Pre-Season 2012

So it the first of the year, which means it's time for some guides to be out there on the slopes taking care of some fun stuff before even thinking about the 2012 season. For those that love to ski, guiding is perfect because the seasons are opposite. (Unfortunately, I don't ski.) Lot's of guides have headed South for favorable weather, which is definitely a thought. In the end, most of us are trying to occupy our time as the boredom certainly can take over and you know what they say about an idle mind. For me, I'm going to be taking care of my gear and getting a head start on tying flies and stocking inventory.

A big part of the pre-season process is licensing. The State has done a really good job these past couple years making that process easier. The on-line renewal application is a breeze and the cool thing is now instead of paying cash it can go on the card. (I know, that also means paying interest on fees that some think are already getting out of hand but an extra $175 cash going into April can come in handy.) I received my license yesterday and already met a couple outfitters and had them sign off. Before the season starts I still need to update my First Aid Certification, (another newly accepted on-line process,) and my Independent Contractors License is still good from last year so I'm pretty much good to go. At the end of February I'll need to purchase a fishing/conservation license and my commercial use permit but as of right now, I can be guiding. The fishing has been good so if you're in a random mood to hit the river...

It's also a good time to be making lists of flies I will need to stalk up on. However, tying thousands of the same nymph pattern over and over again is the most tidiest job in the world. I don't understand how people can do that day after day so I think I'm going to stalk up on streamers. Besides, the streamer fishing is really good right now and as long as the moderate temps continue, it might stay really good throughout the winter so any die-hards out there are going to have to be ready for sink tips and sssslow retrievals anyway. Maybe I'll even come up with some killer crayfish pattern...keep a look-out for one soon.

The other thing most guides rarely take into account is their personal well being. Without getting all Oprah on you, it is really important to take care of yourself in the off-season so you can hit the water with some momentum. Getting out of Dodge for a little while can definitely help re-charge the old melon. Getting away from fishing all together or just doing something different and fun can be a career saver. (I'm still thinking of spending a week or two in AZ to do some golfing.)And maybe even more importantly, keeping in shape physically can really help especially in the Spring when temps are cool are winds are blowing. You've heard of P-90X? Just wait folks.

Keep 'em where they live....