Happy New Year!

So, like most bloggers I had a big year end post in my head, all thoughts and recaps and pictures of the year ready to roll out for your review, but man...I have two kids, a job, a wife and there are never enough hours in a day.  I do think this is when a guy should take a minute to reflect, but I do that every day.  I think we all probably do.  I see carp tailing on gravel flats, reels screaming, friends smiling and tons of other memories when I close my eyes at night, or while on hold with a customer.  I think that is why we do what we do.  

So, rather than a big, long winded rewind...just the highlights of four big time trips from the year.

The season really opened when Wendy Berrell and Winona Fly Factory came west for a visit in may.  Despite flood conditions, we had an epic trip.  I could go on and on for hours, but I promised my wife I would be brief.  The trip was a success.

Shortly after Justin and Justin left, Mctage showed up for a few days.  Trevor benefitted from the extensive water we had covered the week prior, and we found some serious carp.

Next up, Wendy Berrell and I stalked the flats of legendary Lake Michigan.  We got blanked the year prior, but this time we nailed it.  I remember the numbers...roughly 90 carp and 50 smallies in four days.  What a trip!

Lastly, I spent an unforgettable week in Alaska with my dad.  What a place, what a trip, and what a great time spent with my dad.  

I have to admit, it sure is fun to look at all of these pictures again!  Big thanks to my wife and kids for letting me take the above (and so many more) adventures.  And a big thanks to everyone who I fished with this year, or talked fishing with, or read about their fishing exploits, etc.  2011 was a great year, here is to more in 2012!

Happy New Year!