10 Things to Avoid on Opening Day

The long, long wait is over, flies have been tied, lines cleaned and a fresh start on a new trout season is at hand. For many anglers "Opening Day of Trout" is more of a time honored tradition of seeing friends and breaking down the symphony of cabin fever that has been pounding in one's head since about Thanksgiving of the previous year. Even if you are a dedicated (aka nuts) winter fly angler who takes advantage of the 24/7/365 seasons on the various "No - Kills, Trout Conservation Areas or other Special Regs. water, Opening Day still carries with it the promise of hitting some of those special runs and pools, that have been "off-limits" for about 6 months.

     In an effort to help you dear reader, to have an enjoyable and trouble free Opening Day experience, I submit a list of at least "10 Things to Avoid on Opening Day!"

1.) Any pool with the name Cairns
2.) Flies from Nigeria
3.) The Broccoli, Cabbage and Sauerkraut Omelet at the diner.
       (especially if you plan to be wearing waders later.)

4.) Fishing with anyone who says, "No, I don't know the property owner, but they can't see us down here from the house."
5.) Grasshopper flies
6.) Getting up early
7.) Non - insulated waders

8.) Expecting to actually catch a trout
9.)  Fishing as a guest on private-water with anyone who says, " No, I said, I used to belong to this club."

10.) Actually fishing.

Enjoy yourself, soak it in as best as you can.......
                 .........after-all, there are only so many Opening Days in one's life!


Stay Classic, JB Martin