The Boy, after 384 days chasing his dream, was determined that today would be the day.  He told his papa, along with the skipper, that he would not leave the Gulf without a Bull Red.  He set upon his task, making his lures and wrapping the reels.  He was ready.  Finally, the morning came.  He set sail with his papa and Captain Rodney, a recent transplant from Maine, with a plan and a dream.  Today would be the day.

The morning saw a choppy sea, brought about by a cold front.  The waves battered the 25 footer but the crew sailed on with grit and determination.  Captain Rodney set the anchor and set the bait.  It was time to cast and wait.

And wait.  And wait some more. 

A few gafttops and hardheads set the hooks but were returned to their waters.  They waited some more.  And the sea chopped and battered the ship.  The weather took a turn for the worst, with winds gusting over 30 knots and waves topping 15 feet.  The ship was not cut out for that sea and Captain Rodney knew it was time to leave. 

All hope was about to be lost, when The Boy felt the hard pull on the line.  His time had come.  He could feel it in his bones.  “Patience,” he told himself.  “Wait for it . . .” 

“Now!”  He pulled the rod and set the hook.  The fish grabbed the hook and ran the line.  Adrenaline surging, he began to reel.  Mechanical music danced along the tight line.  The Fish would not be tamed.  It ran and ran, darting left to right but The Boy had was ready.  He kept his pole high and reeled, allowing the fish time to tire.  Time stretched out before them and The Boy would not be defeated. 

At last, The Fish breached the surface, glowing gold in its splendor.  The Fish looked at The Boy, determined to be free.  The Boy, revitalized by his prize, reeled and reeled with all his might.  “You are mine”, declared The Boy.  “At long last, you are mine!”  And Captain watched, nodding with approval.  The Boy fought with all his might while his soul sang the Song of Anglers.  With pride, papa saw The Boy celebrate his reward. 

The Boy, feeling his strength draining against the beast’s fight, dug deep inside and reeled with what remaining strength he had.  The Fish came aboard. 

The Boy, trembling with exhaustion, bowed and gave thanks to God for the opportunity to catch such a magnificent creature.  He thanked The Fish for such a fight.  Captain Rodney nodded in appreciation, and papa’s heart filled with joy, admiration, and pride.  He thought to himself, “this is my son, in whom I am eternally well pleased.  Well done, my son.  Well done.” 

jvb