[MS22]

I was lucky enough to have two grandfathers that were both avid fisherman. They started me off fishing the lakes of central NJ near my home in Millstone for sunnies and small bass. After a few years, we moved to NW NJ and was lucky enough to have a large farm pond near the house that had good bass fishing. I would walk over after school and during summer breaks fishing until sundown. When I got old enough, my grandfather started taking me out on his favorite party boat which happened to be the Elaine B in highlands. An interesting group of regulars were usually in attendance(mostly older gentlemen like my grandfather) and most were very friendly...more than willing to lend a hand or provide guidance. We would get to the boat early to get our spot and allow time for my grandfather to read the paper, drink a couple cups of coffee, and catch up with his friends. My grandfather started me out fishing for fluke and I was hooked instantly. After my first trip I couldn;t wait to go again. I was always so excited to go fishing that i barely ever got any sleep(still have that problem today). Fishing for fluke became one of my favorite things to do. I loved it so much that I can remember asking him the next year to take me fishing with him in the fall and winter for ling, blackfish, and seabass. Early on those cold rough fall/winter days were hard on me as I got seasick numerous times...but always fought through it and eventually found my sea legs. The best part of the day was coming home and handing off the catch to my grandmother who proceeded to prepare a great meal of fresh fried fish and potato salad. During blackfish season I always looked forward to my grandfathers fish chowder...a great way to warm yourself up after a cold day on the water. As a teenager I continued fishing but not as much as i had used to. At this point in my life most of my time was devoted to sports and other endeavors. It wasn't until college that I really got back into fishing. Now I try and fish as often as possible on open boat trips, pbs and our family boat. I just wished i lived a little closer to the water so that i could enjoy it more often.