I started a diary in 1977. A whole page for each day. I still have it and have made new entries over the years. Place fished, moon phase when it rose and set, bait used, fish caught and observations such as what stage of tide produced best. No need for a new diary every year.

It shows me seasonal changes in catch - when to fish where for snapper and moki and lemons etc. Probably most useful for Wairarapa/Wellington where different areas fish very differently at different times of the year. It also shows how fish populations have changed over the years - once upon a time (believe it or not) a spiny dogfish was a rarity!!!!!

I can thumb thru my diary and actually remember many of the fishing sessions from 38 years ago from my notes.

I figure that when I am relegated to a retirement home I can sit in the lounge with my magnifying glass and the diary and trip down memory lane.