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Rusty with writing these days. Been awhile, for me anyways. A hectic winter of family, fishing, travel and work, the flow-to-go at the keyboard hasn't been there until now, yet through the past winter months much fishing has happened and there's plenty to show and tell. Will see here if I can't get back into the swing of things for spring. This report breaks down into two parts, fishing at home and fishing abroad. Will call one Southern Hospitality and the other Northern Living. Read on if ya like... SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. December was basically a no fish month. Checked ice during the second and third weeks and made a first run to Quinte with the quad just after Christmas. Amazing early ice this season, though fishing started slow with only some easy perch and craps, and tricky marble eyes. January to mid-February the pace changed drastically and I found myself all over the map in the chase of fish. Twenty-two hard days on the ice, many for lakers and some outings for mixed bags, the more fruitful results went to the trout. The greys co-operated almost every outing, while eyes, pike and even a day for splake fished tough. Quinte a few times over was a matter of, "shoulda been here yesterday," while missing the pike and splake was simply of my own doing. What was lost on walleye and other species was made up for by my favorite fish to target, the lake trout. Again this year they were awesome. There's nothing like the rocket-race or surprise of a hard hitting and dogging laker. It's become addictive to the point that it's "almost" not worth fishing other species, afterall, what pulls drag like these guys under the ice? In Eastern Ontario, the right gear for the average 2-4 pounders allows for perfect fun, while any awesome 5-9 pound fish and odd 10+ make epic under ice battles, and create instant memories. My buddy Alex can attest to that, catching an 11-pound laker within his first fifteen minutes ever ice fishing... in fact his first laker ever. And, he followed it up with a 9.5 pounder too. With greys more than anything, the hookset is the big score while their tug is the drug. Plastics, spoons, micro-baits and live bait are all tools for the trade, working any waters with all to get the job done. Hitting those icy roads and snowy outdoors make them that much more of a fun job too. I took a short fishing break mid-to-late February. The girls had been in Attawapiskat for a couple weeks visiting family and it was great to have them home. The house is rather quiet and lonely with them gone, and Bren had it in mind to spend a couple nights together come Valentines with Elton John and then Blue Rodeo at the CTC Centre in Ottawa. Enjoy both, but Blue Rodeo was the better ticket. Family day follows, and so between shifts at work we all spent some time playing around. The kids are growing like weeds, especially Leah of late. She's stretching upward and I have noticed her hands and feet have really elongated and thinned. She'll probably be taller than her mom and sister by the time she stops. Summer on the other hand is now a fully hormonal and moody highschool teen. She tries widening her horizons every day, while the need to "prepare or protect," (thanks BJJ Coach) changes and challenges the role of her parents quite often. Teenage girls can be tricky little things, but worth it. Afterwards I had an invite to join a group up in the Highlands. This Calabogie trip turned out to be incredible. While up North I did travel the 1000 km's just to visit and fish at this gathering, yet I was admittedly apprehensive to going now as two years back I was forced out of the online group by its Admin. Balls in check I went anyways, to visit with the majority which have always understood and stayed friendly. Well, once arriving I was made to feel immediately welcome by all; all but one, and over the weekend able to lift any weight from my shoulders while spending another great time. Only that lone soul in attendance would write afterwards that had he not left early and "had he drank the last half of his bottle of whiskey, he would have finally punched someone in the mouth." Presumably this was me, although I gave no reason, nor felt threatened. In fact, I was too busy catching up with people and having fun to notice such disdain. A much needed and amazing trip to Bogie was once again in the books and I went home extremely happy to have had that time. Big thanks and handshakes went out to all those present in our great group photo, as well as a few others absent from the shot. Beyond Bogie into early March fishing really slowed down again. A big trip north was in the works and so a little time was taken to rest up and prepare for that. Satisfied with my fifth and another solid ice season at home, the journal noted some good efforts from that ever-loving, adapting pursuit of BIG fish. Yeah, walleye were a miss this time around but it wasn't a big deal... Laker numbers were actually down too, and there were a couple extra skunk days over 2013's results. Whatever the answers, whatever the cause, the season just actually felt great overall anyways. I keep things simple. No real fancy gadgetry, no apps or pocket Pros to guide, gear for the average fisherman (except maybe the quad) ... only plenty of time, effort and study, and good use of career to support this addiction, is what keeps it all alive. Lots of fresh air, exercise, fishing time with friends and much solo time too, many things were learned and enjoyed this winter. Will probably set hooks ti'll the day die. A videoooooh! Caution, some mildly explicit but funny Snoop lyrics. Continued...