“Fishing teaches patience at the end of a rod and reel.”
-Unknown
On a sunny June day, Anthony and I were both hanging off the bow of the Betty-O – he was trying to catch his first fish, and I was offering words of encouragement so he would in fact catch his first fish. As a new volunteer to the Marina Del Rey Angler’s youth fishing program, I felt a sense of responsibility to conjure a fish on Anthony’s line.
But it was Anthony who understood well the art of patience. As a middle child of a family of six brothers and sisters, Anthony’s approach to fishing was simple – if we catch something, wonderful; but if we didn’t catch anything, we could still enjoy the experience.
It was just as the captain started the motor to head back to the marina that Anthony caught his first fish. I’m not sure who was more excited (if the photo is any indication…), but I do know that Anthony’s incredible example of living in the moment is one that I reflect on often – both on and off the water.
For more information about the Marina Del Rey Angler’s youth fishing program, http://www.mdranglers.com/youth_fishing.html.
-ks