Marcia.
Rich.
enjoying an amazing afternoon in the air. Who can imagine a
more idyllic diversion than spending an afternoon along the
Atlantic Ocean with some buddies, surrounded by pelicans,
terns, oystercatchers, and a guy diving in and out of the sky?
This trio joined all of the fishers I met in emphasizing the
importance of patience, a commodity that is often in very
short supply these days. I also found it interesting that so often
our fishers mentioned people as a source of joy in their fishing.
Roland said his favorite moments in the sport involve
taking his grandchildren out. All of the Kiawah fishers easily
and casually share their wisdom with each other, texting
where to find the best places and arranging to meet for fun.
They also observed that they are learning so much about
Kiawah and its habitats and wildlife as they practice their art.
I asked each of my subjects to recount some memorable
moments from their fishing days, and Roland had two
wonderful ones:
“When fishing, I sometimes use two rods and put them in
rod holders so I can “double” my chances. One recent day I
had one set up and was getting rod number two ready when I
saw the first one jerk and get pulled into the water. I ran to try
to save it but was too late and saw it slip into the water. I was
really upset because that was the very first rod and reel I had
gotten for Christmas as a teenager! I continued to fish with the
other rod, and a little while later, I saw the bobber pop up to
Scott and Johnny.
SUMMER/FALL 2018 • VOLUME 40
Scott.
Roland.
the surface. With the other rod, I casted to the bobber, snagged
it, and was able to reel it in (but no fish). It took me several
weeks to clean the reel and get it working, but I am still using
it today. So even that turned out to be a good fishing day!
Once when Charlie and I were fishing, we only caught one
keeper. Since that was the only one we caught, we decided to
release it back into the water. As we put the fish back into the
water, out of nowhere, a big blue heron appeared and landed
right in front of us. He obviously wanted the fish, which was
right at our feet and had not yet swum off. Even though the
heron was my height (looking me eye-to-eye) and just two to
three feet away, I was trying to scare the bird into flying away.
I was making noises, waving my arms, etc. He took one look
at me, reached down, and in one motion collected the fish
and jumped a few feet away and started eating the fish. I guess
that day I participated in nature’s food chain in a different way
than I thought I would.” NK
Editor’s note: There is so much more to be said about fishing
on Kiawah. Places to fish? Types of equipment? Varieties of fish
to discover? Most effective techniques? Best practices? A great
place to start is an article by Matt Hill, Kiawah Community
Association Lakes Department Supervisor titled “Tips for
Fishing and Crabbing on Kiawah” in the June 2018 issue
of the Kiawah Island Digest.
Scott.
43