Man this time of year drives me nuts. The grass is dying and the kids are starting to bounce off the walls. I like fluke fishing but they remind me of fishing for sunnies when I was a kid. Lots of action, but not a real challenge.

I wander around the garage looking at all the surf and yak gear feeling like I ought to be doing something. I got the time, there is plenty of daylight, and the conditions are a breeze compared to fishing in freezing wind durning the April bass run.

The spring run was fun. The cold early morning load-ups in the dark, and the excitement of seeing bunker spray can't be beat. Unless its looking forward to the frenetic pace of the fall Albie run and storming up and down the beach following herring or walking the long walk down fisherman's trail chasing the falling tide.

So what do we do with the space between? What happens when you are not privy to a large boat to go chasing tuna or other pelagics? I am not a person who can sit in front of a work bench preparing for a far off date. I dont like to build stuff. I prefer to buy it. I dont like to grease and whittle and tape and sharpen.

I like to ruminate. I like to sit and think. I would rather spend my time using the space between my ears to plan for the future. I like to read and research. I LOVE to plan. I look at tides for future dates, I think about moon phases in November. I look at the kids school calendars and holidays. Can I fit a road trip in on a long weekend? Should I buy the Avet to fill that hole in my arsenal or upgrade the GPS unit?

When the weather turns and I start hearing the early morning roar of school busses, I know the time to start is starting. I am ready with my plans and have my days picked out.

Of course the storms and life's little potholes make us have to think on our feet. But for the most part my itinerary and my intentions are set in stone. I know where I want to go and when I want to go. Its all that kept me going during the hot season. I wonder if you, dear reader, have something to keep you going.

We all have our coping mechanisms for getting through the summer and the winter. Some use their hands, some use their heads. Some cope by continuing to fish or going out on that tuna boat or heading to Alaska. Some volunteer. Heck Kayak Kevin paddles the entire Chesapeake Bay. Wow. Talk about coping!

Point is we all have to do our time in the Space Between. Being a successful angler often entails things we to do off the water. Think about the summer and the winter as a part of your personal evolution. If you do that I guarantee you will be better appreciate the time you do get out and be a better angler on that day as well.

Like anything in life, the good stuff is hard to come by. Wife, kid, job, and even fishing buddies take serious work. The same holds true for kayak fishing partners. Trying to find someone to get out and float with is very difficult. You have to match body clocks, species interest, geography, and be compatible as human beings. It might even be said that finding a good kayaking buddy might be harder than becoming a good kayak fisherman.

Here are some ideas that have worked for me. I hope to give the new yakker some tips to help land that elusive kayaking buddy.

I have lots of friends and great people I met on the water. Some of them I fish regularly with and have become fast friends with. The best way is to be open and honest when dealing with people. If you share knowledge of a spot or technique, by all means share it freely. I lend information garnered through years of fishing freely and it comes back to me in spades. If I can help out online or in person I do it. Period. This puts you in contact with many people and begins a relationship.

The internet and great sites like Kayak Fishing Magazine are perfect for this. Do some research, find people who you share proximity and species desires with and reach out. The pen is a mighty sword but it also is a window into the soul. You can tell alot by someone's quick reports or stories. Find the people that you naturally seem to gravitate to. Trust your instincts. Avoid the stinkers.

The internet is a great way to stay up to date on local events. Whether sponsored by a local yak shop, a bunch of good guys like the Wolfpack, or a tournament; take the time to stop by and check it out. You will meet alot of good people. I have seen and experienced many relationships taking hold at these type of events. Stay online and watch to see when people locally are going out. Which leads me to my next point.

Understand that kayakers are a pretty forthcoming bunch of guys. Dont be afraid to ask for help. Chances are you will find it. Sure you may have to wade through some commercial scumbags trying to make a buck but 99% of your responses will be truthful and heartfelt. Take the time to reach out when you see someone online announcing a trip. Sometimes I am looking to be a solitary yakker, but when I announce a trip I am planning it is usually because I am looking for some company.

One of my favorite yakking partners, a guy I genuinely enjoy being with came from a private message sent to me out of the blue. JP simply asked to tag along at Jbay 5 years ago. We met and we clicked. Just like that. Others I met by chance, like my man Jim Porter. We met at a trip on the sedges that Andy a great guy on Striper Surf announced and we responded to. I met my good buddy Lou that same day. If I stayed home that day, my life would be totally different today. Kismet.

Finding that partner takes a little work but like a good wife or kid, its well worth the extra effort. Use the web, get out to events, and simply ask and you will be amazed. You may not find that perfect match right away, but the group of friends you will build up will be amazing. I know I consider myself blessed to know so many good local yakkers and am always ready to meet a new person. Put yourself out there and reap the rewards. To all my friends, thank you.