NELSON: A few suggestions to cure 'Cabin Fever'

Sportsmen who love to spend time outdoors during the warmer months struggle to combat "Cabin Fever" during the winter months. To combat this dreaded disease, area sportsmen have developed their own remedies.

Many outdoorsmen fight cabin fever by not letting the weather keep them cooped up in their homes. These brave individuals adapt to the weather by participating in winter activities. Some fishermen continue to fish by fishing through the ice or by finding a body of water in the area that will still accommodate fishing, either from shore or in their boat.

The Housatonic River is a body of water that allows anglers to continue to fish through the winter months. Many fishermen head to the Housy to spend a day catching striped bass in large numbers.

Some fishermen use the winter months to prepare themselves for the upcoming season by repairing, replacing or building things that they will need. Many anglers bring their reels to local shops to be cleaned and serviced during the winter so that they are ready on opening day.

The tying of jigs and flies is something that has become an addiction of many local anglers. Some anglers even design and build their own fishing rods. Many fishermen say that there is a little extra feeling of success when catching a fish on a lure or rod that they made at home.

Area outdoor shows allow sportsmen to see and purchase things that are new on the market. Many of these events are hours away from where a sportsmen lives, but if weather allows, they will drive many hours to attend one of these shows. Most of these shows have representatives from local shops and manufacturers to show and sell almost anything outdoorsmen will ever need.

Television shows that cover the activity which is missed by the sportsmen allow the viewer to live vicariously through the show's host and guests. With satellite and cable television, viewers are able to watch shows that cover their favorite outdoor activities.

Some fishermen fight cabin fever by escaping to warmer climates, where they can pursue their favorite activities. These anglers head to areas such as Florida in search of their favorite fish. Many see Florida as the perfect location because it offers anglers the best in fresh and saltwater fishing during the winter months. Even on vacations with their families, anglers will find time to fish. Many people are not aware of the fact that there is great fishing for largemouth bass within the Disney World Resort. Some anglers will fish before or after their day in the resort. Disney even offers guide trips on the lakes within the resort.

Others inflicted with the fever turn to their computer in search of the cure. The internet allows sportsmen to search world-wide for items related to their favorite activities. Not only are these sportsmen able to shop for anything related to their vice, but they can also read about the sport. There are endless articles about techniques and methods, which can be used to become more successful in their chosen activity.

There are forums and chat rooms that cover a variety of outdoor activities. Outdoorsmen are able to exchange ideas and dissect their sport into infinitesimal parts. They are able to cover areas such as location, equipment, techniques and any other things relating to their favorite activities. Sites such as www.ctfisherman.com, which covers all aspects of fishing in Connecticut, allow anglers and boaters to discuss issues relating to all areas of their sport.

It is no mistake that large fishing retailers mail out their catalogs during the winter months so that their customers can see the new equipment that is available for the upcoming season.

Still others resort to more traditional methods of fighting off cabin fever. Many sportsmen head to their local tackle shop to trade stories with others about the sport they love and what they look forward to doing after the spring thaw.

Upcoming Events

43rd Annual CMTA Hartford Boat Show -- Connecticut Convention Center Jan. 27-29. Show hours are: Friday, noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and children under 12 are free. This year's boat show includes: professional speakers, fun seminars, accessory and service booths.

2012 North East Fishing & Hunting Show -- Connecticut Convention Center Feb. 17-19. Show hours are: Friday, noon to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, children ages 4-12 are $4 and those under 4 are free.