April 1st marks the opening of the inland trout season in New York State.

I learned to fish with my dad and uncle when I was very young. It's been a hobby that has
stayed with me through the years. On April 1st, a few of my friends and I would skip school
and Dad would take us fishing. He enjoyed just sitting on the bank with a beer and a cigar,
but us kids would walk for miles, thinking "it looks better over there". We didn't always
catch fish, but that didn't matter. Spending time with my dad, uncle, and friends, and
being outdoors in nature made it all worthwhile.

As I've gotten older I don't brave the cold on 4/1 anymore. I do fish occasionally, but enjoy
seeing my daughter catch a fish more than catching one myself.