I planned on bringing my daughter to the free kid's tournament sponsored by the NJBBA yesterday. But after a late Friday night out on the rides at Jenk's with some friends, I didn't have the heart to wake her up early.
Some other friends were having a "Goodbye to Summer" party on IBSP later that afternoon, so I brought a light rod along "just in case". After arriving and greeting everyone, I strolled down to the surf to make a few casts. I was quickly rewarded with a fat, healthy, 19" fluke.
In seconds a flurry of folks were at the water's edge to check it out. Many of the adults commented how great it would taste on the grill. But, my friend's son was definitely not among them. He made a long, tear-filled plea to spare it's life.
Decision time. While the masses chanted (in my mind) "Grill him! Grill him!", the boy continued to argue in favor of the fish. Faced with an hysterical 7 year old, and the prospect of more tears as the fish was filleted and fried, I decided to give it an official pardon.
He instantly brightened up as the fish swam away free. And we still had plenty of food there anyway.
It was a fabulous September night at the beach, complete with a beautiful sunset and a roaring bonfire.
And at least we know there are still fluke to be had in the surf.
