4 Fishing Resolutions to Keep in the Coming Year

Every 365 days most of us go through the process of evaluating what we plan to improve upon or what we resolve to do differently as a new year begins. There are plenty of people who resolve to lose weight, go to the gym more often or eat more veggies, but what about making a fishing resolution or two? If you're having trouble coming up with ideas, here are four good ones to consider:

1. Take a kid fishing at least once a week. If you don't have kids of your own, ask to take the neighbor's kids, the child of a family friend, nieces, nephews or grandkids. The outing can be as simple as tossing a line in a backyard pond down the street from your house for an hour or two. Expose kids to the wonders of nature and open their eyes to the world outside of cell phones, video games or computers for just a few hours.

2. Invite non-fishing friends to go on a trip with you. Do you have a friend that seems curious and interested whenever you mention an upcoming fishing trip, but that has never gone fishing before? Ask them to go along with you the next time there is a license-free fishing day in your state or let them know how easy it is to purchase a license online. Sounds like a no-brainer, although sometimes we get too involved in our own personal fishing routines and simply forget to extend an invitation to others. Just be sure to check on the specific license requirements and fishing regulations in your state before you go.

3. Attend a fly casting clinic. If you've been using spinning gear and tackle your entire life, but are intrigued by the skill and technique used by fly anglers, TRY IT! However, you will want to check into attending a local fly casting clinic or take a lesson with a professional before you attempt to go out on the water for an entire day with a fly rod if you've never fly fished before. A few hours of basic instruction at a clinic or through a professional fly angler will be well worth the time and money spent. You'll have a knowledgeable resource available to help you correct your casts and work on any necessary adjustments.

4. Pick a new species or place to target. Are you one of those people who drives your boat out to the same short list of coordinates every week and tries to catch the same species? Resolve to do some "networking" at your local bait and tackle shop or do some research on the online fishing forums to see what other species are being caught in your area. Also, pay attention to the local fishing reports so that you can see what types of fish are being caught where and on which types of baits.

What other fishing resolutions would you make for the upcoming year? Share your ideas with us in the forum — and don't forget, whichever resolutions you choose, set yourself up for success by ensuring that they are specific, realistic and attainable. Get ready for another year of good memories and great fishing!

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Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.