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Life, Fishing, and Fatherhood Reflections Over Coffee

Morning Thoughts on the Porch

There’s something special about early mornings. After walking the dogs, I often sit with a cup of Teddy coffee and reflect. Today, I’m thinking about last week’s fishing trip with my son—a birthday tradition that never fails to create lasting memories.

A Quick Charter, Big Expectations

This year, we booked a last-minute private fishing charter out of Brooklyn, NY, for striped bass. It wasn’t a full-blown getaway—just a 7-hour trip, with a 25-minute drive from Staten Island. Still, it felt like an adventure. Our birthdays are one day apart—May 19 and 20—so we like to celebrate together.

The charter captain, a retired NYPD ESU officer, was salty, no-nonsense, and called me “kid” (I’m 43). That kind of tough love is fine by me—just get us on the fish.

Life, Fishing, and Fatherhood Reflections Over Coffee

The Hunt for Bunker

If you’ve never been striped bass fishing, the first step may surprise you: you need to catch your bait. In our case, we were after bunker (Brevoortia tyrannus), a key part of the Atlantic food chain and the preferred snack of striped bass.

At 5 a.m., the harbor was quiet and golden with sunrise. Then came the telltale splashes—bunker schooling near the surface. Our captain cast his net with expert precision and hauled in our bait. The boat’s livewell was a simple 55-gallon drum circulating seawater, but it did the job. With bait secured, we headed toward waters near JFK Airport.

Fishing the Tarmac

We reached an area the captain called “The Tarmac.” My son used a sinker for bottom fishing while I free-lined my bait. Within minutes, his rod bent dramatically—our first catch. It turned out to be a 36” striped bass, a monster, but too big to keep under NYC regulations (28”–30.99”). Still, the moment was unforgettable.

Shortly after, I felt a familiar rush—bait fish darting on the surface. Then an explosive splash. I hooked a 29” keeper. The thrill never gets old.

Life, Fishing, and Fatherhood Reflections Over Coffee

Back to the Dock—and the Dinner Table

We returned to the dock with pride and dinner in hand. At home, my wife cooked the striper using a family recipe—seasoned, pan-fried strips with lemon. Few meals are more satisfying than those you’ve earned.

Final Reflections

As I sit with my coffee, I realize these trips are more than sport—they’re lessons. They remind us of our place in nature, the joy of effort, and the bond between father and son. Like life, fishing starts with potential and ends with reflection. I’m lucky to be in the middle of that journey—old enough to appreciate it, young enough to chase more.

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