Not So Hot Fishing Report

Not So Hot Fishing Report

Thank you for reading this Not So Hot Fishing Report. Good thing I philosophized about enjoying your time on the water last week. This week, only a few small fish distracted me from that enjoyment.

Our friend Michelle Hartman has another guest post this week. Please read it here…

Subscribers without photos- go to https://www.spottedtail.com/blog/, please. Oh- there aren’t any photos this week.

Weather kept me off the water Monday and Tuesday. Of course the van got worked on, minor electrical stuff. Wednesday was Valentines Day. My valentine and I went to Lake Mills Park and had a picnic by the lake, gorgeous, warm sunshine, pleasant breeze, sublime company. A lovely little celebration it was.

I’ve been tying some articulated streamers for a trip to Montana. (If any readers have tips about fishing Montana in September, I would love to hear from you!) After the picnic, a trip to the local retention pond followed. I wanted to see how the flies look in the water. Frankly, I was disappointed.

I’ve tied three unweighted ones, which is what I tried. The damn thing sat on the surface like a dead moth. I globbed all kinds of saliva on it, trying to convince it to get wet. Didn’t work. Once it got forced it under by stripping it, it didn’t look particularly good, either. Although a bass did hit it. I missed it. Back to the drawing board on that.

Thursday, under a solid overcast, the kayak and I visited Mosquito Lagoon. There weren’t a lot of fish around. When I was sitting, I couldn’t see them. When I was standing, they all saw me first. I did not get a shot.

I visited a number of my blind fishing spots. Finally, four hours in, the skunk was chased- by a puffer. Does that even count??? At the last spot of the day, a few trout and reds fell to the DOA Shrimp, which ended up being shredded by more puffers. All the fish were modest, although the trout would be in the slot. It beat no fish.

Because hope springs eternal in the heart of a fisherman, Friday I tried the Indian River Lagoon. There were high clouds, enough to cause a lot of glare. Again, such fish as there were saw me first. Then a yahoo ran his boat the entire way down the flat I was fishing, taking particular care to get close to me. Thanks, you jerk.

I did manage two small trout and a small red on the plastic shad. Once the wind came up, I bailed out. Boat was on the roof by 1PM. Altogether, the day was beautiful, the fishing not so hot.

And that, folks, is the not so hot fishing report. Thanks again for reading!

Every day is a blessing. Don’t waste it- Go fishing! Go paddling! Go on a walk! Stay active!

John Kumiski
www.johnkumiski.com
www.spottedtail.com
www.spottedtail.com/blog

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, © John Kumiski 2024. All rights are reserved.

How to Run Your Company from a Campsite

Combining Business and Pleasure: How to Run Your Company from a Campsite or Camper

A Guest Blog by Michelle Hartman

 

You might have dreamed of combining your love for the great outdoors with your work. While it might sound like a daunting task to keep your business running while roughing it out in the wilderness, it’s definitely possible with the right planning and resources. Here are some tips from John Kumiski Outdoor Communications, including how to choose the perfect campsite and camper and prep your business for working in the wild, so you can run your company from a campsite!

Operating a Virtual Business

Of the challenges of running your business while camping, one practical solution is understanding how to get a virtual business address. A virtual business address is ideal for entrepreneurs who are often on the move but still require a stable and professional address for their business operations. Working with a Virtual Business Address service is an effective way to maintain this professional facade. These services provide a credible, fixed address for handling business correspondence, which is crucial for maintaining client trust and managing official documents.

Before embarking on your camping trip, setting up a virtual business address ensures that your business communications are uninterrupted, and your mail is securely managed and accessible online. This not only adds a layer of professionalism to your mobile business but also offers the flexibility to manage your business from any location, be it a mountain, a forest, or a lakeside campsite.

Staying Connected in the Great Outdoors

The right digital tools will make it easier to stay connected and manage your business remotely from a campsite. For example, if you’re managing projects involving multiple people or teams, look for tools to streamline document sharing. Saving your files as PDFs keeps all your documents organized and easily shareable. You can even combine files into single PDFs to keep everything in one place.

Keep an Eye on Home

Smart home systems like security cameras, motion sensors, and automated lighting can be invaluable for monitoring your home remotely. Before setting off on your camping adventure, it’s important to ensure that all these systems are functioning optimally. Thankfully, troubleshooting and fine-tuning your smart home setup can be easily done using free online resources. These resources provide step-by-step guides and tips to ensure your smart technology is connected correctly and working as intended.

By doing this, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can monitor your home from your camping site, using your smartphone or laptop. This not only adds a layer of security to your home while you’re away but also allows you to fully immerse in the camping experience, knowing that your home is safe and under watchful eyes, even from afar.

Necessary Amenities for a Work-Camping Trip

There’s a lot to consider when choosing a campsite for remote working online. First, consider your connectivity needs. Research the campground’s wi-fi availability before you book, or consider bringing your own internet connection in the form of satellite internet or a mobile hotspot.

You’ll need a reliable power source, so look for campgrounds that provide electrical hookups. You’ll also need to consider campground privacy, noise levels, scenery, and proximity to amenities like grocery stores and restaurants. Access to running water and clean bathroom facilities are also important.

If You Need a House

Should you find yourself in need of a house while camping, using a rental search filter for finding short-term lease options on nearby houses. There may be times when you need a break from camping or require a physical space for a short period, perhaps for a business meeting, a stable internet connection, or simply to recharge in the comfort of a home. Utilizing a rental search filter allows you to tailor your search according to specific criteria such as location, size, price, and amenities.

This focused approach ensures you find a rental that perfectly suits your business and personal needs. Whether it’s a cozy studio close to nature or a spacious house with high-speed internet and office space, filtering your rental options allows you to seamlessly transition from your tent to a temporary home, ensuring your business runs smoothly without skipping a beat.

Choosing the Perfect Campsite

Once you’ve chosen a suitable campground, it’s time to pick a campsite. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, so don’t put this off! Research the campground online to get an idea of what each campsite looks like. You can also call the campground to ask questions about specific campsites or request recommendations based on your remote work requirements.

Keeping Your Devices Charged

Keeping your phone and laptop charged is incredibly important if you’ll be working from your campsite. If you book a site without an electrical hookup, be sure to bring a power bank or portable charger that you can plug into your camper’s or car’s USB port. Solar chargers are ideal if you’ll be camping in a remote location.

You can also bring a generator to power your devices. Just keep in mind that some campgrounds don’t allow generators, and others prohibit their use during quiet hours. If you do decide to bring a generator, make sure you know how to use it safely and responsibly!

Making Time for Rest and Relaxation

Besides work, be sure to schedule time for other activities, like fishing, relaxing, and hiking. Set specific work hours and stick to them so have time for your favorite outdoor activities. Since you’ll be storing valuables at your campsite, take care to protect your things before heading out. Bring a safe where you can store your laptop and other valuable devices. Be sure to also use a lock to secure your tent or RV! Ideally, find a campground with safe storage areas where you can lock up your valuables for the day.

In Summary

Believe it or not, it’s possible to smoothly run your business from a campsite. All it takes is choosing the perfect location, having access to the necessary amenities, keeping your devices charged, and following a few best business practices like keeping a virtual address.

 

Michelle Hartman is a lifelong nature lover. Her love for nature inspired her to start Summer Camper. Summer Camper provides children ages 8 -16 with amazing summer camp experiences that are designed to create lifelong memories. The Summer Camper team is dedicated to offering high-quality programs that promote personal growth, friendships, and a love for nature and the outdoors.  At Summer Camper, we believe that camp should be a safe and welcoming place where everyone can feel like they belong. Summer Camper aspires to provide programs that meet the ever-changing needs of families and allow children to explore their world in new and exciting ways. Visit their website here…