Ah, the return to normalcy! The festivities are over, work starts to become a reality again and there are many tired and overworked individuals to whom any prospect of a quiet day on the water has been dashed by the, again normal, wintry gales and temperatures that despite the lack of frost and ice are said to be "freezing". Yes, it is winter and the fishing is pretty much where you would expect it to be.

Although the weather reports would have you believing that the water is way colder than it has ever been, do not fret. The offshore remains well within the normal range for this time of the year and there have always been a few fish about during the winter months. Mostly it is the getting out to them that is the challenge and then finding halfway respectable conditions in terms of the tide.

For many, the only real option is to troll and there are always a few wahoo about. Of little interest to the commercial operators who are still sitting on a large portion of last autumn's haul, a drag along southwest Edge or down north, usually results in a strike or two. Early morning or first light is a good time but late in the day also sees some things coming to life. The size of the fish will be quite variable but often some of the winter fish will be better than 50 pounds. Lack of quantity is to some extent at least compensated for by an increase in quality.

Chumming is, at best, quirky. The passage of winter gales and other high seas often leave the ocean in a confused manner and it can be nigh on impossible to get a chum line to even approach making sense to the fish or anyone else. Sometimes conditions can be a bit better over the deeper reef areas and there are occasions when places like South Shore offer some lee and the tide might be a bit more acceptable.

The commercial operator knows that bottom-bouncing is the most productive form of winter fishing and the Banks are the best place to do it. It is nothing short of amazing if you consider the vast quantities of hinds, rockfish, coneys and bonitas that have been dragged off those seamounts over the years. Nowadays the rockfish are in short supply and the hinds aren't what they used to be but it is still possible to fill a fish box with sufficient whole fish or white fillet to have justified the excursion.

If the Banks are too far or take more time than you have, remember that the productive reef areas just inside of Sally Tucker's and the western Edge are open to fishing during the winter months. This is close to home and working the bottom should pay off. Coneys and barbers seem to live everywhere and while the so-called "floating fish" tend to move around, Bermuda's South-western Edge has always been a good fishing spot. While drifting can be a mite difficult, anchoring up and being willing to make multiple drops can pay off. At this time of the year, it is more a matter of getting something for the table than it is about trophies. Just knowing that it is possible to get a bit of fresh fish is good news.

Still more good news in advance of the New Year was the official appointment of Bobby Rego as an International Game Fish Association representative for Bermuda. Bobby received the confirmation of his appointment by the Trustees in a letter from Michael Farrior, one of the IGFA Trustees.

Bermuda is exceedingly fortunate that the IGFA recognises that the Island needs two representatives. There are many countries including some rather large ones that only have a single representative. The organisation is pretty careful about whom it appoints to these positions and vets each suggested candidate for his or her likely contribution to world angling and the promotion of IGFA's objectives. Congratulations, Bobby!

Looking to the year ahead, the main billfish events have been set. The 2010 Bermuda Open Tournament of the Bermuda Triangle Series has June 28-30 June for its fishing dates. More information can be had at Capt. Jimmy Loveland's USVI website at www.abmt.vi.

The Bermuda Billfish Blast again coincides with the Blue Marlin World Cup and will take place from July 2-5. The Bermuda Big Game Classic will be from July 7 to 11 with the Sea Horse Anglers Club following almost immediately from the July 14 to July 18. Between those events there should be enough dragging to the deep to satisfy even the most dedicated of billfish anglers.

For those unable to wait for the spring and then summer, the Miami International Boat Show offers some diversion away from the television set. It takes place from February 11 to 15 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. It features boats, electronics, accessories, fishing gear, marine toilets and, yes, even the galley sink. You name it and if it is anything even remotely to do with a boat, it's there somewhere. As always, there will be myriad reasons to part with money and those who can't resist temptation may want to leave their credit cards and chequebooks at home.

Also of interest and readily combinable with the Boat Show is a new exhibition. This is Billfish Expo, Miami 2010. Taking place on February 13, 2010 this is a one-day event sponsored by Rum Bum, a boat that is well known in Bermuda, and should not be missed by those who really want to improve on their tactics and techniques. Lectures and demonstrations will be given by some of the best-known billfishing captains, mates and anglers. Basically, there will be a heck of a lot of expertise available to those who attend. The tickets are limited to only 1,000 at an early bird cost of $125. Late registrants can pay a bit more but it may be over-subscribed by then. There is plenty of additional information available on the Internet at www.Billfishexpo.com.

So, to practicalities; take a week or so to get over the holidays and to have your life fall into a more predictable pattern. The weather will do this too and it is possible to predict which days will actually be of interest to casual anglers. They may not always coincide with weekends but if you know when conditions are going to be acceptable, you can at least plan accordingly.

If the timing works out right then there should be no reason why you can't manage at least a few Tight lines!!!