Читать книгу Reeling In Time with Fish Tales - Brian E. Smith - Страница 6

Captain Cefus McRae

It was an early summer morning when I first met Capt. Brian Smith; and from the moment we shook hands I knew this guy was passionate about fishing. It was pure serendipity that he was the only charter guide in Steinhatchee, Florida, who had an opening that day. There were four of us… two dads, and their two young sons who would be experiencing their first time fishing offshore. The boys were anxious to catch a big fish on a morning that was hot and humid with a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. The seas were flat calm and we made good time to our first stop to catch bait. The boys did the bait catching and Capt. B cheered them on, unhooking the pinfish and re-baiting their hooks. His comments to the kids, even when they tangled lines, were always positive… and patient. He would offer instruction in a fun way that kept a smile on the boys’ faces, and he had a playful manner that keep them excited, even when the fishing slowed down.

With the live well full, Capt. B situated the kids in seats where they could get a good view and set the course for offshore waters. The further we went, the darker the skies became and we finally dropped anchor on a place that Brian called his Magic Spot. The kids beamed and jousted for positions at the back of the boat. We had been fishing for just a few minutes when the first rumble of thunder was heard in the distance, followed by a distinctly cool breeze. Time to reel in and go.

The kids were obviously and justifiably disheartened. No big fish today. We made it back to the dock as the bottom fell out. Raindrops as big as Ping-Pong balls and hail that covered the docks. There wasn’t much to do except say our goodbyes and thank Brian for the effort. Brian cleaned the boat quickly with the help of the rain, said goodbye again and left. We figured that was that, so we ate lunch at the marina’s Tiki Hut. After lunch, the rain subsided as we were trying to come up with a game plan of what to do for the rest of the day with two energetic ten year olds. Just then, the phone at the bar rang. It was Brian calling for me. The conversation was short and to the point. “You guys want to go fishing?”

That clinched it for me. This guy, who I’d never met and might never see again, cared enough to do his best to give us a fun day on the water. He didn’t have to do that. But Brian went the extra mile and gave two very happy boys and their dads an awesome fishing adventure.

With that as background, you now have some insight into Capt. Brian Smith… his character and his passion for fishing. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales is a chronology of fishing stories and life experiences that ultimately steered Brian to his career as a charter captain. They are stories that most folks can relate to, whether you’re an avid angler or simply like a story where the good guy gets the girl. And woven into each story is fish-catching knowledge that can help both the novice angler and the old salt on their next fishing excursion. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales is more than a series of anecdotal fishing stories, it’s a reminder, and proof, that life is a journey with lots of serendipitous moments.

Each chapter blends valuable, practical fishing tips with a wonderful life-story featuring familiar characters we’ve all known during our own growing-up years; from parents and uncles to best buddies and girlfriends. Brian’s story brings back memories of our own innocence of youth and the lessons we learned as we grew up; such as the adventures and mischief with a best buddy, the anxiety of a first date, moving away from home and beginning to carve a life on your own. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales chronicles those life experiences that led Brian down the path to a place called Steinhatchee, on Florida’s Big Bend.

Until I read this book, I had only known Capt. B, the charter captain. After reading it, I now have insight into what molded Brian Smith into the man that refused to let a rainstorm disappoint a couple young boys on their first offshore fishing adventure.

Captain Cefus McRae

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