Dad, I love you.

[Billy Gambler]

First I'd like to thank everyone who is posted through the years. My Dad read this page every morning, noon, and night. Everybody who posted about their catches, they're good days, and their bad days, my Dad read it all. Almost all of his 79 years and all of my 53,we spent fishing in the bay, along the beaches, and offshore. I spent as much time as I could fishing with my dad, it was never enough and I always wanted more. In the off seasons we would talk about fishing, and get ready for next season. Growing up I ate a lot of fish, I didn't like it so much then as I do now. We were the first ones out, and the last one is in. At the end of the day we were sore, we hurt, and we struggle up the ramp to the parking lot. We always knew, no matter what the weatherman said, we would be out again next Saturday. We were not church-going people, our church was the rising sun over the ocean, the beauty and spectacular Grace and power of that sunrise was felt every Saturday morning. Looking back at all the pictures, reliving the memories, I understand why regulations had to be put in place, we caught and kept and ate a lot of fish! Those of you who have fishing buddies, know how special relationship can be. My dad's best friends shared his love for fishing, any one lucky enough to fish with him know, he was the greatest fisherman out there. You guys will have a lot more big bass out there this year and when you catch it you can say thanks to me,my dad,my brother and soon, and my friend Steve cuz we didn't catch it and bring it home and eat it. What my dad gave me and all of the loves in my life, very few things compared 2 fishing, watching the sunrise, feeling the angry ocean beating the hell out of us, hearing that real sing and pulling the rod out of the rod holder and feeling the pull from the fish at the other end and watching that line run. Thank you Dad, I love you, looking forward to fishing with you again. Oh yeah guys, don't get to excited yet. Just in case you see the Gannet out there early n the morning before the sun is up, it might not be my dad, I'm just not ready to give up, fish, you might not be safe yet. You may know him from The Gambler the Anna Mae or the Gannet, his name is Bill Schmidt. The greatest man ever. I love you Dad, I miss you Dad.

[shrimpman steve]

Condolences

[Rocky]

It is kinda of strange to say "Sorry for your loss" but, it sounds like your heart and soul will always be full with the great memories and time shared with your Father.

[hammer4reel]

Sorry for your loss.

But don’t fret, your going to feel his warmth every time you see that sunrise on the water until you meet again .

.

[slammer]

My Condolences.

[SaltLife1980]

My Condolences

[Gerry Zagorski]

Heartfelt condolences to you and may your dad RIP...

[RAMMFISH66]

My sincere condolences to you and your family..Love what you posted about your experiences with dad.....it brings back memories that I have about my dad and fishing together ..Rammie

[dales529]

Great dedication to your Dad . My condolences and he introduced you to those sunrises over the water so you can remember him each time you go out.
best of luck

[Joey Dah Fish]

Very sorry for you loss. It is our loss as well. Condolences and prayers to you and the family

[dakota560]

Condolences to you and your family for the loss of your dad. As Rocky mentioned, it's a double edge sword. We realize when we get older how important time spent with family is and time on the water, the experiences, the laughs, the memories, the friendship and love is what makes fishing the best past time there is. We focus much on catch, quotas, regulations etc., all things we'll continue doing so to protect our rights to these fisheries, but your words echo whats most important which is enjoying time spent with family and friends, spending time with nature and the most beautiful canvas life has to offer.

Your Dad will always be with you, you are him. The memories you created will always be in your mind, your heart and your very soul.......no one will ever take that away. So while I'll keep you and your loved ones in my prayers, I'm happy your life was touched and fulfilled by a GREAT relationship with your father. Sounds like he was a very special person and you should be nothing but proud which obviously you are.

Again condolences for your loss, remember memories live on forever!

[bunker dunker]

very sorry for your loss but it sounds like he lived and loved a great life.
you can take comfort in knowing that he will be with you when you see that
sun rise on every day for the rest of your life.

[CadiShackFishing]

Sorry for your loss.

[Capt Sal]

Lost my dad fifteen years ago and i still miss him bad.When i ran my charter boat i always kept fathers day open for him and the family.He loved to hook a fish and hand it off to one of the grandchildren.For those of you that are lucky enough to still have your dad around a simple phone call to say i love you goes a long way.Remember the time you spent with him and try to pass it down.

[vikesdad]

Losing your Dad blows. I lost mine 2 years ago and I miss him every day. He was the greatest man I know and we spent tons of time together on the water. It never seemed like the catching mattered to him, he was just content being out there. We caught some beautiful fish together, whether it was Montauk, Lake George, Brigantine, Point Pleasant or Alaska, but the greatest memories I have was the befores and afters of the trip, the excitement, the anticipation and the celebration.

I am sorry for your loss, keep all his memories alive anyway you can

[Salt]

Sorry for your loss.

[Detour66]

My condolences to you and you family. May he RIP.

[WESTWIND]

My sincerest condolences Bill...knew you dad for over 30 years. Fantastic fisherman. If you saw the Gannet, you knew you were in the ball park. Best..Mike

[Tony Cav]

Bro,

Thanks so much for the sincere and heart felt tribute to your Father. You had me a bit teary eyed however I am also truly grateful for the experiences I had with my Father. Thanks