Time to give thanks

What are you thankful for

Most of us will get asked to name what we’re thankful for later this month while we’re about to break bread with extended family. I like this question. It calls on us to reflect on what’s brought us joy throughout the year.

Answers will range from good health, good jobs, blah blah blah. I mean le’ts get real!

I’m thankful for stripers slamming my topwater lures. I’m thankful for .22 rifles and squirrel season. And of course I’m thankful for the rut. I’m thankful for all the redfish I caught this past year, for the smallmouth bass that inhaled one of my soft plastic lures and for the ones that slammed my inline spinners.

I’m thankful for all the outdoor gear I’ve accumulated throughout the past year, and all the chances I’ve had to put it all to use.

Another thing I’m thankful for is all the breakfasts, lunches and dinners that I’ve had, courtesy of the fish and game that have made it to my table. Likewise, I’m thankful for everyone I’ve fished and hunted with, went on road trips with, shared a boat, field, creek, marsh, swamp, beach and river with.

I truly have plenty to be thankful for, and even though the ones I just mentioned are at the forefront of so many of my thoughts, none of it would be possible without good health, and I certainly am thankful for that.

I’m also thankful for all the fishing and hunting guides, outfitters and everyday sportsmen who are so helpful in allowing me to tag along on trips and to ask questions that I’m sure get on their nerves at times.

Thanks also to all of our readers, for reading the magazine and for sending in photos and details of your adventures outdoors.

And none of it would be worth anything without family and friends, and the co-workers who make it all worthwhile.

I’m thankful for it all. What are you thankful for?