As part of her gift to me for our 18th wedding anniversary, Hanna got a four pack of socks, featuring some of my favorite fish species — largemouth bass, rainbow trout, yellowfin tuna and mahi mahi. Check ‘em out.

Here are four articles that I read in 2023 that inspired me and that I think are consistent with the messages that we try to push forward at Half Past First Cast — making the most of your remaining casts and your remaining breaths.

Fishing travel news continues to flow freely, even at the end of the year, and we continue to scour the wires so you can focus on other things. Here are some relevant stories that you may have missed.

I’m not big on bourbon, but Wright Thompson’s Pappyland was an amazing book and a quick read — and reminded me of how much he’s written about fishing.

Seeing that Los Angeles Angels All-Star Mike Trout likes to fish led me down a rabbit hole — not only of his multi-species angling efforts, but also to find trout-themed shoes for various purposes.

Flip flops — or, as they call them in Hawaii, “slippahs” — don’t need to be boring. Scott Hawaii has some fun and comfortable ones for fishing featuring a variety of offshore angling targets.

Here’s something I never thought I’d see — one of the less-known Hanna-Barbera characters of my childhood fishing for permit on a t-shirt. Seven Mile Fly Shop in Florida has it covered.

Snacks on short-haul flights have mostly gone to crap — terrible pretzels or granola bars that crumble to dust if you look at them funny — but one airline stood out to us in 2023 not only for what they gave us, but for the heft of the treat, too.

Eventually all bass boat bilge areas get messy. Between rain water, lake water, tracked dirt, oil and other debris, it can look like a mud puddle down there. Add in pieces of plastic worms and various screws and pieces of terminal tackle that somehow work their way to the back of the boat, and you have various problems beyond just cosmetic issues.

If you own a bass boat and you’ve ever stopped at a gas station, you’ve gotten “the questions.” It’s important to be a good representative of the fishing community. People who make these inquiries mean well, they just don’t know any better, so if you can’t avoid being snarky, get the t-shirt.

If you become obsessed with wolf fish, you might want to get a hat to commemorate your trip to the Amazon. They’re tough to come by outside of South America — here are some of the options you’ll find there.

As the end of the year approaches, we continue to gather links and info that will amuse, educate and inform your future fishing travels — everything from explosive diapers to giant prehistoric fish.

The “Life is Good” brand reminds us to be present and thankful for all that we have. “Fish More, Worry Less” is a pretty good mantra to keep things in perspective.

There’s substantial overlap between the Grateful Dead and fishing — and in particular fly fishing for trout. Numerous artists and clothing manufacturers have mixed the two. Here are some of our favorite options.

Whether you work harder, work less and choose not to work at all, make sure it puts you in position to FISH MORE. The folks at STLHD embody the obsession that we’re talking about.

Setting rates when you’re writing for fishing magazines, websites or tackle companies is an inexact science. Each negotiation — if there is one — involves different considerations. Here’s the process I use to maximize income and minimize anguish.

“Go Fast, Don’t Die” is a brand that fits our message — take risks, go fast, live life to the fullest because you only get once bite at the apple.

I’ve been riding in bass boats for over 20 years, but despite occasional short spurts behind the wheel, I’ve generally avoided learning to drive one. Pete is a critical teacher. Finally, I decided that it was time to learn, so I asked the much more patient Chad Morgenthaler to be my instructor. Here’s the rundown – it’s not so hard.

Free Fly Apparel makes a unique camo pattern that celebrates their South Carolina Lowcountry heritage. Dig deep to find your favorite barrier island and buy one of the shirts to feel the softness of bamboo.

If you’re looking for some true pro hawging gear, check out the apparel from J Dock Fishing Company in Seward, Alaska. They’ve got ya covered, whether you prefer bass or ‘buts.