Many of us New Englanders consider "Openin' Day" somewhat religiously. Heralding the end of the "dark times" (long, cold, endless winter).

It sure ain't the tasteless farm-raised 10 inch stocked trout, that floats my boat.

Nor is it the elbow to elbow fishermen and criss-crossed lines resembling a bad day on the Mijoy.

Certainly it's not the "Openin' Days" when I stood in blinding, icey, wind-driven rain that flew sideway, stinging my frost-bitten face..

No, no.. It's far more than these mini-horrors that brings me from a warm bed at 5am on the 3rd Sat of April.

It's far more than this I say.. 'Cause it's "OPENIN DAY!"

Rubish on the shore, be damned.. Bring a garbage bag with you. You sure won't fill it with trout. (ha!)

To change the rites of Springtime?

SACRILEGE!