What could top a beautiful warm August Summer evening at City Field when
the New York State Officers were escorted on the field and presented with a plaque for their long standing civic commitment to the community they serve?
It was the Annual Fishing Trip where we saw first hand the effects of Global Warming right off of our Long Island shore.
It started as a normal day as the group boarded the Brooklyn VI on SheepsHead Bay.
As usual, all gathered around the coffee pot and started enjoying the fresh bagels and other baked delights supplied by the Association.
However, the crowd began to dwindle as it was discovered that the Brooklyn VI retrofitted its hull to include a large viewing glass bottom .
Everyone thought that this was a great addition as we might be able to see the fluke and flounder.
Even though it was a warm August morn,
we did not expect to see the sights of people swimming just below us.
Upon
pulling
away from the dock, where the water was still shallow, we came upon sights you might only see in the warm waters of the Caribbean or the Great Barrier Reef.
As the word spread, more people put down their food to see the amazing and unbelievable sights.
We were all mesmerized by the fantasy that lay beneath us, until a child cried out sharply for its Dad.
"What is that ugly thing. It scares me.".
And so it should as a moray eel slowly emerged from its rocky home in search of its own breakfast.
As the boat pulled further out into the bay, a group of gray predators swam beneath us.. We pondered, "What happened to the girl who was just swimming around anyway?"
Clearly there was no longer any doubt in our minds. It was true! The waters were warming.
GLOBAL WARMING was a fact .
As the Brooklyn VI ventured further out, the bay waters became murky, and no longer could we see anything except some seaweed and a few discarded truck tires.
Out in the open seas we prepared our poles, after more coffee and breakfast, to catch our fish dinner.
Obviously some were a little hungry and started dinner early.
While others thought that even though they like sushi, they would wait and cook them at home.
The fishing poles were prepped, the hooks baited and the timeless process of man against beast soon began .
Huge, vicious fish were brought up from the bay.
And the group smiled and rejoiced over their
victories.
The crew had the honor of cleaning and
filleting the catch.
The Pool Winner of our Fishing Contest is Bobby Stork who proudly displays his catch as President Nick presents the prize money. Great Job Bobby! All of the adults are jealous.
A memorable day as we glided back to the docks at Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn where just before we joined the other humble fishing
vessels
the waters again became crystal clear, and for just a brief moment, we had the pleasure of one last glimpse of our colorful friends who came up to stare at us as we stared down.
And I wonder as we relate this "fish story" of seeing them,
do they tell other fish a "people story" of seeing us?
Come
Join
Us
next
year!
