Published by:
Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) Publishing
4351 Natural Bridge Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32305
All Rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publisher. For permission or further information, contact SYP Publishing, LLC. 4351 Natural Bridge Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32305.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events that occur either are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, places, or events is purely coincidental.
The contents and opinions expressed in this book do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Southern Yellow Pine Publishing, nor does the mention of brands or trade names constitute endorsement.
ISBN-10:1940869277
ISBN-13:978-1-940869-27-8
Front Cover Design: Taylor Nelson
First E-Book Edition
August 2014
Dedication
This book is dedicated to those who have given their time and resources to take another fishing.
Contents
FOREWORD
Introduction
Chapter 1 - Push-Button
Chapter 2 - Isthmus?
Chapter 3 - My Pond
Chapter 4 - My First Trophy Fish
Chapter 5 - The Pier
Chapter 6 - Speckled Pink
Chapter 7 - Catfish Ladies
Chapter 8 - Head Boat Monkeys
Chapter 9 - A View from the End of My World
Chapter 10 - The Ranger Station
Chapter 11 - The Walk
Chapter 12 - The Skiff
Chapter 13 - Black Drum Beat
Chapter 14 – Part I - Patchwork Trout
Chapter 14: Part II - The Patchwork Expands
Chapter 15 - Spanish as a Second Chance
Chapter 16 - Cobia on the Mark
Chapter 17 - The Fox is Pushed into the Henhouse
About the Author
FOREWORD
Captain Cefus McRae
It was an early summer morning when I first met Capt. Brian Smith; and from the moment we shook hands I knew this guy was passionate about fishing. It was pure serendipity that he was the only charter guide in Steinhatchee, Florida, who had an opening that day. There were four of us… two dads, and their two young sons who would be experiencing their first time fishing offshore. The boys were anxious to catch a big fish on a morning that was hot and humid with a chance of thunderstorms in the forecast. The seas were flat calm and we made good time to our first stop to catch bait. The boys did the bait catching and Capt. B cheered them on, unhooking the pinfish and re-baiting their hooks. His comments to the kids, even when they tangled lines, were always positive… and patient. He would offer instruction in a fun way that kept a smile on the boys’ faces, and he had a playful manner that keep them excited, even when the fishing slowed down.
With the live well full, Capt. B situated the kids in seats where they could get a good view and set the course for offshore waters. The further we went, the darker the skies became and we finally dropped anchor on a place that Brian called his Magic Spot. The kids beamed and jousted for positions at the back of the boat. We had been fishing for just a few minutes when the first rumble of thunder was heard in the distance, followed by a distinctly cool breeze. Time to reel in and go.
The kids were obviously and justifiably disheartened. No big fish today. We made it back to the dock as the bottom fell out. Raindrops as big as Ping-Pong balls and hail that covered the docks. There wasn’t much to do except say our goodbyes and thank Brian for the effort. Brian cleaned the boat quickly with the help of the rain, said goodbye again and left. We figured that was that, so we ate lunch at the marina’s Tiki Hut. After lunch, the rain subsided as we were trying to come up with a game plan of what to do for the rest of the day with two energetic ten year olds. Just then, the phone at the bar rang. It was Brian calling for me. The conversation was short and to the point. “You guys want to go fishing?”
That clinched it for me. This guy, who I’d never met and might never see again, cared enough to do his best to give us a fun day on the water. He didn’t have to do that. But Brian went the extra mile and gave two very happy boys and their dads an awesome fishing adventure.
With that as background, you now have some insight into Capt. Brian Smith… his character and his passion for fishing. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales is a chronology of fishing stories and life experiences that ultimately steered Brian to his career as a charter captain. They are stories that most folks can relate to, whether you’re an avid angler or simply like a story where the good guy gets the girl. And woven into each story is fish-catching knowledge that can help both the novice angler and the old salt on their next fishing excursion. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales is more than a series of anecdotal fishing stories, it’s a reminder, and proof, that life is a journey with lots of serendipitous moments.
Each chapter blends valuable, practical fishing tips with a wonderful life-story featuring familiar characters we’ve all known during our own growing-up years; from parents and uncles to best buddies and girlfriends. Brian’s story brings back memories of our own innocence of youth and the lessons we learned as we grew up; such as the adventures and mischief with a best buddy, the anxiety of a first date, moving away from home and beginning to carve a life on your own. Reeling in Time with Fish Tales chronicles those life experiences that led Brian down the path to a place called Steinhatchee, on Florida’s Big Bend.
Until I read this book, I had only known Capt. B, the charter captain. After reading it, I now have insight into what molded Brian Smith into the man that refused to let a rainstorm disappoint a couple young boys on their first offshore fishing adventure.
Captain Cefus McRae
“Nuts & Bolts of Fishing & Boating TV Show”
Introduction
I’ve been fishing since as far back as my memory allows. Beyond memory, there are yellowed photos of me holding a stick with a string attached beside some forgotten creek. I was at Uncle Tom’s fish camp Burgoo Hollow, West Virginia, with my mom and family, while Dad was serving the Army, in Korea. Uncle Tom tainted me with fishing from my start. I wouldn’t deny it, because indoctrinated in the ways, means, and joys of fishing was what being with Tom Redman was all about. At my early age, I was vulnerable; he imprinted my life.
Uncle Tom fished for trout, catfish, or any other fish that swam through West Virginia, with the passion that any woman would love to receive a fraction of from her husband. The kiss and tell fish stories he told were better than the fishing trips themselves. Uncle Tom had the gift of story, lightly seasoned with concoction strongly spoken in hillbilly. He illustrated on the kitchen table with whatever coffee cup, salt and pepper shaker, pack of smokes, lighter, teaspoon/fork/knife, bowl, or plate, ashtray, pocketknife or piece of food fallen off a plate; he needed to make the trout stream run through Aunt Clara’s kitchen. I’ve listened to most of his stories