Resolutions For 2026
By Jim Hutchinson Sr.
New Year’s Eve has rolled around, and this usually means we develop a list of resolutions for the upcoming new year.
Resolutions are designed to make us better individuals. It is easy to make these promises of improvement. Sticking to them is the hard part. I remember my father often saying some 60 years ago, “It’s easy for me to stop smoking, I have done it many times before.”
Below is a list of my resolutions for 2026 in no particular order. While I may not accomplish all of them this coming year, hopefully some will come to fruition.
My first resolution is to take youngsters out fishing. It is difficult to find a more worthy activity than fishing for children to learn lessons of life while still enjoying themselves.
I have been fortunate enough in my life to have children, both daughters and sons, who love fishing and continue doing it as they approach middle age. Now I have grandchildren to accompany me out on the water.
If you don’t have access to youngsters you can introduce to fishing, how about older, retired anglers who are having trouble getting out and doing some fishing?
A second resolution of mine is to enjoy every hour that I spend with a rod in my hands. We have been endowed with a finite amount of time on this earth, and I hope to appreciate every minute of it.
For a clear and touching explanation of this objective, check back in the November/December 2025 issue of Big Game Fishing Journal for the editorial by our editor Karen Wall. If that doesn’t point you in the right direction, nothing will.
Here is one of my New Year’s resolutions that may involve a little work. I resolve to spend time organizing my fishing gear. Winter is a great time of the year to sit down and see what you have in the garage.
I place my fishing equipment into three categories. One pile is the stuff that is ready “as is” to go fishing. Another is a pile of gear I will use but needs attention. It is up to me to either take care of the problem myself or find a professional who can.
The third group consists of gear I have not used for a while and never will. In the past, I have donated the usable materials to our local high school fishing club. A few items that have market value I have sold. The rest that is of no use goes out to the curb.
Checking your gear also applies to your boating-related materials. This includes all safety equipment as well as lines. I was reminded of this last year on my opening trip in early spring. When I threw the anchor over, the chain came disconnected from the anchor due to a loose bolt. Just a couple of minutes checking that back in February would have saved me $90 plus a major disruption in that day’s fishing.
I also resolve to research and discover new recipes for cooking fish that sound appetizing. Then, if I do catch fish, I will experiment with those recipes. You can check with me next November to see how this venture turns out.
My next resolution is to improve my knot-tying skills. I have used the same knots for as long as I can remember. I want to be sure I am using the knots best suited to my fishing success. Because of age, I have arthritis in my hands and fingers. Maybe I can find easier-to-tie knots that will work just as well or even better than what I currently tie.
I resolve to continue using proper fishing etiquette. I will not infringe on others fishing in spots when they get there first. To tell the truth, I do not enjoy fishing where everyone else is fishing and prefer to get off by myself. If I do decide to share a spot, I will give others plenty of room to fish and hope they do the same.
If someone else demonstrates poor fishing etiquette on me, I resolve to not flip out and start yelling and cursing. I am out fishing to relax and enjoy myself; why get all stressed out over someone who might not know any better?
I resolve to respect the environment. No trash on my boat is ever to be thrown overboard. The old saying is “pack it in, pack it out.” In fact, if we notice trash in the water, we will try to take it back with us to dispose of.
I resolve to study all fishing regulations and carry a copy on the boat. There are changes every year, and I plan to be up to date with all of them.
I resolve to take my wife fishing more often. She enjoys catching fish, and I enjoy her company. This resolution does come with a caveat, though. Those trips must start after 7 a.m. and only on calm seas.
Finally, I resolve to never stop telling fish tales. I see nothing wrong with exaggerating the size of a fish, especially true of the big one “that got away.”
If you would like to ask me a question or just tell me what a dope I am, please feel free to drop me a line at jamesghutch1@aol.com. I would also love to hear your fishing resolutions for 2026.
