Trout Season opened with a splash as rain was the forecast for the opening weekend festivities. Many anglers hit the local waters for the traditional trout festivities that kick off Spring and bring the end of winter.

Don’t let the dates on the calendar fool you because there is still plenty of chill and rain in the air as winter holds on for one last hurrah before Easter egg hunts replace snow shoveling.

Getting outdoors and having some fun routines brings plenty of relaxation around my household. The daffodils are wanting to burst out in yellow glory and the spring beauties are popping up in bunches everywhere.

When I fish along some streams I get to witness the emergence of the violets and trout lily as a sure sign of trout season opening up. Early weeks display naked branches along the waterways, in a few weeks the burst of green shoots indicates that winter is likely gone for this year.

I was admittedly lax as I had left a few of my rods and reels in the garage over the winter. It’s not a wise move as the cold can do some damage to the fishing line and equipment. The good news is that there was no direct light on the fishing gear which could result in sun damage to the line especially.

If I have any doubt, I will replace the line because of a failure in its integrity. As I look over the last lures, spoons and set ups that I had used I found that my recall of its success was crystal clear. My wife always asks me how I can remember a certain cast or hunting shot so vividly and yet forget one small chore she asked me to do so completely.