Wouldn't it be Nice?

Now's the time to day dream about the fishing season that was, or the fishing season that's to come, or if your like me, you start to plan how you will feed your addiction over the Winter.

If your local to Massachusetts, then there is a well-known, year-round trout fishery out by the Quabbin Reservoir, at the Swift River. If you take Exit 8 off the Mass Pike, you should be able to find it. I've fished there in January and February and caught trout. These fish are farm raised and quite smart. You can bounce flies an inch from the fish and they will snub you, but persistence will pay off. Hey, picking ice out of the guides is not the best, but it's better than nothing!

So, that's the cheap route. If you want to lay out some cash, then you have many more options within a few hours flight of the Boston area.

Let's start with the obvious, Florida. Yes its got lots of old people and somewhat of an annoying, but shrinking, Spring Break issue, but there is good fishing to be had. The Keys are the most publicized fishing area in Florida, and for good reason. You'll find good fishing from Biscayne Bay to Key West. A good place to start planning your trip is here.

Another good Florida location is Sarasota. Located on Florida's west coast, there are less annoying New Yorker's on the west coast, and good fishing to boot. (Hey, I'm a New Yorker by birth, I know!) Good fishing abounds in the Sarasota area and there are plenty of other activities to keep you or your family busy. Start your planning here.

If you'd like a Flip Pallet type adventure, why not head to the Bahamas. Many people would tell you that Abaco is the place to go, and they would be correct. You can chase Blue Marlin, Dolphin, Yellowfin Tuna, Bonefish and Wahoo. Abaco is a sure cure to the Winter blues!

High on my fishing wish list is a visit to Christmas Island. This island, located 1300 miles south of Hawaii and quite close to Australia and Borneo, is a premier destination for bonefishing. You can also fish for Giant Trevally, another real treat on Christmas Island. Non-fishing activities include world-class scuba diving, whale watching and bird watching.

So there you have it. A few ideas for you to try and make it through the Winter season and perhaps ease the pain of cabin fever....Cheers!