There is an ongoing discussion on the General Fishing Forum entitled “Who Got You Started.” The discussion includes multiple responses from contributors talking about their fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and guides that got them hooked on fishing. As I read through the responses I began to reminisce of my childhood days and about my great fishing mentors. I was born and raised on James Island and God blessed me with two awesome parents that love me, love the great outdoors and the entire saltwater fishing experience. From day one my parents took me fishing, crabbing, and shrimping. If it were not for my infant christening pictures with Father Kelly holding me up in Nativity Church over the holy water; I would swear that my parents had me baptized in saltwater and Charleston pluff mud as an infant.
Growing up dad spent countless hours with me in the back yard teaching me how to cast my push button Zebco and I distinctly remember him showing me how to run the boat in the maize of tiny creeks behind Morris Island while he caught bait. He showed me how to fillet many species of fish and would patiently work with me in the kitchen the night before an offshore trip teaching me the fine art of tying a Bimini twist. Dad taught me how to throw his 6-foot nylon cast net and how to rig a menhaden for Kingfish. He instructed me how to, and sometime how not to, gaff a fish. My father has always included me on every single fishing trip, he has taught me to respect the ocean, to enjoy the fellowship of friends and family out on the water, and to conserve the fishery.
My dad got me started there is no doubt about that, but my mom contributed a lot as well. Since us rough and tough fisherman often forget about the support the women in our lives give us in this sport I thought I would share a little about my mom.
My mom is very attractive and proper southern lady; but since she had three boys and loves being outside as much as we do, we often call her one of the guys. Most of the time mom takes “being one of t