[linesider50]

I grew up in CT but moved to NJ for work 25 years ago. On a striper fishing trip I met an amazing man. I walked into a tackle shop at Dunns Corner in RI.
I asked the big guy behind the counter what was happening locally. He gave me a normal fishing report . We talked a bit and the subject came up that I was just up from NJ and was looking to tag some stripers. His eyes lit up and he told me to wait till the other customers left. He sat down and proceeded to draw me a map detailing spots rocks and all and jotting down the lures to use each area. This was the start of many years of respect and friendship.
I have not been in great health myself so my trips up have dwindled. I got a chance last year to see Don again and his wife also. We had not seen each other for years but with that same gleam in his eye he shook my hand.
The fishing community will miss Capt. Don. He was one of the great personalities of out sport. I hear his wife and son will open the shop this year. My wife and I will have to drive up and stop to pay our respects.
Anyone who happens to go to his services please send best wishes from Fred and Sara in NJ