I let out a deep breath this past weekend while standing beneath a giant cliff that was so high I swear it blotched out the stars. It felt good to be alone on the beach, as it always does.
The crystal clear skies, flat calm conditions and warm temperatures were really the icing on the cake. I was exploring a stretch of coastline I had never before stepped foot on, which has been a common scenario for me this season.
This year I have been branching out, because I have an overwhelming urge to explore Cape Cod's nooks and crannies. Additionally, I want to learn new areas and catch fish in places I've never been before.
There is a big learning curve to conquer when fishing a new area, especially when you are on foot. There's no sonar or fleet of boats to lead the way. The bass could be right there in the wash, or they could be 20 miles down the beach.
You never know until you start casting.
Patience is Measured in Years not Minutes
I always smile on the inside when someone who is new to saltwater fishing tells me about how they spent all day on the water without a single bite. Hearing their story reminds me of how my Dad and I would troll aimlessly on Cape Cod Bay, without sonar for sometimes 16 straight hours, all for maybe one or two bites if we were lucky.
At the Canal it took me a few years of trying before I even caught a schoolie, let alone anything keeper-size. Catching bass over 30 pounds from the beach proved to be even more of a challenge.
A night on the beach, like the one described in this report, was 3 years in the making.
I'd rather not even mention how many years, fuel, gear, patience and pure dumb luck went into catching a 700 pound giant tuna.
Just because I have a fancy website doesn't mean I am immune to the same daunting learn curve that many of you may be facing. I actually cherish the learning curve, and many unproductive nights and days of fishing, because that is exactly what is required to create epic trips that I will remember for the rest of my time here on this planet.
I kept this all fresh in my mind as I set off this weekend, first on Friday evening with MFCC member and friend Drew Rowley. Together we would venture from Plymouth to Cotuit and everywhere in between.
Then again on Saturday evening, when I explored the daunting backside beaches of Cape Cod all by my lonesome.
We'll recap the entire experience in the full fishing report which you can access by clicking below.
