New and old Friends!

I have to agree 05 has been filled with ups and downs, but IDA has been a great glue to get me thru. I know I’m better off today than I have been in some time, and I feel a good part of that is due to the family we have here on IDA. I didn’t fish as much as I wanted this past year, but enjoyed the limited time more than ever, and I know that I will get more fishing in, in the weeks and months ahead too. This is the time of year for reflection, and between that and the picture of what’s ahead, it looks darn good. Happy Holidays

dave

2005 was certainly a banner year for me! I finally had the opportunity to meet James, one of the highlights of the year! In addition, I had the good fortune to cross paths with(listed in no particular order), neighbor SteveO and wife,Trish, Putz and Putz’s Boss, Dustin and his new bride, Steve Vick, Bill Cadwell, Stillakid2, Fishing Machine, CatFishGirl, Shane Hildebrant, Prof, Jon Jordan, Redneck, Buckshot and Walleye-brat, Dean Marshall, Eye-Guide, Steve Plantz, Blue Fleck, Dinosaur, ecnook, Kooty, ThFlounder, wife and Lilly Pad, Clarence Chapman, Chappy and wife, Karen, John Tucker and bro in law Jerry, Gutpile, Adam, Suzuki, Stickboy, MikeW, BrianK and wife, Deb, shardke and Tom P. Hope I didn’t forget anyone, if I have, I sincerely apologize!

My largest Northern (40″) and possibly my largest walleye (27.5″) ever were boated in 2005. The walleye was not the longest ever, but may have been the heaviest! Both were returned to the watery depths. I Da’ Woman may also have caught her largest ‘eye ever. Her 26 incher, after picture taking, was also retuned to the lake.

I also had the chance to fish with my newly discovered neighbor SteveO and the venerable Putz. Never laughed so hard in my life as when Putz opened up a package of Lutey in my boat! Immense was the relief when I realized he was not going to eat it, but fish with it! You got to love his sense of humor, truly the funniest fisherman I know! I am still trying to figure out how to repair the Lutey burn in the boat carpet. I look forward to fishing with them again next year! There is a wealth of wisdom reflected in the folks listed above and on the IDA website, I have learned much! I am eternally grateful for having discovered IDA. Hope to meet many more great folks in the future!

P.S. One of my hopes for 2006 is to have Eye-Guide show me the secrets of the St.Croix River!

I have also been looking back over the last year. It has been one of the toughest in my life. But, the people here helped me turn things around and head in the right direction. I can honestly say that it was the people here who saved me. IDA is more than just fishing and hunting, it is about LIFE. We have so many people in all walks of life and they all are willing to give advice and encouragement in lifes trials.
I have also gotten to share a boat or a patch of ice with quite a few members on this site. All were and still are great company.
I have also said things on here this year that I should not have done. I regret a lot of things, but I am man enough to admit that I was wrong.
I don’t know what I would do if I had not found this site. I would probably be sitting around still trying to figure out how to find and catch fish
On the hunting side, there are so many awesome stories of hunts, pics of huge bucks and nice does, awesome pheasants, and sunrises and sunsets.
I am really looking forward to 2006. I hope to meet more members and further my knowledge of fishing and hunting and life.

The past couple of years have been pretty good here also. I have been offered many open seats which wouldn’t have happened without IDA. Some firsts and biggest through these seats also. My biggest catfish (Mike W), biggest sauger (Dino), first catfish trip (Briank), and first lutey bait (Eyejacker). Thanks guys and I owe ya one as soon as I get rid of the poc boat.

The GTG’s, formal and informal, have been awesome. PDC and ARM events have left a lasting impression on me. Even the informal events like Afton where Gutpile put me onto crossbows which I started hunting with yesterday, or Mille Lacs opener (You out there, Jim?) eating Tuck’s fried fish at Hooks and Dman’s places. Getting whupped at Hold’em, although at Everett’s it was because my eyes were watering.

Been able to buy and sell merchandize here, even a grandfather clock for Boss of Putz for some well needed points.

Bottom line is that I have met a lot of good people here, both in person and on-line and I’ll say thank you for taking this poor old retiree under your wing and showing me a good time while teaching me how to fish. There I go getting all teary eyed again.

Do I have a social life outside of IDA? Dunno. Maybe Mama’s right after all.

I feel the same. When i get up in the morning and befor i go to bed i have to stop here at the site just too see whats new in the postings. Whats drawn my eye to the posts is that with all thats been posted since i’ve been here at the site is theres always someting that ive never read befor and its my first finding out about what thier posting. A constant source of new information that useful, can’t beat that! After a persons been here awhile and see the thousands of posts and what thier about its totally amazing. There sure is alot of people here who like to talk about many many diffrent things and that only expands the thoughts. I haven’t met anyone here on the site yet in person but am planning on going to the pdc get together this winter so i can meet a few of them, i hear its really fun. I know if i need any advice or have any questions this is the place to go to find them out. Everybody have a good holiday season and a happy new year.

Gotta admit. I have really enjoyed this site as well. Although I have only met one or two of you in person, I look forward to meeting more. Although, there are not so many from up Dalut way. I will let you all know when I find the sweet spot up there for a ice fishing gathering.

I am sure that you may see a few of us up that direction around the first few weeks of walleye opener….Bring on the Louie …