Kind of Weird, But Proud

[CalabashFishman]

Hey guys. As most of you know, I'm new to charter the fishing industry. I started working on a head boat early 2008 and feel in love with being out on the ocean. I'm already the first mate on the boat and proud of it. I just wanted to tell you all a little story.

I have done plenty of fishing in my childhood, but never really big sport game fishing. My dream is to catch a nice marlin someday or just kind of game fish or bill fish.

This past winter here in NC, I got the opportunity to get a chance at some Bluefin Tuna Fishing. I never knew how extreme this fishing really was until I went out and saw how they do it. I went out about 5 times. Out of those 5 times, we had one Tuna, but lost it because it got caught up in another boats tackle in the water. But that was definitely one of the best trills of my life, while it lasted anyway. The Tuna tour out about 800- 850 yards of line. The spool was about empty.

But what this thread is really about is, we had to leave around 4 AM to get to the spot early enough and I just remember looking back at land at all the lights and it came to me, that, well, thats the United States and it just made me proud for what we have. I never really thought of it that way, but it was just relaxing looking back at the lights on land, just listening to the sound of the motor, just cruising the early morning.

I am so lucky to have a job as a mate on a boat. Most people hate their jobs, but I love my job and wish I can always work on a fishing boat until I die. But, I know my time will end on the boat when I have to get myself a real job with benefits and someday retire. I wish Commercial Fishermen can make a descent living, but they get treated the worst. I keep saying, if I can make a livelihood being a commercial fishermen, I would find a boat to work on by morning. haha

But, if you read all the way to this point thank you. I know its a weird story, but I got to get it out sometimes. This job has changed me in a bunch of different way. I used to be the one to sleep in 2 or 3 pm on a normal day and work later in the PM, not anyone. Now I'm used to waking up early to go to work and FISH. haha

Thank you guys, and keep on fishing

-John

[Robja]

Nice Read John

[giantfan]

Running to the grounds is always a time of reflection for me as well.

I am usually thinking how lucky I am to be able to get out and see things that 99% of the people don't even know exist.

We are all truly blessed to be able to do this here in the great USA.

[seapower]

John thank's for the post. I for one know exactly where you're coming from, been there myself. It's like a ride you never want to end. Frank

[CalabashFishman]

John thank's for the post. I for one know exactly where you're coming from, been there myself. It's like a ride you never want to end. Frank

Amen to that, Amen. I like dieing right now. Its the off season and I want to be back out on the ocean so bad. It's on my mind all hours of the day. I'm also always thinking about this summer if its really going to be busy or not. The economy is not doing to well causing people to not want to spend to much money. I might be lucky because I work on the head boat, which its a lot cheaper than renting a charter, which we also have. So, I guess time well tell like everything else.

Thanks guys

[Ace1st]

Calabash........the Hoos are beginning to show. Soon you will be back on the water again. Get your crew together and come fish my Hook a Hoo Tournament in April. Last year Danny Juel took home some of my cash and you can too!