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Date: A Child's Eyes
Title: Aug 04, 2004
Date: 13 Aug 2004
Time: 00:31:56 -0400
For me, fishing is never boring even when the fish aren’t biting good and it seems to be boring. On the other hand, honestly, seeing the same things over again and again can make for a routine. Hearing a fellow say this grouper coming up is a “good one”, seeing a pinkmouth grunt come over the gunnel, or watching someone’s face turn red when they’re psycho-physically tied into a amberjack is an average sighting on the boat; all fun but nothing special. On the other hand of the other hand, cobia are always special regardless of anything and everything. I write that to illustrate Gulf fishing can never be dull because you never know when you add saltwater. Back to the point... When Danny Hered (boat nickname ‘1-2-3 got one’), age ~9, announced to all aboard, those being his dad, mom, older bother and sister, as well as, Lil B and I, that this is the best fishing spot as he jerked up on a light weight spinning combo to set the hook into the lips of grunt number umpteen and began to crank like a machine, I realized I often miss the point myself. He was embraced in the joy of fishing. I watched his face, listened to his chat, and was absorbed with his aura, so much so, it flashed me back to a boy tying two rods to my bike, in any way possible, with a plastic bag of fresh kernel corn and loaf of white bread clipped to the spring loaded carry-all over the rear fender and peddling to the carp canal to experience the same feelings as a sucker mouthed carp came up to slurp down the quarter slice of white bread I had floating in the canal. Danny and I have a lot in common, just 33 years apart. I’m glad time doesn’t change all things. Good memories are wonderful and I’m glad my memories blended into what Danny was experiencing that day. At his age, he couldn’t fully understand but, I appreciate Danny ‘re-booting’ my soul. That day I saw fishing through a child’s eyes; my own, again. Thanks for the re-generation “1-2-3 got one”. Folks on the boat have caught keeper grouper from 17 miles (43 feet) on out on any frozen bait, as well as, live bait. I’ve talked to several captains, and they’ve been catching good grouper inside of 60 feet over the past couple of weeks using standard baits. That is good news considering this is the heat of summer. Grouper inside of 50 feet? Yes, but you have to go through a many short grouper to get to a keeper. Action ain’t a bad thing, don’t get disgruntled by catching small grouper. Imagine, if you can, dropping a bait down and getting no attention until a “KEEPER” comes along. Could get boring. Thank goodness for the steady thump and tug of a shortie, in my option. Trout fishing... Go to 5-7 foot of water and drift a live pinfish. You won’t be run over by scallopers yet rewarded with some whopper sized trout! Run the live bait free or on a slip cork for good results. During this time of year many types of boats and water craft are on the water. It is more congested than usual in the waters around Steinhatchee. Please exercise extended caution, patience and understanding toward boaters, because, as difficult at times as it is, it’s the best thing to do. Furthermore, if your running a relatively smaller boat in the channel, the danger is less likely before you as it is behind you. Look aft for larger boats so to give way and adjust for wake. During this season of heavy boating activity, boats large and small need to compensate with each other to make for a safer environment for all. Every time, standing down is safer than standing ground with smaller boats. Just a thought. Take good care. Capt. B ø<pi>ß-l. mental union of his present and my past Danny’s ‘best spot’ was routine until he unknowingly grounded me into what is real.