My favorite adventures of 2011

As we get closer to the end of the year, I've been thinking about all the great adventures I've had this year. This was the first year I've really seriously fished (i.e. been completely obsessed with fishing). I really appreciate the mentoring of my buddies Mark, Luke, and Rob who introduced me to the awesome world of fishing.

I've had a lot of firsts this year: my first kayak, my first river fishing, my first super big fish (the giant catfish), my first time wading... all kinds of great stuff I can't wait to do again once it gets warm. I might find myself on the ice at some point this winter, but until then....

Looking back, here are some of my favorite adventures from this year.

August: That time I caught the huge goby

Biggest goby I've ever seen

August: My first big kayak adventure, up Salt Creek to Busse (same time I caught perch at Busse!)

Salt Creek and Arlington Heights Road

September: The first really big bass I caught at the retention pond

September: When I finally caught a Fox River smallie!!

I know, I look like a moron.. But I was so excited!

October: The 24" catfish from the retention pond- biggest (and heaviest) fish I'd EVER CAUGHT!

Right after this picture was taken, the catfish bit down on
my thumbs, HARD. This was the first fish to make
me bleed profusely

October: My first successful wading trip on the Fox River

What a beautiful fish

October: The time a bass ate my homemade lure... then I caught more fish on my own lures

October: My first brown trout! Wading the amazingly beautiful Rogue River in Michigan