I can hardly believe that 2017 is already on us and my plans for doing things in the upcoming year are already in full swing.

I promised myself that I would try to have at least one new adventure each month and really start relaxing from my 40-year work grind. I was able to start the new year out right with four-day weekends and a three-day work week …what!

That is no typo. I am now the new four-day weekend man — with that plan comes some nice adventures in travel and the outdoors.

I started out January with a trip to the Cacapon Park in Berkley Springs, W.Va. This resort area has fishing, golfing, hiking, trail riding and even shooting clay birds. It was a plan in progress since last year and we made it part of our journey to see family in Virginia.

Not far from the park is the Shenandoah National Forest and the site of a planned black bear hunt in the fall as the area is rich in hunting opportunities.

When we talk about hunting, I was able to hook up with Howard Nicklas at one of his favorite hunting areas in southwest Colorado. A private ranch owner has opened up his property to a few hunters each year and the word is that this is a prime location for elk hunting.

Howard has been very successful and harvested both bulls and cows on the ranch. I hope that his luck continues and we have something to write about next fall.

The wife informed me that she planned on joining me on the Fish Hawk this year on the waters of my favorite lakes. We will launch the boat on to Lake Arthur, Lake Wilhelm, Pymatuning Lake, Shenango Reservoir and perhaps Presque Isle or Raystown Lake.

Each of the waters have some different species and looks to them and I have wanted to try them all each year. She has been given the task of buying her fishing license and I recommended that she do it over the counter at a sporting goods store.

My last experience with the on-line computer system was a total train wreck and cost me some deadlines with my hunting license. I am only stupid once and learn from my mistakes!!!

The decent weather coming up lately has me thinking of steelhead fishing. My neighbor Shotgun Mike has been wanting to hit the tributary streams on Lake Erie and I have been lucky enough to do some nice fishing excursions with spinning equipment at the mouths of the creeks and up stream.

Once when I was fishing on 16 Mile Run, I got into some great fishing on a warm and dreary day in January. I was using KO Wobbler spoons and some Kast Masters in a silver/blue and gold/orange pattern with great success.

You better be ready for the violent strikes and terrific runs. I was using some 7 ½ foot rods and light line. The reels we use are generally Penn or Shimano spinning reels with a nice drag system that can brake a big steely without breaking your line.

The longer rods help to cast further and to buffer the jolting runs of the fish. Honestly, the big fish are great to catch or even play in the surf, but I can’t swear by them as great table fare.

Some guys smoke them after a brine soak and seasoning. I have eaten them at game suppers and some of the guys did a nice job on their fish. Other guys still have work to do when it comes to preparing an edible steelhead.

I kept one that was a citation fish at 30 inches but even though that fish thrilled me it will be the only trout that I get mounted for the man-cave.

The new fishing licenses are now required and if you plan on visiting Erie, you will need the trout/Lake Erie Combo along with your regular fishing license if you are 16 or older.

Fishing through the ice on local waters only requires the 2017 fishing license. Don’t forget to check the ice thickness and have a plan if you go in the water. The PFBC recommends that you wear a PFD and have some ice picks to help you if you end up in the water as icy water can be highly dangerous as hypothermia sets in.

Until we meet again, head out to Harrisburg for the Annual Outdoor Sportsmen’s Show in February or make time for the PA Gun Show in Butler this weekend.

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle