It's not always about the SIZE of the catch........................................

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There is a HUGE misconception out there that fishing is all about the size of the catch.  Wrong.  There is so much to see/feel/experience when you are out on the water.  It is not important whether you experience the water from the shore or by boat - the point is to get out there and involve yourself/others in the outdoors/nature/water.  The more time you spend 'out there', the more and unique things you will see.  The vast and varied wildlife you will observe will surprise you and will leave you wanting more.
 I hope you find something on the following pages that will be of interest to you, whether you be novice, beginner, mid-level, or experienced.

 FUN  It's what it's all about!!!

   Just as an FYI, your initial attempts at fishing will, most likely, not contain monumental, historic, record breaking catches of a lifetime.  Maybe eventually they will, but probably not initially.  I do not want to support the myth that fishing is all about the fish.  Sure enough, it is an important part.  Fishing is a soul mending, re-connecting (with people and environment), eye opening experience.  It gets you up, out, off the couch, away from the TV.  There are lots of other good things that happen too - not the least of which is reconnecting with your kids, or even just yourself if you do not have any children.  (Oh yeah - kids are NOT the only reason to get out and fish - aren't you also worthy of quality time?)
     The natural world has elements/creatures in it that will be more astounding that ANY video game ever!  You might have to bring a magnifying glass, quart sized, clear container, small fine net and some wading shoes (hint-hint)..  You will be amazed at the life that is available for viewing.
     There is something called the 'food chain' or some refer to it as the 'pyramid of life'.  Surprisingly enough, the most important things on this earth are NOT the biggest things - they're the smallest!!!   The EASIEST things to see are the big ones - the lions, the tigers, the bears, the humans.  And they are surely important.  But the really important things - the things that hold the big ones up - truly are the little things.  
    Everything all comes back around to the littlest/tiniest things in that chain.  Big things feed on smaller things, which in turn feed on smaller things, and on and on down to the microscopic level.  In the end, all the big things in this world (yes - including us) depend on all the little tinest things.  
    No republican or democrat wrote these rules.  Laws of nature write AND enforce these rules.   Humans in the so called 'civilized' world seem to be obsessed with testing these laws - by excessive comsumption/waste production, etc.  We all need to be better aware of our own individual impact we leave on this earth.  Getting re-connected with the little things in nature we continually pass by without notice is a good way to get back on the right path - awareness is key.  
    Knowledge is power.  Of course this can be accomplished other ways than by fishing, such as birding, hiking, or kayaking - just getting outdoors. Fishing is how I prefer to get reconnected.  And that's what you will mostly find on these pages - fish and fishing.   
     Can you identify the fish in the picture on the left..?  Let this be your first mystery for you and your kids to solve. Might help to go to the DEC website mentioned later.  Just a hint.
    Another hint - ugly/ferocious looking they may be - but TASTEY/MMMMNNNN GOOD is their middle name!!!