What It Takes to Be A Surf Fisherman

[cow tamer]

In 1976, Lester Boyd of the Providence Journal, wrote in his book Atlantic Surf Fishing the qualifications required to become a successful surf fisherman. This is what he wrote:
You need an immunity to discomfort that permits you to keep fishing when there is sea water in your waders, sand in your molars, dryness in your throat, acute tendonitis in your right shoulder, a blister on your right forefinger if you’re spinning or a groove in your left thumb if you’re using a revolving spool reel, fire in your reddened eyes and a constant ache where the spine enters the skull.
You need a mulish obstinacy that will keep you going long after the tide has turned, the appointed hour of your return home past and anyone with any sense at all has already quit.
You must have a casual attitude toward home, job and other worldly responsibilities that permits you to keep on fishing without thought of any.
You should acquire a passion for lonely beaches, sunrises over the ocean, the smell of air that has traveled a thousand miles touching nothing but wave tops, the taste of salt spume on your lips, the tumult of waves crashing the shore, the tug of the backwash against your legs, the feel of a gamefish b#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g at the end of a long line, the challenge of meeting and conquering your prey in its own element.
You should have an attitude of complete indifference to the attitudes of a society that looks upon surf fishermen as a fraternity of misfits because, Pal, if you’re a fishermen that’s just what you are a social misfit. But don’t let it worry you. Given these and a few other qualities, a person has a chance of making it as a surf fisherman, then all he’s got to do is learn the trade, so to speak.
Take whatever advice you feel is appropriate; go out and log some beach time. Then, my friend you’ll be a surf fisherman!

What other characteristics might you add?