I encourage people to break out of their comfort zone, and last week I took my own advice. I’m being intentionally vague on details because following me there would defeat the purpose of this column.

I’ve driven by a spot about 30 miles from my home for years and always had the same thought: “I ought to try fishing there.” But I never had. Last weekend, I loaded the kick boat and tried it, and caught a few fish. Nothing spectacular, but it was gratifying to act on a hunch and find a new place to fish so close to home.

Whether close or far away, exploring some place new brings a new element to your fishing experience. I find it opens my eyes to even more opportunities. It’s like a domino effect. I say to myself, “If I caught fish at spot X, then spots Y and Z might also be worth a look.”

It’s easy to stand on the same rock, throw the same bait, lure or fly and catch the same kind of fish, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

But it’s also good to look at things from a fresh perspective and enjoy the challenges and rewards of trying something new, whether it’s a new place, a different species of fish, or a different way of fishing.

You’ve had a couple of months to hit your favorite spots. Hopefully, you’ve caught a fair number of fish. Now, the unexplored awaits.