Consider learning a new technique for next year. If you mostly spin fish, investigate fly fishing.

With the last of the year's warmer-than-normal weather likely to have ended this weekend, many anglers will be putting a cap on their efforts for the year.

During the offseason, here are a few tips that might increase your enjoyment for next year's angling adventures.

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Preserve moments with digital images: There are affordable digital cameras that take wonderful images. Drop one in a zip-lock bag to protect it from the elements, then take the time to use it to create a visual history of your outings.•

Up your "unhooking" game: In the case of larger gamefish, the quality of future experiences depend on successfully releasing fish caught today. Deep-hooked fish stand a good chance of surviving the experience when a properly designed hook disgorger is used to grab the hook as near the bend as possible, turn it, and pop it free.•

Try going barbless: If you commonly release the fish you catch, consider pinching down hook barbs to make the unhooking process less painful, both for you and the fish.•

Invest in quality polarized sunglasses: Anglers are willing to pay thousands of dollars for the latest electronic sonar unit. Do yourself a favor and save $100 for high-end polarized glasses, an economical link to the subsurface world. See not only fish, but, more importantly, the edges and cover that holds them.•

Commit to sun protection: If your face looks like the negative of a raccoon by day's end, you've been negligent in the use of sun screen. Pick up a spray bottle of the "tearless" stuff designed for children. It comes in high protection levels and you can spray it directly on your face.•

Explore a new water: Pennsylvania has a lengthy list of coldwater and warmwater choices. This year, pick out a water you've never fished before and spend some time there.•

Pursue a different species: It's easy to get in a rut. But, next year, make an effort to fish for a species other than your favorite. For instance, if springtime trout are your game, wade a smallmouth bass stream in summer.•

Learn a new technique: So, your ability to take bass on Texas-rigged plastic worm is legendary. Next season, give a new twist a try, such as a drop-shot worm. Fish become conditioned to offerings they commonly see. Throwing them a change-up can increase your success rate.•

Take someone new fishing You think feeling the tug of a fish is a thrill? Try witnessing the joy on someone's face when they hook up the first few times. Sharing the fishing experience is valuable for all parties involved.•

Get better organized: If you target several species of fish, keeping things organized can be a challenge. Buy a tackle bag that holds several plastic utility cases, then set up individual utility boxes for specific types of fishing. You can easily switch out the boxes for what's needed for a particular trip, leaving vital items like sunscreen, clippers, sunglasses and pliers in the pockets of the bag.•

Pay attention to details: As you evolve as an angler, you'll find that details can affect your success, such as the difference made in a soft jerkbait's action by using a 2/0 rather than a 3/0 hook or the drop rate of a three–sixteenth- ounce jighead versus a quarter-ounce version. Be alert for how details make big differences.•

Fish more: Perhaps the most important tip is simply to fish more. The competition for time in most people's lifestyles is fierce. Be sure to earmark more of it next year for enjoying our abundant and varied angling options.