If December is a time for elections and reflections, then January surely brings a moment of transition and ambition.
Tradition dictates that we announce our resolutions for the ensuing 12 months.
To become a better version of ourselves, we resolve to give up the stuff that is bad for us and to take up stuff that is good for us.
All, of course, with the best of intentions, even if some are doomed from the get-go.
A new year inevitably brings with it renewed ambitions, which is an easy ask, given the inevitable overindulgence in Christmas spirit, which may or may not still be swirling through our system.
With joy and goodwill stretching as far as the eye can see, TV news channels are hidden from view and we surround ourselves with Christmas specials, Harry Potter box sets and reruns of old movies.
It is at this point, or more crucially when we are in the mind state, that we decide that this is the perfect time for reflection and the ideal time for a reinvention.
A new year, a new start.
And then, as the January post starts to deliver a raft of bills, the news soon returns to its all-too-familiar role as a recycler of all that is grim and bleak and mean, our resolve starts to waver and our thoughts return to the sanctuary that is fishing.
Thankfully, rainbows and grayling fishing are there throughout the month and February sees the salmon season kicking off.
This is followed by the trout in March and we’re off and running again with spring in the air.
If your New Year resolutions include to be a better friend and better person, there’s probably no better way than to introduce, or reintroduce, someone to the joys of fishing. Taking someone on to the bank or out in a boat is something that will benefit everyone involved.
Exercising mind and body (perhaps not to ironman levels unless you’re taking more adventurous forays to mountain lochs) gets us out and moving in the fresh air and seeing Scotland at its best.
If you have decided to forgo the chocolate treats or have eschewed the demon drink for January, you can definitely grab your equipment reward yourself and indulge in a spot of fishing.
This is an easy resolution to keep and probably won’t break the bank.
You might not get the best beats at the prime time but if you chose wisely, you don’t need to go too far to find that great spot for some great sport for less than a gym membership that you might never use.
All that remains is for me to wish you all a very Happy New Year and tight lines for 2020.
