Priorities!

You know, I am not the man I use to be. I feel that my addiction to hunting and fishing has hurt my relationship with the wife and has caused unneeded tension in our marriage. For some reason, I think that I am still single when it comes to these two things. I did it my whole life at least 2 or 3 times a week growing up. I only had a handful of great friends but my greatest was the pond at my grandma's. It never hurt me, was always there, and filled a void of loneliness. Now, when life gets stressful and I just want to not think, I go.

I have learned that my family is most important second only to myself. That sounds sooo, selfish. Let me explain. If I am not taking care of myself then I have nothing to offer to my family. Often I see Chelsea give so much and never receives. I have to remind her that she can go and do something on her own but she simply wants me to be home. That is very sweet! See the conflict?! I went fishing twice in February (all day) and twice in March (2 hours each). One of those trips was with Cambree. I am really trying to be a great dad and support for Chelsea. I am loving my family more and more each day. I am having to communicate and not take advantage of Chelsea when she takes care of the kids all day and I go fishing on short notice.

I am almost 31 and I am learning to grow up and prioritize. I am not bitter, but invested in my family that loves me with hugs and kisses, grants me forgiveness when I am wrong, and makes my life full of joy. I never realized that my greatest catch was Them.

Twin Lakes Idaho

Twin Lakes 9/26/2009

Hit Twin Lakes around 9 am on September 26th and fished until 2pm. Suppose to have been off by 12:30 but I ignored the boss. Air temp ranged anywhere from 55 to 78 degrees. Water temps ranged from 61 to 65 degrees. Found the fish next to weed beds in the deeper part of the lake. Crappie would only attack in stealth mode lure presentation. They would easily spook in clear water. Could see the bottom at 12 ft. We moved a bit shallower and caught a few perch and trout. We ended up with 65 crappie, 4 perch, 3 bluegill and 2 trout. Went with some neighbors and had a blast.

I did something I had never done before, I caught a trout without hooking it any place on its body. I actually hooked the loop of the leader that was already in the fish's mouth attached with rusty hook that broke off easily once I got it to the boat. Craziest thing I ever seen! Had a blast!

It has been unseasonably warm of late. That will change as of tomorrow. A cold front is making its way from the artic north bringing rain and snow down to the benches with lows in the mid twenties. Summer to winter in 48 hours. Know I need to get ready for the gun hunt!

I love you Chelsea and thank you for always letting me go fishing! I do love taking Cambree. I have to remind myself that it is quality and not quantity.

April 6, 2009 - Benson Marina

Buddy of mine and I decided to hit the marina to try and catch some crappie. I have done very well this time of year there. We caught these two and had another get away. Had a good time!

Biggest One Ever - 8lbs 10oz!

Logan Regional Hospital 3/31/09

Well, this one here put up a fight! I had only landed two other of its kind 4 and 2 years ago! This one by far is the heaviest but the fight was the shortest! This is definately a wall hanger. Her name is Ella Corrine Adamson. She was born at 12:46 a.m. on 3/31/09. Our outfitter was Captain Horsley and our guide was Aubrey Johnson. She went with us on our last trip 2 years ago and showed us the best way to handle these heavyweights! She was so awesome to come in and work when it was her day off just to help us! We love you and appreciate you Aubs! Here are the fruits of our labors.

Newton Again! Big Bass Again! 1/31

I ventured out this morning before the kids were up so I am not "wasting" family time. I had a half a day to burn and Chels agreed so of course I went and did some honey do's. Oh wait, Chelsea calls me honey and I do like to fish = Honey do! Hit Newton again and in the same hole caught a bigger bass. This one went 20.5 inches and 5.25 lbs. He faught good! -said with long elongated vowel sounds! Anyway, also able to catch 3 bluegill and 14 crappie. I am now up to 81 crappie caught for the year! My goal is to reach 1,000! I'm freaking awesome! Sure sweetheart, I'll take out the trash.

Newton 1/28 Fishing with the Old Man!

Went fishing today and skipped out of school a bit early. I had the priviledge of going with Chelsea's dad, Dennis. I am glad he likes to fish and likes to drink Diet Coke. If Diet Coke were beer, we would've been drunk. Well we drilled our holes in about 12 inches of ice. As soon as I dropped my line down, I lifted up and my rod was a bit heavy. I had Dennis come over and help me land it. He removed the fish finder and I lifted out a 3lb 8oz bass at 18 1/2 inches. No monster but a good fish for under the ice. We ended up keeping 19 crappie (very small), 8 bluegill, 2 perch, and the bass. I have decided to keep count of the number of crappie I catch for this 2009 year. I am up to 67. Needless to say, we had a good time. Good company, decent weather, and willing fish. Can't wait to go again!

Temp: 28 degrees

Light Snow showers

My Fishergirl!

Well, if I wanted to go ice fishing any this week, I would have to get creative! Why not take Cambree! She has been once with the whole family last year to Hyrum Reservoir. Today we went to Newton Reservoir. We caught a few crappie and had a good time. She enjoyed being pulled on the sled. Man I love her! After 15 minutes of being there, she said she was ready to go. I am prepared! "Hey Cambree, you want a snack?" Twenty minutes later she is ready to go again, "You want a sucker?" I am getting good at this stalling technique. She wasn't to interested in catching fish. Finally, I agree to leave and catch two fish right at the end. When I reel the last fish in, she says, "Daddy, I want to catch a fish." So, I have to catch another fish and stay longer. By now, I was ready to leave and I "forced" myself to stay and try a get another. Well, one bit and I let her reel it in. She did a great job! She pulled it out and it was the biggest fish. She now has bragging rights! That is fine with me! She is my sweetheart and fishing buddy.