I searched my GPS and, only eight miles away, a Bass Pro Shop awaited my arrival. "How convenient," I thought. One of the largest retail tackle shops in the nation was only eight miles from my destination.

My truck was already full of tackle. I didn't touch 90 percent of it during the tournament, but if those crazy redfish in Punta Gorda wanted something special, I certainly had it. So why would I need to visit a Bass Pro Shop?

The "Oh Boy Oberto Redfish Cup" first tournament of the year has been over, for let's see... about a week now.

Punta Gorda Florida was the host for our first venue of the year. What a job the local community of Punta Gorda and the Port Charlotte area does on promoting, participating and attending the tournament.

From the youngsters to adults, there were plenty of activities for all. It began with the inaugural "Net Gains" — a pretty cool event — where the local youngsters of the community get to come out and interact with the pros. They learn safety, conservation, knots, identification of different species of fish and last but not least just get to hang out with their favorite pro angler. They must have had at least a couple hundred kids attend! This is a concept created by the "Cup" and will occur at every venue.

"Mike Frenette" ... I answered the phone as I always do.

Don't know why, but I guess since my cell phone is my office away from my office (which I am rarely in) and as the CEO, chairman of the board, CFO, president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of my own little world, I opt to answer my own phone.

I have been trying to get someone such as Mark Zona to ride shotgun with me in my Ford Excursion, just to answer my phone. It would be pretty cool, and I imagine it would go like something like this: "Mike Frenette's office, Mark Zona speaking … Mike's busy driving, can I take a message?"

Well ... this is my first bog, and I must say I am very honored to share my perspective (and also my son's) with the fans of ESPNOutdoors.com.

As many of you endure winters consisting of miserable cold weather, shoveling snow, bundling in more layers of clothes than I have in my entire closet, I realize how fortunate it is to live in the South.