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In the spirit of the season (and to paraphrase Cousin Eddie in the popular 1989 movie "Christmas Vacation"), fishing is the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.
Truth is, it is a lifetime of giving for those lucky enough to have been gifted with the art, science and unparalleled pastime fun of fishing.
Avid anglers extend their fishing trips across the seasons.
During winter, we typically have good ice for those who like to jig for crappies and walleyes. Come spring, the walleye fishing kicks in first with crappies and largemouth bass close behind.
Summer and autumn are great for Lake Erie walleyes and smallmouth bass, while the reservoirs around Warren and Youngstown continue to produce good fishing. As fall settles in and winter is on the doorstep, Erie's steelhead are ready and willing to cooperate with cold-weather anglers.
Year after year, fine fishing is ours. What's more, in an era when many yearn for the "good ol' days" in many of life's pursuits, fishing really does seem to have gotten better.
The point, of course, is that those who pick up rod and reel have no limit on the times and places where they can enjoy their sport.
With all of this in mind, I think a great Christmas gift would be your promise to make sure a friend or family member gains the benefit of your expertise and enthusiasm for the great sport of fishing.
Gaining new advocates for fishing has many benefits. People who fish put their idle time to creative and productive use, enjoy growing their own fishing talents and deepen their immersion in a passion that delivers a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Consider, too, that there is strength in numbers. The more we recruit people to love our sport, the better are our chances to overcome resistance, restriction and unnecessary regulation.
Young people especially are likely to reap benefits from learning the ropes of the fishing game. Youthful minds are sponges when it comes to discovery of information and knowledge. Children thrive on learning and fishing is one of the purest examples of gaining results by applying what they have learned.
One way to play a role in promoting the sport to young people is to support the Student Fishing League operated by Harry Emmerling of East Liverpool or the youth programs of local fish and game clubs.
The gift of fishing need not be limited to youngsters. Everyone has the potential to fall in love with casting and catching, regardless of their station in life, the challenges they face and the preconceived notions they might have about how boring it might be waiting for a fish to bite.
Fishing is good therapy, as evidenced by the number of organizations and individuals who organize fishing trips for veterans who are wounded or suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A day spent fishing with an experienced angler in the serenity of nature makes for an experience that most appreciate and many decide to pursue again and again.
I'm going to take my own advice in 2023. I'm going to bring the thrill of fishing to friends who have yet to experience it. More than a few have mentioned they wouldn't mind accompanying me out on the lake. For one reason or another, this usually doesn't happen.
No more excuses - for you or for me. Make 2023 the year we share the great gift of fishing.
Jack Wollitz's book, "The Common Angler," seeks to answer the "why" behind our passion for fishing. He appreciates emails from readers. Send a note to jackbbaass@gmail.com.