[BasicPatrick]

There are tears of memory and gratitude in my eyes just from reading this post. This could take a bit but I will try to answer the questions:

The MV Striped Bass and Bludfish Derby is many things for many people. Sure it's a tournament with all the competition, passion, pride,ego, jealously and backstabbing found at all other tournaments.

HOWEVER, it can be and is a whole lot more. It is a gathering, an orientation, and a reunion all at once. It is where old school meets new school in one common effort. It is relaxing for some and hard core for others. It really is up to the individual. My favorite description is that it is a collection of experiences and stories , all happening simultaneously and all having to do with salt water fishing. For a guy like me, it is heaven on earth. Oh yeah, just like most things in life, it surely is not perfect.

Describe my view of the Derby in one word....ASTRONAUGHT TRAINING

If memory serves me correctly this year will be the 21st time I have registered, not all in a row. My ferry departs next Sunday the 21st and I come home three weeks later and one week earlier than usual on Oct 12.

This year I will share the Basic Fishing Shack with Johnny C from MSBA, Eric from NJBBA and NJ BOB the cop from team Suffix. SurfPirate (S-B) and Wayne (MSBA Membership Chair) will be there as well. Hardcorefromsshore (MSBA President) and my Wendy will come and go. Scotty (S-B), Drumcorpsfan (S-B), Dennis (MSBA) will also join us. There are more but I would need to read the list. Bob H from S-B is coming for the first time....welcome.

My Derby experience has mirrored my life's experience.

Early on it was an accident. I was on the Island and was invited to fish with friends that were in the Derby. Those early years were short stays but I kept coming back. I think I have always known Islanders. I vividly remember the long walks through mysterious and dark woods to reveal the most beautiful beaches filled with boulders and other structure. Those times lit the fire and I fell in love with that Island.

As my life went down hill so did my Derby visits. Go to the Derby and barely wet a line. Spend most of the time drunk or stoned or both. Yep, I used to resemble that and finally the gov't decided I had some place else to be.

I grew up (at least I got clean) and my Derby experience really took off when I joined and got involved with MSBA. I got active in the club and eventually got invited to attend "The Fishing Shack", which is a "Derby House" and at the time was run by Bill (& Jules). A "Derby House" is a rented or owned house where groups of fishermen and women share expenses and experience the Derby.

There was a lot of fun at the Fishing Shack. I remember being so frustrated that the shore fly rod bluefish was only 3 pounds that I left a note stating I would not come home until I beat it. Three days later the crew was on the way out to Norton Point to drive over to Chappy and found me at Katama (air down area) passed out, droolling, hanging out the window in the front seat of my full size Ram Charger, which was running and after they woke me up we found out it was in drive. Funny now. No, I didn't get the Blue but I did get second a few years later....right Mr Swimmer...lol.

How about John R and I trying to drive from Squibby to the Chappy Ferry...we woke up at the ferry line in Edgartown, realizing we were in no shape to walk, never mind drive. I do not beleive we didn;t get in an accident that morning.

I know a few on this board that will remember the time Uncle Dave came home to the South Shore from the Derby asking all the tackle shops the same question. How do you get the smell of pee out of your waders?...too funny.

Finally, no one laughed harder than when in the company of Johnny and Joe. Joe is in FL and we miss him greatly! I think I went to that house for 10 years and each year was special.

Four years ago (where does the time go??) Bill & Jules launched the charter business and I stepped up to be the next caretaker of the "Shack". Their help was invaluable that first year and today I have put my own stamp on what is now called the "Basic Fishing Shack". We still got a few openings 9/21-9/28 and 10/5-10/12. Pm me.

I agree with Swimmer on his comment about the moment you drive off that Ferry upon arrival. Damn that feels great. I am reminded of that feeling when watching a scene from the movie The Perfect Storm. You know the scene, when leaving Gloucester Harbor the Captain is thinking...pass Gull Island....wave to the lighthouse keepers boy...that's what that drive off the ferry feels like. Better than any drug I ever tried and up until almost 14 years ago I tried almost all of them.

I drive straight to #^&#^&#^&#^&'s to register and catch up with Steve. Then go get the key to the rental. When I get there Johnny is already in the driveway. Johnny is so impotant to me I can not express it, I never knew my grandfather but I know what having a grandfather is all about. I look forward to watching Johnny C, Charlie B. and Charlie C(into) make their annual fishing trip. To see that kind of enthusiasm from men of that age. To witness the life long friendships and the smiles that reach the soul is................priceless.

I look forward to the Death March to the Stand at Squibby at least once sometimes a lot. The walk (why is it always blowing and raining) to fish under Gay Head and watch the cliffs appear to bleed. The calm of Split Rock and the excitement of Menemsha. I love "the long and bumpy road" to Tashmoo. I love finding new spots or learning one of the ponds has been cut. "Is there any Squid?" "Did you hear Lev weighed another monster?" and my favorite question..."Wanna hop on the boat and fish Nantucket?" These are the things I remember and look forward too. This is why I fish the Derby.

Sure there are things I don't like. Anyone who wins or does well is accused by someone of cheating. It has happenned to me. There are always false rumors started to lure people to spots away from the fish. Friends lie to your face about the fishing. I just accept the negative as rare and choose to experience all the good things, which far outweigh the bad.

I meet new friends every year and look forward to the next moment. ReelExtacy said it right...you step off the planet for a moment and everything is at peace and about the hope of fishing.

So did I answer the questions...I hope so!!!!!

See you there.
Almost forgot...revisiting the place I learned to and caught my first (several) flyrod fish