I’m officially calling the 2008 fishing season quits as I get my boat read for winter.  Because North Dakota’s been in a severe drought these past few years, my fishing opportunities have diminished quite a bit.  Some of my favorite fishing holes were dried up or made inaccessible due to low water.  But I did get some quality time on the water this year.

My favorite day was mid-June.  Wind is a constant in North Dakota.  The only real time you don’t get wind is the moments before a storm hits, so you can imagine my excitement when I woke up on a scheduled day off to 0mpg wind and none forecasted.  My daughter was at a friend’s house all day and my wife had to work.  So I loaded up the boat, bought some bait, and headed off to the fishing hole.  I cruised around that lake virtually all day with not a wave to be seen other than my small wake behind my trolling motor.  I caught my limit of walleyes, a couple of white bass and a northern.   On top of it I got a nice suntan and drank a beverage or two.

That was a good day.

But today I look out at 40 degrees and rain, with snow on the way.  So I guess it’s time.  Time to pull out the battery, clean out the last of the equipment, and button up for the winter.

For those of you who need some help winterizing your boat, like me, I found a nice article at BoatUS.com. Check it out and make the day you open your boat up next year a good one.