Cabin Fever
by Dennis Udlinek
Well, is it wintertime or not?
Though long overdue, cabin fever or "bassitis" as it's officially named, got underway after the New Millennium Day with more frequent snow falls. Snow covered everything, including our boats, docks and ramps. And then, just when it was starting to look like we were in for a long, cold bass-less season, in blows a Chinook and it feels like spring! Sixty-degree winds just about started blooms on my apple tree! Now, just in case we return to a more seasonal pattern, I have put together some helpful diversions for getting through the inversions of winter.
First of all if it's snowing outside one must remain calm, remember, even the slightest glimpse at cable television with Bill Dance, Roland Martin and other so called "fishing shows" could send a fellow into a panic attack causing a near fatal attack of "bassitis!" 'Tis a mysterious condition which renders men completely absent-minded causing them to totally forget everything unrelated to bass fishing, including birthdays, holidays, even anniversaries.
The best approach to take for this sickly phenomenon is to sell or give away your television set. If that seems too drastic, then cover it with an old tattered boat tarp and put a picture of Aunt Sally on it. The next obstacle to overcome is the taunting from fishing magazines arriving in your mailbox. Did you ever wonder about those articles about "winter fishing" with everyone pictured wearing shorts? Who are these people and where the heck are they?
How about every time you're waiting in line at a grocery store, and you keep hearing this faint chant from the magazine rack. It keeps calling and calling your name. Dummmy, Duuummmy!
Also, what time of year do all the new lures, rods, boats and you-name-it hit the market? You guessed it! Just in time for the first snow fall of the year. So what do you do? You take out your new rod and cast it into the snow but then the guides ice over. And what's even worse, you get your lifetime dream reel for Christmas and you have no chance of hearing the drag scream - for at least 3 months!
OK - be patient and wait for the bluebird (hopefully) days of February when a Chinook wind might be blowin' in that warm tropical breeze that brings up them ole' bronzebacks. Now, those are the days! The only antidote to cabin fever - unless you've forgotten to get your gear ready, it's time to go fishing!
Warning: ALWAYS remember to have your hooks sharpened, new line put on your reels, repair work done on rods and reels, and a fishing trip already planned out as soon as weather breaks. Maps ready, fishin' strategies laid out, tackle boxes cleaned out and organized, and the truck filled with gas?
A couple more things; Don't forget your mother's birthday, and don't forget to put the plug in your boat!
Good bassin' to ya'll in this grand New Year.
Other Resources:
Idaho's Warmwater Fish
Fishing Reports
Best Bassin'
Smallmouth Territory
BASS BOOKS:
The Art of Tying the Bass Fly: Flies for Largemouth Bass,
Smallmouth Bass, and Pan Fish
By Skip Morris, Richard Bunse (Illustrator)
Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass
By Harry Murray
Bill Dance on Bass Fishing
By Bill Dance, Tim Tucker
Advanced Bass Fishing - Hunting and Fishing Library
By Dick Sternberg