The Night Shift Angler: Balancing Family, Work, and Canal Fishing with Steven Moniz

From Freshwater Roots to Saltwater Obsession

Steven's fishing journey began at Maple Park in Wareham, where his parents were seasonals for over 40 years. Those childhood weekends exploring feeder ponds with his first fishing rod—a Ted Williams model from S&H Green Stamps—instilled a connection to the outdoors that would last a lifetime.

His first saltwater experience came through a family friend who took him trolling near the west end of the Cape Cod Canal, targeting giant bluefish. "I still have the old plug, a diving plug that we caught on. It looked like a big mackerel and I literally, at the risk of being corny, was hooked from there."

Learning from the Old Salts

As a teenager with a driver's license, Steven found himself drawn to the Maritime at the canal's west end, where a group of "old salts" with gigantic surf rods who seemed to do nothing but smoke cigars and drink coffee—until the signal came and they started catching massive striped bass.

"I wouldn't even fish to be honest with you. I would sit around and just watch them and I learned a ton just doing that."

This patience and willingness to observe before diving in taught Steven valuable lessons about respect, humility, and the importance of learning from experienced anglers. After years focused on family and career, Steven returned to serious fishing about a decade ago, ready to fully immerse himself in the canal fishing community.

Finding MFCC: A Sticker and a Google Search

Steven's discovery of My Fishing Cape Cod came from an unlikely source—stickers on tackle boxes and rod holders at the canal. During a lunch break at the Herring Run rest stop while working, his curiosity led to a Google search.

"I started reading and I said, man, I really like this. This is for me... I joined and it's been outstanding. I absolutely love it. I'm a strong, strong advocate for My Fishing Cape Cod. It's been a blessing to me."

The Power of the Forum

For Steven, the MFCC forum has become "a fishing encyclopedia in my phone." When he wants to explore a new fishing spot, he uses the forum's search function to find relevant threads, identifies knowledgeable members, and reaches out via private message.

"99% of the time I private message someone and they're wonderful. They get right back to me. I'm impressed how quickly they get back to me."

Unlike other fishing forums where Steven experienced less-than-welcoming attitudes, MFCC members consistently respond with genuine, helpful information. When he wanted to get into albie fishing, the forum provided comprehensive rod and reel recommendations that helped him make informed decisions.

The forum's value extends beyond fishing reports. Members help each other with everything from equipment sales to tackle recommendations, creating what Steven describes as "a big give-take community."

Night Shift Fishing: Finding Balance

As a devoted family man with two teenage children and a demanding career, Steven faced a challenge many anglers encounter: how to pursue your passion without sacrificing family time and work responsibilities.

His solution? Become what he calls a "vampire fisherman," fishing primarily at night after family obligations are handled, then heading to work after a cold shower and fresh clothes.

"I love fishing the third shift because I get the best of everything. I get the quiet, the sky... listen to the sounds, the whole deal," Steven explains. "It's just so peaceful. Actually it becomes a spiritual thing for me personally too. I kid around with a lot of people who know me—that's my other church. When I fish, I'm in church."

Tackle Evolution: From Eels to Plugs

Steven's tackle preferences have evolved significantly, thanks largely to information from the MFCC forum. For years, he was devoted to fishing live eels in the canal, which made him initially skeptical of artificial alternatives.

"I used to scoff at them because I'm an eel guy," Steven admits when discussing pre-rigged soft plastics. But after reading forum discussions and watching successful beach anglers, he discovered the effectiveness of Slug-Gos.

Perhaps the most valuable knowledge Steven gained wasn't about specific lures, but about when and how to use different presentations. Member Calvin Toran-Sandlin has been particularly helpful, teaching Steven when to use darters versus swimming plugs, the best conditions for SP minnows, and how to match lure selection to water conditions.

"That's been invaluable and that's helped me be a better fisherman all around," Steven notes.

Building Lasting Friendships

Through the forum and shared fishing experiences, Steven has connected with several MFCC members including Kenny Weber, Carl Johansson, Timmy Donnelly, Alex Cadet, Jimmy Kelly, and Calvin Toran-Sandlin. He's also developed close friendships with canal regulars Amy Powell and her husband Greg Lyle.

These relationships demonstrate something special about the fishing community—the bonds formed over shared experiences on the water often extend far beyond fishing itself.

Goals and Future Adventures

Steven's current personal best is a 49-inch striped bass caught in the canal. Breaking the 50-inch barrier remains a goal, particularly from the surf.

"I don't fish for the prize per se. I fish because I just love to fish," Steven explains. "But I'm determined to do it on the beach."

He's also planning to get serious about kayak fishing, having purchased a Jackson Fish kayak that's been waiting behind his shed. With plans to install a hitch and trailer system, Steven will soon access fish that sit just beyond surf casting range.

Why MFCC Makes a Difference

When asked what makes My Fishing Cape Cod special, Steven emphasizes the genuine helpfulness of members, the comprehensive resources available, and the quality of information shared.

"People actually answered questions. We want people to be successful. I want people to catch fish, and I'm happy now after so many years that I feel like I can contribute too."

Closing Thoughts

Steven Moniz's journey demonstrates that success in fishing comes from patience, persistence, and community. By adapting his fishing schedule to nighttime hours, he maintains his commitment to family and career while pursuing his passion. The knowledge he's gained through MFCC has compressed years of trial-and-error into seasons of steady improvement.

For anyone considering joining My Fishing Cape Cod, Steven's story illustrates what membership can mean: not just access to information, but connection to a community of anglers who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Tight lines and take care! 🎣