So long to a good man
Found out today that a good friend, Mickey Aldridge, died in a tree stand accident. He was one of the Mississippi bass club guys who come down from Starkville each year to fish the marshes of Louisiana, donating his time and expertise so that great resource is opened up to his friends from around the country.

A death is always hard to deal with, but when you've spent time on the water or in the field with someone you respect, losing them is even harder. It's one reason why losing my dad was one of the toughest moments in my life -- he's the one who got me out fishing and hunting in the first place.
And it's not just a cliche male bonding thing -- man or woman you are closer after spending time with them outside pushing up against the realities of nature.

The flip side is all kinds of bad craziness follows the disconnect from the outdoors.

It's all about finding our proper place in the relationship. It's like what we call "getting on the fish."

Now I have to find that place without the help of someone many of us counted on. Share your knowledge, enjoy your friends, go fishing while you can.