Hey all! Things are picking back up around here after a couple of quiet weeks. I'm excited to share that the podcast episode I've been teasing on my Instagram stories is finally here.
I'm still rolling with the name "The Cottage Chronicles", and I'm sharing my stories and waxing philosophical about family, fishing, and finding my way in the world of small business ownership. However, I'm switching it up. After receiving some really positive feedback on my personal history in the first episode, I've decided to use my podcast to share stories that inspire me - no matter when they happened. I'll be updating my social media and blog with business-related news and developments, so you won't miss a thing!
I'll stick to a general theme for each episode, but I'm just here to have fun with it and record a little something that my son and I can look back on fondly in the future.
If you have a minute, leave me a review on Spotify or comment when you see this posted on my socials. I'm always eager to hear feedback, and I'm constantly working to improve the quality of my content.
*All music and sound effects courtesy of Pixabay
Transcript:
[Opening Theme Music]
Welcome to episode 2 of the Cottage Chronicles. I'm your host, Neil Colicchio, founder of New Dawn Tackle Co.
I want to try something different in today's episode. In my last episode, I shared some personal history and insights about my business and journey as an angler, which I enjoyed. However, I want this show to evolve into something more.
Maybe I'm just feeling sentimental because I wrote this episode while returning to work from paternity leave, but I'm considering using this podcast as a journal and a little piece of me that I can share with my son.
I'd like my podcast to reflect different facets of my life—as an angler, environmentalist, family man, and small business owner. So, bear with me if things feel a little scatterbrained for a while. I've got some really special stories to share on this episode, and I'm already thinking about what to share next.
Today's episode includes stories about an unenthusiastic angler, Penny and Rover's antics, and the excitement of opening day. So sit back, relax, and embark on a journey through the wonders of the natural world, one story at a time.
[Transition Music]
Host: My first segment, "The Unenthusiastic Angler," is a lighthearted look at those reluctant companions who join us on our fishing adventures. In my case, it's none other than my younger brother, who seems to begrudgingly join me whenever I invite him out. Despite his lack of enthusiasm, he has a knack for reeling in the big ones when he least expects it.
The story of the unenthusiastic angler takes us back to the peak cottage era, sometime in the late 90's, during our yearly family vacation. On a sunny April day in coastal Florida, Dad has decided to take his boys for a half-day deep sea trip. After eating a zucchini muffin and attempting to fish for (maybe) an hour or two, my brother takes a break from the action, retreating to the boat's cabin for a nap.
I'm not sure how long his eyes are shut, but it isn't long before his rod nearly folds in half over the boat's rail. Soon, the sleepy six-year-old is fighting to reel in a monster of a fish whose length is roughly the same as his height. At the other end of his line is a king mackerel big enough to earn the #1 contender spot in the pool. If not for a slightly more massive kingfish caught by our boat neighbor later in the day, my brother would have it in the bag.
For those unfamiliar, a fishing pool is a friendly competition among anglers. Each participant contributes a set amount of money, and the angler who catches the largest fish takes home the prize.
It's not unfathomable that someone would catch such a fish in their sleep. As with other mackerel fishing, it's not highly technical angling we're after today. We're drifting along on a party boat with a mix of other tourists, locals, and straight-up googans.
However, there's quiet up and down the boat's starboard side. I'm not familiar with the term "getting skunked" yet, but it's undoubtedly an appropriate depiction of what's going on at this point in the morning. That is for everyone but my brother - the elementary schooler who's just managed to upstage the entire boat.
25-ish years later, we still laugh every time we look at the picture. It's permanently displayed in my brother's old bedroom alongside pictures from his youth soccer days and dog-eared copies of Captain Underpants books.
*Note that the fish in the picture is the pool winner the gentleman next to us caught.
Reflecting on my brother's surprising success has made me realize that I am an angler first and a business owner second. While I could use this podcast to promote the hottest new fishing gear or delve into trendy techniques, that's not my M.O. My brother has always known one thing that I've only recently begun to understand: fishing isn't about the equipment we use or the strategies we employ—it's about enjoying your time on the water, even if that means taking a mid-morning siesta while waiting for the right opportunity to present itself.
[Transition Music]
My next segment, "Penny and Rover," is a heartfelt tribute to the four-legged friends who've taught me so much about empathy, transparency, and the real meaning of "ride or die."
Penny, my faithful companion for nine years, embodied the spirit of adventure and loyalty. From her humble beginnings as a timid shelter transport from Miami to her transformation into a spirited force of nature, Penny was a constant source of love and companionship. Whether wetting a line on Lake Champlain or watching fireflies in the treelines of rural North Carolina, Penny was always by my side, her cleverness, tenacity, and unwavering loyalty shining through in every moment.
I mentioned this in episode 1, but for those who haven't listened yet, losing Penny was the start of the domino effect that inspired me to take control of my destiny and pursue my vision for New Dawn Tackle Co.
And then there's Raven, the newest addition to my family. Adopted just a month after my son was born, Raven has brought boundless energy and joy into our lives. With her playful antics and infectious enthusiasm, she's reminded us of life's simple pleasures. However, Raven's alter ego, Rover, is absolute chaos incarnate. Everything goes in her mouth for inspection, and most things don't come back out of it. If I don't tether her to a chair or table, she'll surf on the counter, swim in the sink, and devour any pacifier in sight. Between the time I wrote this podcast and the time I began recording, she chewed the buckle right off of her harness.
Raven's other nickname is Scooby, after the one and only. She's a tall and gangly pup with a love for chewing that borders on obsessive. In fact, she's like a canine version of the Cookie Monster - always on the prowl for her next fix. And when she's not busy munching and crunching, she's probably up to some mischief. So, if you hear a crash or a bang, you will likely find Scooby nearby.
Taking a huge step back, my wife and I knew we were signing up for more than a little bit of stress bringing a new dog into the house while we'd only just figured out the right brand of diapers that fit our son and what time he'd go to sleep at night.
However, we specifically worked with a lab rescue in hopes of finding a 2-—or 3-year-old borkchop who'd join us for a paddle down the river or play fetch with us in between work calls. What we got was a "sweet, quiet pup who is great with young kids and other dogs..." sort of.
After 9 years of working with Penny and learning her idiosyncracies, it's easy to forget that she, too, had a land shark phase. She'd wake us up at precisely 6:01 AM with a quick chomp of the hand if we were late to deliver breakfast. While she was usually trustworthy without crating or restraint during work, she once shredded my wife's passport just days before a family trip to the Azores. It's also worth noting that Penny had an alter ego (Penelope) and a nickname (the Tazmanian Devil) when she was still with us.
So, despite the chaos, I'm filled with hope and excitement for the adventures that lie ahead with Raven by my side. I'm confident I can channel her energy into many more fishing and hiking adventures, and I suspect she'll unveil her talents if I pay attention. Her speed and stamina make me think agility could be a good fit. With a bit of leash work, she'd also be a fantastic running buddy.
I am excited to see Raven growing up with my son, whatever the future holds. Although Raven can never replace Penny, I don't want her to. Together, we can honor Penny's memory and create a new legacy with just a little chaos to keep things interesting.
[Transition Music]
Host: My final segment for this episode is about the day we've all been waiting for, opening day.
As much as I hate mud season in New England, this April has me more excited than usual to put on my boots and trudge through the muck. With reels freshly spooled and tackle trays meticulously organized, I've got one thing on my mind.
It's trout season! I'm not just talking about the rainbows stocked in rivers throughout MA and the northeast, but real, bonafide lake trout. According to Wikipedia, the Wachusett Reservoir is one of only two places in MA supporting a lake trout population. The other is the Quabbin Reservoir.
With opening day at the 'Chu fast approaching, I can't help but feel a surge of anticipation and optimism. I've been chasing my first lake trout for the past few years and hope my work will pay off.
During the off-season this year, I've been loading up on various spoons and mastering the art of tying bucktail hair jigs. I've watched countless videos and blogs, soaking up tactics and strategies from seasoned anglers who have successfully bagged a laker. Now, I'm eager for the opportunity to put my newfound knowledge to the test.
I'll likely be gate-hopping at the reservoir, searching for that elusive magic spot, but I'm so stoked for the season ahead. More than that, my son's birth has inspired me to scope out the perfect sections of shoreline, not just to improve my hookup ratio but to prepare for the days when he can join me in search of his first lake trout.
Quick editor's note: I wrote this episode a couple weeks before recording it. The Wachusett Reservoir opened April 6th. By the time you hear this, the 'Chu is already open for the season. To anyone who's interested, I'd strongly recommend getting your fishing license and making the trip out. You won't regret it.
Thanks for joining me on today's episode of the Cottage Chronicles. Remember to check out the show notes for additional resources and updates. Until next time, tight lines and big dreams!
[Outtro Music]
Additional Notes:
For those in the Northeast looking to foster or adopt a puppy, check out New England Lab Rescue or your local animal shelter.
If you're in MA and looking for a freshwater fishing license, Mass.gov has a great resource center with fees, requirements, and FAQs. They've also got a page all about the Wachusett Reservoir Watershed for those looking to make the trip.
Remember to connect with me on social media! Follow me on Instagram and Facebook at @newdawntackleco for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and more.
