague, fellow vet or someone starting out. It's sunk cost and the physic income may be more rewarding then the $$$.
Very good goals! Rucking is so good. I did the 22 Kill ruck in Raleigh a few years back, which made it meaningful and really good fitness.
I haven't fished at all in a couple of months. At the mountain where I ski, the slope ends just above an embankment that leads down to what is sure to be a brook trout stream. Once I figure out how to pack in some gear, I am going to give it a try.