My last cast of the year was October 12 at about 9:30am. I had fished the morning and took a final few casts before I left the beach. I had no particular expectations of catching fish, I simply wanted to make a mental recording of the sun reflecting off the ocean, the smell of salt air, the waves washing in and the seagulls squawking. I wanted a memory that would last through the winter.
I am lucky enough to fish most weekend mornings from the beginning of June to the end of September – perhaps around 25 mornings total. I fish from first light until about 8 or 9 am. Whether I catch a lot of fish or get skunked, I always have my eyes on the water through the rest of the day and look forward to the next morning fish. The last cast of the day is hard, but the last cast of the season is a killer.
I will read my fishing magazines and at some point, break down my equipment for a good cleaning and lubrication. I will review my lures and replace rusty hooks. And I will reflect on the last cast along with various memories accumulated through the summer. As May approaches, the fever will come back and I will begin to anticipate the arrival of fish. But as of today, it will be about eight months before I wet a line again.