Andy Dear | Monday, 8 April 2024
Remember the "to do lists" but don't forget the "to be lists"
---Richard Branson
Tomorrow is going to be a strange day here in South Texas. Tomorrow afternoon about 1:30 pm we will experience a total solar eclipse. Ironically enough, the town of Waring Tx. is right smack dab in the path of totality. What this means is that TONS of visitors are flocking to this area of the state in large numbers to view this rare event. The influx of people is so severe in fact, that many of the businesses (including the one I work for) have closed down for the day. Honestly, I am glad to have the time off. Due to some changes in the landscape of the fishing rod industry, my epoxy business has exploded.
I never thought I'd see the day when the business would grow so big, that I would have to start making lists to keep things organized and moving forward, but here we are. As the volume increases, I find myself contemplating what the future looks like in terms of my ability to create time to still go fishing. I have always joked that when you work in the sportfishing industry, the last thing you get to do is FISH! And, nowhere has this been more true in my life than it is currently.
My good buddy Phil Blackmar called me last night to discuss the finer points of an new flyrod that he just put to use. I am dying to cast it, but can't even find time for a short day trip to meet Phil halfway because of the current workload. When I read Richar Branson's, it reminded me that the older I get, the more important it is for me personally, to spend more days on the water rather than less. With Jackson's college career starting in a very short two years, I am trying desperately to figure out a way to maximize my time on the water with him as well.
The cool thing is that Jackson has now enetered the world of pouring soft plastic lures for the local contingent of fresh and saltwater fisherman. Subsequently, we spend a lot of time in the shop together. That, however does not have the same quality of interaction of being stuck in a 16 foot skiff together in a Redfish marsh in the middle of nowhere.
Having said all of that, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be able to make at least part of my living in this business. It's the only thing Ive ever really been good at, and even remotely passionate about. SO now I am adding another item to the "to do list"....figure out a way to fish more.
Hope you all are having a great week,
Andy