2002

[JohnR]

Year in review?

Wow – where to start? Well, I guess if I’m finally thinking “Year in review” that must mean that I’ve given up on chasing big gals in the waters up here. Sure, a trip to the local schoolie holdover spot doesn’t really count towards an old season or a new in my tiny mind.

The past half dozen years has had me look at a season as starting with the first fresh run fish in March & April at the West Wall and the season ends when I can’t get out anymore where the big bass roam or when the snot is freezing on the Goatee. So, I guess now I’ve been thinking about not being able to hit the beach looking for any big fish for some time… And I must mention that for the second year in a row – big weather has cancelled our inaugural S-B Cod Trip.

Where to begin?

This past year has been tough on a lot of us. Saltheart shocked us and himself even more when he suffered a sudden and critical ailment. Fortunately for him and for his family and friends and his friends here and other places online, he has been able to recover and has the promise of becoming healthy again. Clammer has been able to chalk up another year against diversity. I’m proud of you my friend, as more and more tough times come your way; you deal with them and move on in a great state of mind. What you and the missus have done for Gwen and me goes a long way with us and inspires us to keep a very positive outlook in the face of adversity. Fisherwoman gave us a bit of scare over the holiday season but she also bulled right thru a tough time (and Bambi). Big thumbs up FW!

You all were very supportive of me when my father passed away in June and that’s something I will not forget. I had a lot of words come my way from many of you and that support helped carry me a long way over those sad days.

We grieved together when we lost a friend and comrade of the surf in Ken Schwam. Kenny, a/k/a 10x10, touched so many people across the country and world that he has left a legacy with us on how to help and respect and foster both our fellow anglers and our natural surroundings. He is truly missed. Also lost was Brad “Hawg Hunter” Pohler, a big hulking guy that looked all gruff until he'd suprise you with smil and some sage words. He enjoyed life and made ours more enjoyable too. Sadly he left his wife, and a young son who is only 4 or 5 now, and he left all too many friends that he has made along the way. He left our earth far too early.

We’ve also had our S-B family grow. Proud parents like Tattoo & wife with their first; Fishpart, his Betterhalf and their sons now have a young lady watch over; Iceman’s family celebrated little Gwen; 179 added another addition to his family too. Just recently Schoolie Monster (my primary fishing partner - though we got out very little together this year)., Mrs SM, and new big sister Britta welcomed a pair of twins into the world – though a bit earlier than planned. They are great friends of my family and we’ve vacationed together for a few years, spent holidays together, and plenty of memories We are all very, very happy and relieved that the twins are doing well and should be home very soon.

I’ve met some incredible people this past year form this site and have met some more online that I’m looking forward to meet in person – can’t wait. Last fall had an interesting start when a new member invited a bunch of us to go over to Mystical Cuttyhunk Island. Too good to be true? Yep, a bunch of us went over at the invite of GB and we had a wonderful time but even better, we all made a great friend in GB. It still seems too good to be true but Greg, you’ve garnered a tremendous amount of friendship and respect from all of us here. I think I can speak for everyone here that we are very glad to have met you.

Great to fish & hang out with all the regulars from over the past few years on the Cape, Islands, from Boston Harbor to Naps. I’m thankful to have met Trayder as he continues to morph my thinking on boats, fishing, and has been inspiring to me (regardless to how my other knee got trashed on his boat ). Goose & Bloo have been great to get to know, Capesams, Sctoch, Matoonoc, Krispy, Fishsmith (who always donates beer money ) Bazza, Toby, the rest of the MSBA crew, the NCSFC gents, on & on with many new people I’ve met in person this year at the get togethers like @ Slips or when we burn perfectly good meat and go fishing. All in all, a great year for meeting people and looking forward to seeing the rest of you in the coming months and this summer when we fish!

I also want to thank all the sponsors that help keep the lights on as well as everyone that’s pitching in to keep the site going. It’s a tremendous help!

The Pats won the SuperBowl!

We fought some issues this year like the Saltwater License, Quonset Point, and we investigated some like Amendment 6 (but did not participate as much as we perhaps should).

Through some creative recruiting a string of fish came in from the Plug Monsters and scored a victory in the Surf Club Tourney for S-B! Very thrilling! Now we need to gear & repeat for a title defense…

Overall, my fishing was OK. No monsters but a decent year considering that I could only fish when I could and not necessarily when I wanted - for some reason this has happened for the last couple years. But I do have some memories of the suds that will last a lifetime. Especially when that squid Beachmaster grabbed me a nice fish on Cutty and would get an occasional tap the instant the light from Aquinnah swept across it

So again I want to thank everyone for a great year and looking forward to what’s in store for 2003!

Thanks,

John R
Narragansett Bay, RI