Hi Guys,
You guys really read this stuff. Rod just told me to type.
Thanks for the kind words. You are just hearing things people have taught me over the years.
Basically, I am 44 and have had a house "down the shore" all my life (my Dad called it the sticks). I lived in North Arlington until 12 with a second house in Lavallette and then moved full time to Toms River.
Long story short, I fished the Manasquan Inlet (I can still outfish almost anyone there now that many a great fisherman have passed) and the Railroad Bridge since I was 4 with my Dad and Uncle. Caught my first fish with my Mom when I was 2 on an old Zebco (green) fishing combo. I still have it. It was a snapper my Mom tells me on spearing with a bobber, 2 split shots and a long shank hook. I always had access to a canoe and rowboat and my 3 brothers and I used the hell out of them.
Eventually learned to Scuba dive and have dove every major wreck in the Atlantic Ocean except the Monitor and Lousitania (but was invited to do so). Dove in the Red and Coral Seas; all over the Carribean; and a lot in Monterey Bay in California. I love the Monterey Bay and the aquarium.
Fished all over the world as my job has allowed me to travel basically anywhere and anytime. My favorite place to fish (outside the US) is
(I probably have not been there yet). It used to like Cabo but now it is just another tourist trap.
My favorite place to dive was the Red Sea and Truk Lagoon.
I have been tremendously lucky to meet and talk and fish or SCUBA with all kinds of neat people, including some folks that now have TV shows or do work with National Geograhic or the Cousteau Society.
Basically, it is all about meeting people; talking to them; and sharing some of their passions. That has opened many doors.
I have had a Captain's License for 9 yrs. now and use it to build my business, not to charter for a living, although that may be fun someday.
I have boats and relationships in the fishing, sailing and diving community in Florida, California and NJ.
During the Winters, I crew on boats in Florida or California. That has enabled me to learn all kinds of different techniques and see different products. I even started freshwater fishing again this past Winter. Somehow I lost track of that side of the sport.
To me, I love spending time with people (in a small group or one on one) and the friendship is always first, the fishing second.
My educational background is in engineering and I use some of that knowledge and connections to test products. Folks - send in comments on products to Marketing people. Sometimes they listen.
So ... basically I am a kid from North Jersey who fell in love with the ocean and saltwater and his parents moved there and let him live in a place that he loves. That kid from NJ has traveled the world and met really nice people that have showed him a thing or two about the outdoors and life. Many of them have passed and I hope to keep them alive by sharing what they have taught me with you.
Oh yeah ... I read a lot and have good notes! I think it is critical in life to ask questions and listen!
Nothing special here guys ... just an average guy who works a bit harder than the average.
Peace and don't be afraid to ask questions or try new things,
Ed
