With 2011 behind us, we have to look back and appreciate a great past year for fishing and also hope for a positive New Year for fish and fishing.

“A jay’s gifts and instincts, and feelings, and interests, cover the whole ground. A jay hasn't got any more principle than a Congressman.” — Mark Twain

Here’s to a new year in the garden. I'm already starting to make journal entries for January.

Whether you celebrated Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, this time of year is special to each of us in our own way. We really do greet friends and neighbors with a bigger smile and a warm holiday wish when we see them on the street, at a community event or even in a store.

Freshwater fishing in our area suffers when both anglers and fish need rain.