It is with these thoughts in mind that I've elected to trade hats, moving just a couple of miles down the road (see, not too adventurous after all) to rejoin some of the old gang who started In-Fisherman, at their newest enterprise -- Lindner Media Productions. New waters, yet not totally unfamiliar; a new adventure, with the comfort of knowing the folks I'll be working with are old friends, much like the ones I'm leaving behind.

So, I thank you, our readers, for putting up with my odd blend of experience and irreverence all these years. We've always tried to blend fishing education with a bit of humor, taking the sport seriously without taking ourselves overly so. I've learned a lot from all my fellow staffers, so I take this space to thank them, too, for sharing their experience, insight and encouragement to help me become a better angler, educator and author.

And a special thanks goes to all the Professional Walleye Trail pros and staff with whom I criss-crossed the country the past 16 years, testing new waters and systems while learning from some of the best in the business. Your discoveries and contributions to both Walleye In-Sider and Walleye Guide have been terrific, propelling the sport of walleye fishing forward at an amazing pace. Old and new friends all -- then, now, and into the future: It's been real, and it's been fun. I'm sure I'll see many of you on the water; I'm still more than glad to share your best spots.

So, as I trailer on down to the next launch site, I do so with a mixture of appreciation and excitement, treasuring old memories and looking forward to making new ones. And feeling certain that the next wave of authors and editors will pick up the torch and run with it. A changing of the guard, with new guardians of change at the helm.

And you never know. I just might be able to sneak in a future contribution or two to Walleye In-Sider now and then. The old(er and wiser) dog still may have a few new tricks up his sleeve, hopefully for many moons to come.