Article by Capt. Mark Sampson
The offshore fishing season got off to a good start last month with anglers scoring on the first tuna, dolphin, makos, threshers, and some outstanding sea bass action, all of which, I expect, will prompt more than just a few anglers to hurry up and get their boats pointed offshore to get in on the fun. When the weather is good, May can be a great time to run offshore, when it’s not, it can be downright miserable and every time I think of offshore fishing in May I’m reminded of “one of those days” we had a few years ago.
The wind was blowing 15 to 20 knots out of the northeast, the seas were 3 to 5 feet, it was cool and spitting rain. At 6:30 AM when I met my charter clients at the dock, I informed them that it looked as though the weather had turned out to be worse than what was predicted the night before and I explained that it would be very rough and uncomfortable fishing, so if anyone was prone to getting seasick, they can pretty much count on it.
In response someone said, “We drove three hours to get here this morning. As long as the boat is not going to sink and you think we still have a decent chance of catching fish, we want to go.”
“Don’t worry,” I said, “the boat can handle the rough seas and we’ll probably catch fish, but with all the bouncing around rocking and rolling, it’s not going to be any fun. In fact, it’s going to be kind of miserable. Worst of all, not only will you probably have a terrible time, you’ll still have to pay (the charter fee) for the experience.”
One of them spoke up. “As long as you think we can catch fish, we want to go.”
“Look” I said, “the boat can take it, myself and the first mate can take it and we can probably catch some fish today. If we don’t go today I don’t get paid. In fact, I’ll have to pay you your deposit back. So I have some real incentive to take you fellows out. But more importantly, I want you to have a good time so that you’ll want to come back and go fishing with me again sometime. If you have a horrible time today you may be ruined for life. So I must suggest that you reconsider going out today.”
This time a different fellow informed me, “as long as you think we can catch fish we want to go. We have to go, because we’ve come so far.”
“You don’t have to go!” I said. “No one is putting a gun to your head are they? Just because you’ve driven three hours doesn’t mean you can’t cut your losses and deviate from the plan. I’m telling you, you’re not going to have fun out there!”
“As long as you think we might catch fish, we still want to go.”
Bewildered by their logic, I had nothing left to say but, “OK boys, climb aboard We’re going fishing!”
How’d it go? Well, I’m not the kind who likes to say; “I told you so!”,but I did tell them more than once, and it turned out just as I thought. We pounded our way out to the fishing grounds and before we even got there, all five of my clients were either hurling or sleeping.
I don’t know why we bothered to put the chum bucket over, the boat had a steady flow coming from it anyway. Fortunately, in short order some sharks arrived. We caught and released a few, but the action didn’t help their stomachs and the now steady rain certainly didn’t improve things either.
Part way through the morning, I suggested that since we were having so much “fun” maybe they’d like to consider making it a half-day trip. This time I didn’t have to ask twice. In fifteen minutes the lines were in and we were headed home!
Back at the dock, five wet and weary fishermen collected up their coolers of uneaten lunches and unopened beers, dragged themselves off the boat and staggered out to their vehicles for the long ride home. Of course, that’s not before the “leader” of the group paid me the balance for the trip. During this last transaction he stated that he’d call me again sometime if they ever decided to come down and have some more “fun on the ocean.” Of course I never heard from him again.
The moral of this story is: If you hire a boat or guide to go fishing, or even if you’re going out on a friend’s boat and they tell you that it’s not going to be a pleasant experience, TAKE HEED TO WHAT THEY SAY! There’s a good chance that they know what they’re talking about and are likely looking after your own best interests.
Remember too that it’s the “fishing” that’s supposed to be fun, not just the “catching”. Just because you “can” go out and get fish doesn’t mean you “should” if it’s not going to be a pleasant experience. If you’re only doing it to get the fish, then forget about the fishing part. Just go buy some fish. It’ll be cheaper in the long run and you won’t have to worry about yacking out your dentures in the process!
One last thought, and I apologize if sounds a little too philosophical: Whenever we take part in any outdoor activities (like fishing or hunting) we must keep in mind that we are at the total mercy of Mother Nature and what she chooses to throw at us. It doesn’t matter how long we’ve been planning an outing, how big our boat is, if there’s a tournament going on or how badly we want to climb to the top of the mountain. If conditions don’t warrant it - we should never force the issue. Mother Nature is a tough old girl who’s bigger and stronger than any of us. It’s far better to roll with her punches than take what she throws at us head-on. Learn to enjoy fishing for the fishing itself, not just the catching, and it’ll become a lot clearer when to head out to sea and when to stay at the dock.
Capt. Mark Sampson is an outdoor writer and captain of the charter boat, “Fish Finder”, docked at the Ocean City Fishing Center. During the winter months, Capt. Mark runs charters in the Lower Keys.
