Surfcaster's Quest

[parker23]

After Christmas Dinner I was perusing my mother’s vast library and stumbled upon a book I let my father borrow some 12 years ago. The book is a hardcover titled “Surfcaster’s Quest" by Roy Rowan.

I remembered buying the book and reading it and at the time it was not a compelling read. I started reading it again, trying to burn off some of the 10000 calories I had consumed during the holiday feeding frenzy.

My second reading was a far different experience. 12 years ago I was in my mid-thirties and a veracious fisherman not happy unless I had an epic battle with a large fish. Most of my fishing was from my boat and the lure of the surf had been a distant memory of my early teens to my late 20’s. Furthermore, I was into learning new techniques, so a how to book was more my speed.

Today I am in my late forties and my approach to fishing has changed dramatically. I still have a boat, but it sees much less use. I am back in the surf and loving it. My expectations of time on the water are not just on catching a big fish. Which is great, because most of the time I am not tight to a large bass. However, I am content just to be standing on a slippery rock or walking a sandy beach. Catching the big one has become secondary to enjoying the moment. I too will take a break and lay down using my plug bag as a pillow just to gaze at the stars and listen to the surf a few feet away.

If you have not read this book or read at a younger age, pick it up and read between the lines. I truly enjoyed my second reading of Surfcaster’s Quest.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have delusions of grandeur. Dreams of setting the hook on a 60, 70, 80 or 135 pound bass. However, my total surfcasting experience far surpasses just putting a bass on the beach.