The Heart of a Snook Brother

As time goes on, the idea of what it means to be a “Snook Brother” becomes clearer to me. While the initiative started with two guys sharing some fishing and coffee, it was really always meant to be symbolic of all those who would rally together in a fellowship of humans with a common interest. Since Jason has moved to the mainland and started a new season of life, this physical separation does not break the common bond of brotherhood (he still makes it to the island now and again). In the same sense, all of those who we have come into contact with over the last two years, be it from running into people on the beach, at the docks, or at church, and shared an interest in island fishing are Snook Brothers. No matter where those persons live during the other times of the year, they are still Snook Brothers to me.

Now I realize that the word “Brother” does have a gender implication. However, it should be known that the phrase should be understood to be the more generic. Just as when a person speaks of the “brotherhood of man” it is understood to represent all persons, regardless of gender or other categorization. Besides “Snook Comrades” sounds rather communistic and we do not want to sow those seeds in our fine land of freedom. I think nyet. Do svidaniya comrade! (that is “see you later communist brother”). In any case, if the term “Brother” offends you then you will have to take that up with my marketing manager. Otherwise, I will consider all persons potential Snook Brothers.

The most recent additions are two married couples that have come to the island over the last month:

Chris and Dawn are old friends – well we have been friends for a long time, they themselves are not old. Anyway, these two have been a part of our visits to the island since long ago when our families would stay together in island rental houses to share the costs so we could live out the adventure of North Captiva. On this trip, it was just the adults, as we are old enough to have grown up children who are off on their own, or able to fend for themselves while the parents are gone. During their visit, the Rush’s had both Snook and Shark on the list of fish to catch. Chris and I did hit the beach on several nights, and did catch some Snook, including this momma that Chris loved so much that he was hugging it for the picture. Note the fish juice holding the sand on his jacket. Also note, the size of the Snook is not exaggerated by the holding the fish out nearer the camera, as some might be tempted to do. (Insider hint: always look to see the size of the fingers holding a fish in a picture. If they look oddly big compared to the person, well then, there might be some arm extension going on for effect – just sayin’). Our shark fishing adventure produced some small pups, but nothing the size that Dawn was looking for. The little fella on our cover shot seemed to be quite photogenic, ready to smile for the camera. Baby shark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo. Next time we will sing the ‘Momma Shark Song’. You live and you learn. This was a painful lesson as not only did we just catch baby sharks, I had that song in my head for a week afterward.

The second couple, Rod and Trish, came down and stayed on the bay side in Island Time. As a result, they had access to the dock for fishing. Having access to a dock can be helpful, but not always a guarantee of fishing success as sometimes you end up right where the fish you are trying to catch are swimming, and they see you when you see them. Snook are a smart lot, and once you are discovered, they will tighten their lips and simply grin at all presentations of lures or bait. I have never experienced a more tenacious fishing couple in my life. These two were intense in investing in the fishing opportunity on the island. They had the gear, the clothes, the bait, and the will to succeed.  They had the will to learn and experiment. They chartered with the Fishing Lady a couple of times and they caught some nice Snook. On the nights when we went out fishing together (and there were several), there were some Snook around but they seemed to be especially wary of our presentations. There were a few hook-ups, but not a lot of landing. High winds were making it challenging to keep the casts from being blown onto and around the pilings of the docks to which we were casting. Since they had lots of live shrimp, they discovered that Catfish are really slimy, and can coat your line up several feet. Also, they determined that Ladyfish, while sporty in all their leaping during the fight, also result in some slimy and smelly hands. Fishing in the dark around the docks in the wind is a whole different ball game and requires a bit of getting used to. I suspect the next trip down will be more successful in the catching department as they ‘paid their dues’ on this trip. As Ringo Starr says in one of his hit records ‘You got to pay your dues if you wanna sing the blues, and you know it don’t come easy’.

So in honor of all those who have come along and connected with us to fish, discuss fishing, drink a cup of coffee and socialize, I would like to honor you by adding a page to the website with pictures of those honorary Snook Brothers. If you have fished or connected with us, send a photo of yourself(s), include a Snook picture if possible, and I will add it to the Wall of Honorary Snook Brothers! I will try to recall photos that I have from the past, but having your favorite will be helpful and make sure you get to put your best foot forward. (Note: photo shopped pictures of humongous Snook added to the photos may be cause for rejection. Glamour shots may be equally discounted). Email to info@hummingbirdhideaway.net.

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For those about to Snook, we salute you!

David