Big Jim is moving West

[BigJim]

Well, after 16-years in Tidewater, which is longer than I had anticipated, I will be heading back to the wonderful Roanoke area. (At least that's the way it appears at this time.)

I have missed freshwater fishing and have taken vacations the last couple of years to fish up there. Now, it is time to go back. I'll be leaving in about two months so there is time for some local fishing before I go but I'm looking forward to higher ground. (my house flooding four times in the last five years was more than I could take.) Those who helped me after Isabel know what I'm talking about. You guys don't know what you did for my spirits that day. I had no idea I had such great friends on this forum.

It has been fun guys. I've enjoyed fishing and communicating with you all; well at least most of you anyway. Because I'm leaving I guess I will have to be selling the "Pet." Gosh, I don't want to do that. I love that boat and just put a lot of cash in her. She is in top notch shape. It will be a good boat for whoever gets her next. If you know anybody looking help me spread the word. She's not officially on the market yet as I am still fishing but I will also have to price her to go. Gotta have the money to buy that new bassboat.

I'll be around for about two more months but I don't know how much time I will have for posting with the packing and transition work. My garage looks like Bass Pro Shops puked in it. That'll take some work.

I'm going to miss this forum. I have been a part of it since the old WWA. Take care of the bay till I come back this way. I want fish available then too.

[cyptbeer]

Jim, sorry to hear you are moving, I have really enjoyed your posts over the years and have learned a great deal from you. I truly appreciate your sharing your expertise, especially in the area of spec and pup fishing. Please post a picture of the Pet, not all of us have seen her. Good luck in Roanoke.

[mpwylie]

Jim I go to school out in Roanoke but live in Suffolk and so I get the best of both fishing worlds, anytime u wanna fish out in roanoke then hit me up

[L HOLMES]

Good luck Jim. Just because your not in tidewater doesnt mean you can't continue to read and contribute to the forum. Glad I finally got to meet and fish with you this past year. Sorry our trip wasnt more productive.

[Mike Avery]

When you said west, I thought you meant western U.S. Heck that is not really that far at all. Tom Kidwell who I fish with a lot lives out that way. Now he is not only addicted to saltwater fishing, he is addicted to offshore saltwater. He just picks his days and either trailers down here, HI, OI, or MHC or hos on other boats. But then again, ain't nothing wrong with freshwater either.

Going to miss you Big Jim. From your unique, straightforward talk on tidal fish to your fishing reports to your friendship. Maybe we can fish together one more time before you head out. But hopefully since you're not moving out west, just a little west, this is not goodbye. I expect you'll still log onto tidal fish from time to time.

[BillyBoy_]

May the good Lord bless your new endeavor. We fish many of the same spots and I have seen you out there often. Forget the bass boat and go with a good aluminum jon boat - you'll have more options and save a ton of money. However, if comfort is your thing (and as I get older, it becomes more of an issue every year), then I guess the bass boat is OK.

[MattD]

Best of luck to you Jim. Ive enjoyed your posts and the advice that youve givin to me over the years. Dont let being "out west" stop you from posting, it sure hasnt stopped me!

[Persistence2]

Jim,

Can't say we've always agreed (but there's been a couple times! ha ha) but I wish you the best from one "WWA Old guard" to another. I've trout fished as far south as Buena Vista but never the Roanoke area. I know there is a lot of great fly fishing down there and I'm sure everything else as well.

I hope the move is good to you. Make sure you pick high ground this time!

Glenn P
Persistence2
Little Creek, VA

[capt. jakeg]

You are still gonna be well within driving distance Jim. You made it sound like you are moving to Kansas. Good luck out there and I'm sure we aint seen the last of you.

[Here We Go]

Good Luck Jim,

I know Smith Mountain Lake will take a beating

Keith