Life's Casting Call

Surf fishermen are a different breed of people. We love the challenge of standing on the edge of a vast under-world that could swallow us at any minute and match wits with a food source without the aide of motorized craft. Some skill and a lot of luck can put us in a one on one battle with a foe that is as determined not to leave it's world as you are to bring it into yours'. The possibility of that once in a life time catch keeps our lines in the water but it's the call of the shoreline that keeps us coming back. Tim  bluefish27302  Date: Saturday, 6/30/01

I was traveling to a racetrack not long ago with two pals, one whom I race with the other I fish with. Fishing came up of course, the racing buddy says, " I just don't understand staying out there for hours and possibly not catching a thing. I could'nt stand it". After a brief silence fishing buddy and I both said simultaneously " I can't wait to do it again"!! Being at the shore seems to make everything right in my world, if the bite is on it's just a bonus.  Mike M.  Date: Sunday, 7/1/01

Leaving a world full of difficult and often trying, though sometimes mundane and tiresome, mandated situations for one of hope and dreams at the edge of a world that is so vast and beautiful; offering hope, and wonder in a peaceful calming environment. A place where the angels themselves and He who made all things choose to walk, where the biggest of men are dwarfed by the awesome creation before them.  Skip  Date: Saturday, 7/24/04

There is a place of Quiet Solitude, but where the senses titillate within every nuance, like raw nerve endings. Taunt to the excitement of siren surroundings, yet becalmed by sounds of violence.  The ocean crashing against rocks that over time reduce them to rubble and then sand. Everything vibrant within you and about you, is suddenly heightend by the natural life that pervades your soul. The crabs scurry to and fro, from beach sand to sea sand, clicking their pincers in a cadence known only to them and their closest predators...while Old Sol lends warmth and brightness through a golden hue.  Baby sea turtles make a break for the surf in their frenzied race for survival.  Possibly faster than at any other time in it's life, zigging and zagging while evading whatever and everything from sea level to the skies. It knows fear but not why, a survival gift from nature.  The sweet scent of lightly salted breezes emanating from southeast winds, while pulsations climb from fishing line through rod and reel and ending in mental psyche, as pitched battle ensues betwween man and a sea bourne quarry, Thus when the battle is won, there are no loosers as the beautiful lifeform is returned from whence it came and the appreciation of Quiet Solitude is again sampled, before awakening to a crowded beach.  Scorpio  Date: Saturday, 7/24/04

Mother Mother Ocean, I can hear your call…Fishing or catching, does it really matter?
I try to concentrate and fish for the big one, and then after awhile, for anything that will bite.
But my real attention is directed towards my wife, and to my little girl playing in the sand. Sometimes when I want to fish, I end up making sand castles instead. And when the day is over I am a much happier person for having experienced God’s awesome seashore and experienced it with my family. If I have a fish to take home to fry, well, that is just icing on the cake.  Jaybird  Date: Saturday, 7/24/04

Surf fishing is a visit with God on one of the beaches he made with maybe a few fish to take home  Earl Brinn  Date: Sunday, 7/25/04

I don't know how many of you all have been to a religious retreat but surf fishing at night has a similiar effect on me. I see the heavens full of stars and the bright moonlit night and on occassion I've seen several satelites moving across the sky.This tranquil scenario tends to help me relax and review just where I am and what I'm doing with my life and the many things that I have to be thankful for.While this may sound a little corny its the whole experience of being on the beach with only the sound of the ocean and the breeze blowing a person can clear his mind of the turmoil of everyday life and allow themselves to take stock of themselves ,this is why I relate this to a near religious experience. Of course Daylight fishing is entirely different just a lot of good ,clean enjoyment. Leroy O'Neal  Ococker  Date: Sunday, 7/25/04

My vacation at OBX. I was sitting at the edge of the surf, watching the sun go down, listening to the birds and enjoying the cool breeze and the crunching roll of the surf closing out. My line was semi-tight when the gentleman from Ky. stopped and asked. Are you catching anything ? I replied no, and I ain't trying. enough said...  Bryan  Date: Sunday, 7/26/04

Surf fishing is a transition from one routine to another. The drive down is full of excitement and anticipation. Old stories are told again. The hope of what awaits is held strongly by us all. Every trip holds the potential to be the one where it all comes together. In the end though, it's not about catching but about being. Being w/friends and spending time with God in his wonderful creation. We are all blessed to be a part of this and I think we are all better people because of it. Surf fishing is medicine for the soul!!  Mason  Date: Sunday, 7/26/04

Amen to this!!! Surf fishing for me is getting in touch with God and thanking him for all the wonders before me. It is such a great time for me to unwind from the hectic life I live up here in Northern Virginia!! Thank you for this one!  Anna and Ronny  Date: Sunday, 7/26/04

The sounds of the waves, whether crashing against, or gently kissing the shore, depending on conditions. The sight of the endless horizon streching out forever before you, the sun warming your face as you make that cast into one of God's gretest creations.  The anticipation of that screaming drag when that big one hits. The seabreeze and the smell that it has, well, most of the time anyway. The look on a kids face as they see a big fish, or turtle, or ray, or even a shell sometimes.  The cool refeshing taste of an ice cold, frost covered barley pop. The kidding and joking with friends, the telling of those same tales that seem to never get old and always get bigger and better.  A friend of mine likes to tell a story about the time he, as a kid saw this elderly man's rod jerking and bouncing as the man sat in his chair, head back, eyes closed. My friend says he ran over to the fellow all excited, screaming, "Hey mister!! you got a bite, a big one! He says the ol' man looked up at him, looked at the rod, and said "ssshhhhh..he'll get off in a minute", closed his eyes, and laid his head back again!  Curtis Lowe  Date: Sunday, 7/28/04