Fishermen in Action
A Livelihood for Fishermen
Most saltwater fishermen don't own a boat. That is a simple fact that would seem to limit their ability to fish. Most of the slick fishing magazines feature articles that necessarily involve fishing from a boat and not just any boat but one that has all the bells and whistles. Some fishermen feel relegated to only reading about great fishing adventures, for in their own world, a boat is financially out of reach.
The jetty is usually quite quiet and very tranquil with panaromic view of sunset in the background. Jetty or Pier fishing is an art of its own. The fish, depending on the species, generally come in waves as a school passes through. And the really good jetty or pier fishermen know how to get with the action while the fish are swimming in there. Most are bottom fishing, usually with a multi-hook rig weighted on the bottom. The jetty or pier pro have a way of knowing just how long to wait to get more than one fish hooked up before reeling in.
Wee hours of early mornings and evenings are the best times to see the fishermen in action. You can catch fishermen in action against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
Life of a fisherman is certainly not a life for everyone. Long hours, hard work and bad weather are enough to keep most people on land. But if you ask every fisherman about fishing for a living they will tell a different story. They will tell you about the breath-taking beauty of the open ocean, about the great excitement of a good catch of fish and about the personal satisfaction of a hard day’s work.
While many fishermen admit that fishing can exact a physical and emotional toll, it is a small price to pay for a way of life keeps them coming back season after season to earn a living from the sea.
How will it be to make your means and living by struggling on the sea every day by braving the odds nature? Won’t it be excellent thrilling and enchanting? If you answer this question with an affirmative 'yes', you got to have more than envy on a fisherman’s life, his family, way of living, culture, practices and the interactions among the community & rest of the world.
What makes these people's lives special? The life of a fisherman has three proportions namely - peace, happiness and satisfaction at the right quantum. If we are to take an account of the other virtues that they posses, the list will definitely be an unending one. They live as a family. They share happiness and plight equally (be it of any type or magnitude).
Any dispute is resolved by mutual agreements and it need be consultation from elders and neighbors. Then what else does one need in this world to strive in peace? They leave into these everyday and return with many or some (or ever no fishes). Whatsoever be the result does not have a say in their happiness. To them, fishing merely professions. They worship it and adore every respect for Mother Sea so no matter whether they get fishes or not, they will remain happy with the present.
They are indeed a very special breed of fishermen, these jetty or pier dwellers. They garner a big salute from me for having more patience, more stamina, more strength and more inventiveness than most any other fishing group I can think of.
