Wow. You look great. Have you lost weight? No. Diet Pepsi. No booze. Just a lot of wading. But jeez, you are so tan. Did you go to the beach? You must be playing some golf? No. No trips. Very little golf. Only fishing. Thanks for being so nice.

Several years back, I came up with a new routine. It doesn’t require much skill. Athleticism helps. But it is not required. You only need a little spare time and a pole. It’s the perfect exercise for a guy like me. I like to call it Backyard Bassin’. It is trending. Jensen helps me with Tiktok.

Fishing has always been a passion, and I continue to take full advantage of what North Central PA has to offer. I am on the water an awful lot and usually head out after supper. Work or chores never get in my way. Yes, I retired from coaching. I wanted to spend more time at home and be a better husband. I am still trying, folks. But fishing remains my number one priority. If there’s a free moment, I am usually in the middle of Lycoming.

Some of my favorite holes are just a short drive or walk from the homestead. We live in the 17728, and a crick runs through it. I rarely stay in the same spot and cross the creek to gain better access. I am always on the move hence the term — Backyard Bassin’. Some like to jog or head to the gym, but I prefer to go for a three-mile wade to keep trim. I truly believe the world would be a better place if more folks followed my lead. Again. My new workout regimen is now trending. Check us out on YouTube.

I switch to smallmouth bass when the temperature warms. The poor trout are suffering. Please leave them alone. I also replaced my overpriced waders with an old pair of Sauconys. Yes. That’s me wading in the water while you’re on 15 heading North. Occasionally, I will walk back to my Jeep with a fishing pole on Lycoming Creek Road. No. I am not stranded, and I don’t need a ride. Many of my friends have pulled over.

Teach and Jensen already made plans. I had an evening to hang by myself and decided to fish downtown near Memorial Ave. I parked at a rather empty BB&T Ballpark at Historic Bowman. Wait, they may have changed the name. Hmm. There were absolutely no cars in the lot. The Crosscutters must’ve been on the road. I didn’t see my man Gabe Sinicropi either. Timber.

I managed to catch a few decent smallies on my favorite topwater plug. I like to throw a Heddon Torpedo this time of year. These lures mimic a wounded baitfish or frog. They float on top of the water, creating a panic that the big fish love. I only fished for an hour and had the entire stretch all to myself. Yes. I always get some strange looks. I don’t mind the heckling. I lost an absolute monster in the pool below the High Street bridge. Don’t worry. I am already making plans to head back soon. Backyard Bassin’ Cheers.