11/22/07
Thanks and Thanksgiving for all things outdoors
By Terry Madewell

About this time very year, things get really hectic for me, or at least it seems to be that way. I’m sure the same is true for about everyone, whether they hunt, fish or have other things they enjoy to do.

Everyone at home and in the extended family is gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday, and rightly so. The deer are still in rut so that’s certainly a powerful pull on any outdoorsman. Largemouths are still biting and stripers are beginning to school more consistently. Granted, the water is very low and that creates issues. But, still, when you think about it, we can be thankful for being close to some of the best fishing anywhere in the South.

And that can be translated into some of the best fishing anywhere … period. Then add the saltwater fishing not far from us, and wow, let’s be thankful for perhaps the best of both fishing worlds.

The extended drought has really played havoc with fish and fishermen for a while now and while many good anglers have fit together the pieces of the puzzle and continue to make good catches, I don’t know of many who won’t be glad to have the water up and have enough rainfall to keep it there. That would be a great, and ample, Christmas present to many of us.

This is the time of the year for being thankful and I hope everyone takes time to think about the many blessings and wonderful opportunities we’ve had throughout the year in 2007. I know I’ve enjoyed every minute afield and afloat despite the fact that not every trip was as successful as I may have hoped or planned. Among the top events of the year in the outdoor world for me are listed here, maybe it will help you jot down a few of the things for which you are thankful.

JOANNE TAYLOR/Manning Times

Now known as the “bream king of Chickamauga Lake, the author’s father,George Madewell, was a latecomer to the fun of fishing.

I am thankful for early season slab crappie that are most willing to cooperate when it’s often too cold to catch much of anything else. These platter-sized slabs are some of the best fish of all to fry.

I am very thankful for schooling stripers and the opportunity to chase them with some friends. Sometimes they’re frustrating when they are schooling all around the boat and you can’t get a bite … but then other times everyone stays hooked up all the time. And you’re using the same lure and baits both times. Crazy, but that’s one of the reason we love ‘em.

Thanks for a tough but rewarding turkey season in 2007. Without a doubt, this was one of most frustrating seasons in some aspects. However, it was without a doubt one of my most enjoyable seasons ever. When it all came together, it was awesome. And, in the spirit of a true turkey hunter, I am even thankful for the whuppin’ a couple old toms laid on me this spring. Maybe I’ll be smarter next year.

I am thankful for hunting with Drew and to see the passion for this sport that’s growing within him. It will be a passionate fire that will keep his hunting spirit warm for a lifetime.

If anyone appreciates and is thankful for bream, it’s my family and me. We love big ones; we love little ones; we just love the action that you can handle particularly when it’s on fly rods. One highlight is the annual “bream tournament” we have, and it’s a guys vs. gals adventure. Once again, the gals won … as they always do.

Of course, what would a spring and summer season be without bass fishing with close friends. It was a very good year for largemouth, with both quantity and quality fish caught. Lots of photos taken and several special days and memories made.

Of course, what would fall be like without the chance to go shrimping. This has to rank as the best season in memory. I’m already looking forward to next year.

I admit I have worked harder this deer season than any in recent memory. But, that’s a very good thing and I am very thankful that my deer hunting spirit is rekindled. I had a special gift for a special deer that I finally managed to deliver at about 3,000 feet per second. It’s been a very productive year, and hey, I am also thankful it’s not over yet!

I am thankful to have spent the time in the woods this fall and to have seen a bunch of long-bearded gobblers, a memo for next April.

I’ve loved to rabbit hunt since I was knee-high to a beagle pup and I’ve managed to get that accomplished at both the beginning of the year in 2007. Rabbit hunting is a great way to have fun with friends, hear some great dogs working and enjoy more of nature’s bounty. There’s a lot of ways to cook a rabbit and all of them good. Thanks for the bunnies.

I am thankful for an entire family that appreciates and uses the great outdoors. I’m thankful my dad finally learned to enjoy fishing. He didn’t really begin to embrace the sport until he was about 65 years old. He’s 87 now, and on a recent trip back to Chattanooga to visit, I heard someone refer to dad as the “bream king” of Chickamauga Lake, the lake I grew up on. I would never have thought it when I was young because he didn’t fish, but I am thankful to hear it. Of course, I challenged him to a “bream fish-off” next spring. I think he mentioned about giving me one of his old-fashioned spankings … we’ll see.

Most of all, I thank the good Lord for giving me another year with family, friends and the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors that He has made.

Take a moment to be thankful for all the great things in your life, not just the deer and fish harvested, and to thank the One that makes it all possible.

And be thankful for the upcoming adventures. I know it will be a great 2008.