When I was in Maine durning the summer, I used to go deep sea fishing several times a summer....
First time I went with my dad and I did have a good time.
caugh a few cods that could feed us for several meal.
dad and I went together for the 1st few years because I was too young to go by myself.
we knew the capt very well because we would go a few times and there was not too many young kids like me who could handle the rough seas and not get sick.
one year, dad said that I could go by myself...he dropped me off a bit aways from the boat.
I had my tackle box and pole...
got on the boat...it was mostly older men in the 60-70's
when they saw me...
they were like awww...
look at that kid
the capt didn't say anything
I just was like yeah..,whatever
it takes about 2 hours to get to the spot where we try our luck catching some cod.
and I was taking a nap...
always do on the ride out,
we got to the 1st stop
got my pole
one older man was trying to tell me how to fish..
didn't bother to listen to him...
I already got all my pointers from the capt
before you know it
boom
got a fish
capt was smiling
winking at me...
got another one not too long after that
then another
then another
guess what...
I was the only one catching a fish
the older men was looking a bit sheepish...
at the end of the day
I had far more fish than all of the guy together!
capt asked me to help clean the boat..
which I do from time to time
cuz I know he will pay me...
cleaned the boat
washed it down..
locked up everything...
he gave me the money
man....
most of the time it was 10 or maybe 20 bucks..
I looked down and opened my hand...
there was a big wad of 20's!!
I looked at him puzzled..
Capt said, when I was sleeping on the way out,
he made a bet with all the other guy that I would catch more fish than they will..
he gave it all to me!!
Sadly, he passed away a few years later...
Every time I think about this...it brings a tear to my eye
I still go out every year...
but it will never never be the same..
Thanks for the memories Capt Al! God bless ya!
