More Than A Game
by David Correa, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
by David Correa, Senior, iPreparatory Academy
It wasn’t even daybreak, and I was on my way to Pompano Beach, FL. It was a short 50 minute drive, but it gave ample time to daydream about the busy day ahead of me. I was envisioning myself holding up the $5000 grand prize check that each person was seeking. It would be a dream come true.
As I arrived at my destination, I started to see all the decorations. There were banners, balloons, and people everywhere. I quickly found a spot and started unloading all the gear and supplies that I would need for the next hours to come. I dragged the equipment all the way to the beach and started setting it up. The sun was breaking, bringing that bright, warm, early morning aura. Everyone was exchanging wishes, “Good luck and have fun.”
As I arrived at my destination, I started to see all the decorations. There were banners, balloons, and people everywhere. I quickly found a spot and started unloading all the gear and supplies that I would need for the next hours to come. I dragged the equipment all the way to the beach and started setting it up. The sun was breaking, bringing that bright, warm, early morning aura. Everyone was exchanging wishes, “Good luck and have fun.”
Picture of the morning, catching bait before the sun rises.
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The event was about to start, and I had to make sure everything was ready. As soon as the whistle blew everyone rushed to the water. I hurriedly pushed my kayak and fishing gear in. The Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament started. The first 5 minutes are always chaotic, but once I get to the clear, blue water everything seems calmer.
I raced to set up my fishing rigs onto my rod and simultaneously pedaled as fast as I could to a very prominent bait spot that I scouted a week prior to the event. Once I got there, to be as productive as possible, I started setting out multiple bait rods. Minutes ticked by. I was running behind schedule, and I still hadn’t found any bait. “Impossible!” I thought. I had to keep moving and find bait on the way to the fish spots I marked for today's tournament. |
My goal was getting to the 20 mile marker to be able to reach an area where it's 1000ft deep. I was going to waste most of my time reaching the spot, which meant not as much time fishing. The chance of bagging the biggest sport fish drastically increased the deeper I went.
On my way to 1000 ft spot, the foot pedals on the kayak started malfunctioning. I had to think quick or the insanely strong current would drag me miles off course. I quickly took out the paddles and started fighting against the fierce current.
After what seemed like years, I finally reached the l area where I started tossing out my baits hoping for that one lucky bite. I threw a total of three baits out, one bait went down 1000ft, one bait was free lining on top water, and the last bait was mid-water. If I was going to catch the target species, I had to be patient but still make it back on time before the roll call.
On my way to 1000 ft spot, the foot pedals on the kayak started malfunctioning. I had to think quick or the insanely strong current would drag me miles off course. I quickly took out the paddles and started fighting against the fierce current.
After what seemed like years, I finally reached the l area where I started tossing out my baits hoping for that one lucky bite. I threw a total of three baits out, one bait went down 1000ft, one bait was free lining on top water, and the last bait was mid-water. If I was going to catch the target species, I had to be patient but still make it back on time before the roll call.
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After a few hours, time seemed like it was speeding, as I kept glancing at my watch, worried I wouldn't make it back on time. According to my schedule, I had one hour to wait for THE bite. Minutes ticked by like seconds. Nothing seemed to bite. “What did I do wrong?” I thought to myself. Thirty more minutes passed, and it was turning into a “do or die” situation.
I started bringing in the top water and mid water baits. Just as I was about to reel the bottom bait back up, the reel started screeching! “THE BITE” I shouted. I knew exactly what I had hooked as soon as it started taking feet and feet of line in seconds. The legendary Blue Marlin had just taken the bait. This fish would surely win me the tournament. The Blue Marlin seemed to never stop running and taking line. I started getting worried as I was rapidly running out of line. All of a sudden the line snapped. I couldn’t believe it! After all my preparation and hard work, the fish of a lifetime escaped my grasp. |
All 3 of the baits were out, now it's just the waiting game.
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On the way back home, I had plenty of time to think. Few fisherman ever experience the catch, and it's what drives me and many others to keep going back. Mother Nature has her own agenda. Not every fishing experience can be perfect. Imperfection recurs, and it's the basis for my change and growth.
Fishing has changed me as a person, as I have learned that the life lessons and experiences will always outweigh the failures and obstacles I encounter. Fishing has taught me that it’s all about the journey.
Fishing has changed me as a person, as I have learned that the life lessons and experiences will always outweigh the failures and obstacles I encounter. Fishing has taught me that it’s all about the journey.