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Happy New Year readers,
Time for my annual recap, albeit a little later than usual. 2010 was a massive year for all at KFA, most of it was outstanding (In more ways than one) but a few left me scratching my head. To start with the tournament scene blew up another level with both the ABT series and the SSBS delivering great rounds and great fish. Our attendance was pretty heavy at the ABT events but perhaps a little sporadic in the SSBS. We fished well, learned a lot and even managed a couple of wins, top fives and even grand final appearances (With Jason taking out the SSBS GF).
Local fishing was non existent and our favourite Native hole (Any many other peoples) basically died due to run off from a new suburb. Its a real shame as the weed growth actually excelled to a point where light was at a minimum and constant captures proved elusive. I drive by this place everyday now and with the recent weather creating more run off mayhem the once crystal clear suburban water resembles nothing less than a muddy Yabby pond.
A little further afield and things change, for the better it seems. My favourite place to fish in the whole wide world (Yes, Lake Jindabyne) filled to a level I had not fished it from for many years (Well before my kayak fishing days). At first it became a guessing game finding previously hallowed ground but with repeated trips the edge bite really came alive. Trout Fest 2010 was a perfect example, while we caught some excellent fish the sheer majority of them made it a stand out event for the year.
KFA headquarters moved into a much bigger pad, a far cry from my old dig. A short time after Phoebe was born, followed by Patwah's baby Arli (Excuse the spelling mate). Its been a hectic time for Claire and I with a new house and child and for that the middle part of the year halted my multiple winter trips (Post and pre). Phoebe and Claire are doing well and the house is great, i'm finally getting around to the landscaping (If only for a place to store the new trailer). I have never been this proud before, and I have the tattoo branding to prove it.
Canberra saw more rain than it has in over a decade, so much so that nearly every Dam within earshot has been full to overflowing (First Brogo, then Burrinjuck, Googong, Pejar etc). The waters are still yet to settle which has made local fishing difficult (And downright hazardous) but some great Golden Perch have been extracted by Jason fishing flooded ground and a couple of close mountain streams showed promise with aerobatic Bows. If anyone fishes locally over the next few weeks take care, the local lakes are full of obese flotsam and jetsam.
Contributions from others on KFA have slowed and basically halted, which is rather disapointing. I really only have myself to blame as my judgement on an issue affected others and in turn the website (And another) suffered. The issue was a cloud over my head for a few months and I am now still poorer for it. Without dredging it up again and again those affected know why it was mentioned. Again, apologies to all and sundry (You know who you are).
KFA did pick up the pace, with a little bit of content management we hit 50,000 hits before the year was out. Pretty stoked with the result, considering how little cross promotion and avenues for advertising we had up our sleeves. The online shop stalled and is currently in an unintended hiatus. While not a priority or strict money making site tool I do hope to have it up and running in the near future. With some of the other tabs suffering a similar fate another overhaul is on the cards very soon, perhaps with a complete website update?
Which brings me to the best part of all, time management. For the last seven years my life has consisted of running and owning a coffee shop. Early morning starts, late finishes, management, staff issues, basic business, its been a real roller coaster ride. Just last month we decided to put it on the market and Claire and I recently took a deposit on the shop (Almost straight away). This puts me in a remarkable position for the first time in years, a position of change and opportunity.
While I am not exactly sure what the future will hold in regards to employment I do know what immediate rewards I will reap. More free time, more time with the family, more time fishing, more time resting, more time appreciating the little things, more time planning, more time writing, more time excelling, more time bludging. Whichever way I look at it its a win-win situation, and a bloody big one. I like to show dedication, pay my dues and walk away with a smile (In all aspects of life).
Its time to grab a beer and park my carcass...
