Long overdue, we finally made it back on the salt. A valuable form of therapy, the winter doldrums in WV are no match for the ocean’s healing powers. The sights, smells, the change of scenery, the warmth, and let us not forget the strongest pull….. the fish! Redfish, snook, tarpon, jacks, gator trout, …. the list goes on and on!
Not having to deal with the unneeded is one of the greatest feelings…. its something that cannot be put in words. Attempting to fix the things you can control, and realizing there are some things that are completely out of your hands…. “that’s not my bag baby!” is an epiphany that we sometimes forget. Life is so similar to the way we approach fishing, the similarities are countless. The most stark difference is that when we are fishing, we throw everything back.
So we met up with some old friends, a respectable guide, brightened faces, and new formed friends along the way. Casting topwater flies in the shadows of the Kennedy Space Center, wading the surf in Matanzus Inlet, meeting bamboo flute makers at Bings, sharing beers with newfound like-minders, sea otter shenanigans, and eating some pretty damn good seafood. Life is good!
Til the next time, which will be sooner than later. My friends have told me for years, but lately it must be the look in my eyes when they say, “Be careful Craig, salt gets in your blood, and its hard to shake!” I quietly think to myself, ever since I was 12 and landed my first croaker from Oregon Inlet, NC its been an addiction.
I guess until recently, I’ve been a junkie with a soft-spoken monkey. I’m out, and like all of those with dependencies I can quit anytime I want….. I’m totally screwed. I didn’t even mention that our new flats boat will be ready in just a few weeks! Lil Wayne says, “turn a crack rock into a mountain”, and that’s about on point with what’s happening with our salt addiction.
If you see me on the side of the road turning tricks, know that its only to advance our fishing fund. From time to time, you have to take one for the team. LOL
To all of those involved in this most recent excursion: thank you, and can’t wait until we share time again. I’ll be sure to bring enough sunscreen for everyone, and every body part 🙂
