Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Good evening and Happy New Year to all of you. I’ve been on the Stage now for a year and a half and I feel like I have a whole other family. Some of you I’ve met and fished with and I’ve talked to some of you by message. I’ve followed your adventures and enjoyed your good times and co-moderated in your hardships.

I spent 20 years in the Coast Guard and have lived on both coasts. I have had the opportunity to visit a lot of places while in the Coast Guard. I grew up in the Puget Sound area of Washington. I grew up fishing with my dad and both grandfathers, and our family would go camping or travel to visit relatives up and down the west coast. So I find it very refreshing to read about your expeditions. I can see in my mind exactly where you are when I see your location and the places you fish. I’ve fished in some of the same places and can hopefully provide help, albeit with 50 year old information. I hope it has helped you. The most special thing about seeing your posts is the memories the place names bring back.
I’ve had the opportunity to catch yellowtail in San Diego and halibut and salmon an trout in Alaska. I’ve caught hammerhead sharks and surgeon fish in Honolulu Harbor and barracuda in the Bahamas. And who knows—I suppose it is possible that over the years I have talked to and fished side by side with some of you! And I hope that I have the opportunity to meet up with and fish with some of you. You all have a place on my boat if any of you make it to New Hampshire.

In the future, I’ve been encouraged to write about some of my experiences in the Coast Guard. And I think I will post occasionally on random thoughts as they occur, hopefully as entertaining as Robert Samples. And I will be posting a regular column, not necessarily daily, called Accidental Faces. Here’s the first installment of Accidental Faces. Enjoy!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I'm coming up on 3yrs here, and love it. I agree that it's a whole other family, and nicer than what little family I have.
Looking forward to your Stories Chief, and the first face is cool.

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Thanks Fred. For a sample, look at the Thought of the Day on12-28. My reply on page 3 references a couple of the pictures on page one

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

I think I know the man behind that face GM🤣. 31st will mark two yrs for me. It does become like family for many of us. We've proved over n over you can make new old friends. We're all anxious to get back to bald eagle for our 3rd get together. Wells Fargo has nothing on this stage. Sure doesn't seem like 2yrs have gone by. 👍👍to another great year for all 😊🎣

Wv mike Loc: Parkersburg area. Wv

Looking forward to your column and your adventure and fish you’ve caught

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Will do, thanks.

CamT Loc: La Porte, Texas

It is a great group of people that I am proud to be a part of. I'll be watching for your stories also

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Thanks. I think I will call my Coast Guard memories “Life at Sea” and for other thoughts my working title may be “Random thoughts from an abstract Mind” or possibly “Abstract Thoughts from a Rambling Mind”

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

They paint a beautiful picture indeed Chief. I've never been out to sea in a ship, but I've been about 100 miles offshore. Did a few 2 and 3 day Canyon trips for Tuna, at Block and Atlantis. It is beautiful at night out there, with stars from one horizon to the other, 360°, if there's no weather around.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

GM Chief: Thanks for the compliment. You have a world of useful experiences. I look forward to your posts. Just Sayin...RJS

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Thanks Fred. The ocean is beautiful when it cooperates. But I will wager that you have had a ride that was not quite as restful 🤢🤮😊

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Thank you, Mr Samples. You are a tough act to follow but I will try to meet the expectations.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

One thing I'm proud of Chief, I've never been seasick in my life. Been boating since I was about 7yrs old, and we got our first family boat when I was 9.

That's me on the right, at 10yrs old.

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Nice boat. Congrats on the strong stomach. Some people never get their sea legs. I’ve known some who were discharged because they were unable to function. And sometimes you just get dizzy and queasy to the point all you want to do is throw up so you will feel at least a little better. That’s why they say to eat crackers. They won’t keep you from getting sick. The give you something to toss. Dry heaving can do some damage.

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Am looking forward to reading your stuff Chief. It has been almost 3 years for me as well and I have learned a lot from the guys and gals involved in this forum. Fishing has been a major part of the lessons, but there has been so much more.