Let’s do this again
30 March 2023
• Wadmalaw Island
by Penni Singleton • Beautiful
There are some days that you would like to place on repeat. Today was one such day. We had our leisurely start to the day as we were only aiming to cover 25 miles and we were going to be anchoring, so as long as we got there by dark, there was no rush. We motored along with a cool breeze, chatting about Charleston, plans for later in the year and of course which houses we liked. I prepared salad for lunch which we took turns eating in the cockpit. The wind then started to increase and for once it was in the right direction. This gave me time to practice my sailing knowledge and terms. Sometimes I feel I am really beginning to gain a good understanding of the wind and how it relates to the sails and the next minute I feel my brain has been wiped. So never a dull moment for John. We both enjoyed feeling Solitude heel (tip to one side) at times but I have to admit I can't quite relax yet. We got to our anchorage just around 4 and decided to put our new fishing rod into action. We had bought some frozen shrimp from the marina this morning and were excited to see what we could do. I loved fishing as a child, and we had some fun fishing with our kids when the were young. I am usually very lucky when it comes to catching fish but I always have to have someone brave with me to take them off the hook. No problem, I have John. John set the rod up despite my advice and I was soon enjoying sitting at the stern of Solitude, surrounded by marsh and water, watching my line in the water. Three minutes later I was wondering what I liked about fishing. My hand was beginning to ache and I was wondering what else I could do that would be more fun. And then I felt it, a definite tug on the line. I had not been concentrating and knew my reactions had been too slow. I had given the rod a half hearted jerk and then didn't know which way to turn the thing to bring the fish in. However, when I brought the line up, I found I still had half the bait left. I lowered the rod with more conviction and excitement this time. My eyes were trained on the line, my hands held the rod tightly and I imagined how I would quickly jerk the rod and wind it quickly in. Five minutes later and my mind was just beginning to wander when I felt a tug. I jerked the rod, and this time the rod bowed over at the tip. 'John', I called excitedly as I began to reel him in with only a slight hesitation. Images of an old boot flashed through my head but I knew that couldn't be. I pulled steadily until I could see something white appearing at the surface. With in trepidation I thought it may be a small bird as it looked like the shrimp was in a beak. As my eyes focused I realized I had caught a crab. The crabs pincer was holding onto the shrimp. I laughed so hard as John was still readying his camera. 'We can eat crab', he yelled enthusiastically. The crab promptly let go and dropped back in the water. Invigorated by my near miss, I put some more bait on and watched the line somewhat intently for the next ten minutes until it was time to go in for dinner. After dinner I suggested John should try.' I suppose I should' he replied as he picked up the rod. John does not like fishing because I am always the one who catches the fish and he has to take them off the hook. 'I've got one' he called before I could finish googling 'how to catch redfish in South Carolina'. I dashed up with the camera as I saw a reasonably sized fish on the end of his hook. 'Well done!' I enthused. John was not smiling. 'It's a stingray.' I went back in the cabin and googled 'how to remove a hook from a stingray.' John, being John was able to do so, although amazingly he somewhat followed the directions. Empowered by his success, he put some more bait on and tried again. I am really not exaggerating when I say five minutes later I hear 'Penni!'. I had images of that stupid Ray going back for more, but no. John had caught another fish! We have no idea what it was but we do know it was not big enough to eat and that it didn't like swimming in a bucket. I had to try again. Ten minutes later I decided John could have the last turn of the day, and he caught another small fish! Picture of John with fish will be posted tomorrow, I couldn't spoil all the fun now, could I?
Instead, Timmy helping Penni load bait on her hook. Maybe he wanted to quality check the shrimp?
Comments