prepare for a skishermen fad

[JakeF]

I was approached multiple times by the WSJ reporter and interviewed for that article over the last year or so. I guess I'm too laid back, or not controversial enough to make good press . I just like to fish.

Either way. I'm glad ZeeBaaS got a plug out of it. They're good people in my opinion.

I must say I strongly disagree with this mentality that pits the skisher against the surfcaster with his feet on the rocks, and it saddens me that this philosophy is one that is being thrust to the forefront as a primary reason for skishing.

For me, skishing is about many things that have absolutely nothing to do with feeling like I have to get away from other surfcasters. It’s about pitting myself and my abilities against the power of the sea. It’s about the serenity of floating along, weightless in the darkness, and feeling current and the waves roll under me, knowing that at any time a battle could begin. It’s about the thrill of fighting a fish in its own environment, and winning. It’s about putting myself in a position to work productive sections of shoreline and submerged reefs from a different angle, or which would be inaccessible to me in waders or by boat. It’s about reaching the blitz that is beyond casting range from shore. It’s about being able to release caught fish in the best possible condition with a minimal amount of handling. This is what skishing is all about to me.

Skishing is not always the most productive approach to surfcasting in some areas or in some conditions, and I have nothing against donning the waders and dry top instead of the wetsuit in some situations. The choice has nothing to do with how I feel about other surfcasters in the area, nor is it an elitist or hostile attitude that drives me to don the wetsuit and go for a swim. Some of my closest surfcasting friends are not skishers, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

My goal is to provide a balanced and realistic view of skishing in New England waters, and to help (to the best of my ability) those who decide to get into skishing to do so as safely and as well prepared as possible.

If you are interested in skishing for the first time and looking for advice or assistance getting into the sport safely, you know where to find me. I won't be the guy yelling at the boats or taunting the guys on shore.