8 Comments
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Lou Tamposi's avatar

What a round up! Couldn’t agree more on the tracking section — what a blessing this winter has been for reading stories.

Had a blast on the ice with you — already looking forward to next time!

John Gonter's avatar

Thanks Lou! I’m going to try to get down south for a couple more days of fishing before the puppy happens. Looking forward to next time. And working on my shelter anchor tech too!…

Kyle Shepard's avatar

Loved this piece John, the pictures, the ponderings, the lessons, all of it. The picture of the haul you had with Dale, holy smokes!

The unfinished drafts really resonated with me too. Always a sign for me to get out and experience more before potentially coming back to (who knows when).

John Gonter's avatar

Thanks Kyle.

Since December, I’ve written a lot of words. And many are in posts I’ve planned for some time to write. But I just couldn’t seem to get any to the finish line. Some are very provocative and I’m being extra careful to not push them out before they’re ready. For some reason, my brain just isn’t working the way it did in 2025. Such is life.

Kyle Shepard's avatar

I look forward to reading your unedited, provocative posts that you’re welcome to send me on the side… haha. Phases of life brother. You clearly are staying after it in multiple ways.

Havala Schumacher's avatar

Worth the read just for exhausted snowball doggo! Not quite cold enough for ice fishing down here in West Virginia, but it's just about time to get down to the river and see if we can't find some trout. Last year a friendly neighbor (who likes to fish, but doesn't like to eat fish!) came by with six of them, and that's maybe still one of the grandest food gifts I've ever received.

John Gonter's avatar

Great gift. I’m always a bit surprised by people who fish, and often fish well—that don’t like or eat fish. It’s a head scratcher for sure. I just met a fellow on the ice last week who had caught a salmon “…and I’m sure happy I’ve got friends and family to give it to!”

Havala Schumacher's avatar

My brother in law loves to go deep sea fishing but is allergic! It works out nicely for the rest of the family, for sure.