By freely choosing to indulge in a passion whose primary prerequisite calls for one to abandon the safe confines of
solid ground and exposure to the unforgiving and merciless seas, a worthy fisherman is keen to any observations, conditions or stimuli causing that "sixth sense" to be
tweaked even slightly. Sky, moon, sunrise and sunset coloring are but a few. Historically, just the sighting of a particular bird species caused and still causes a profound effect upon many at sea. Let the record show on this date, November 1st, 2002, this semi-old salt admitted the feeling of perhaps more than just a slight case of foreboding. The uneasiness concerned the
voyage scheduled this day by the SHP Fishing Club. It first started with the loss in the club's favorite vessel, Deep Adventures III, through its unexpected sale last spring and by
it, the long standing camaraderie and countless lessons learned from its captain, John Larsen. Scores of Prepsters were christened into the world of deep sea fishing aboard that
vessel with Capt. John as Master of Ceremonies. This captain salutes a truly "commanding" officer and sends all wishes for best luck! Besides this, the club had been shut out the last
two opportunities it looked to set out, last May and late September. For this recent excursion several transportation
changes, unfavorable wind, weather, and fishing forecasts all were taken into account. Aye, this day had an air of
more than fish about it, as the few, the proud, the Prep thirty-nine stepped aboard that chilly fall morn at 7:10AM.
The log shows thirty-nine individuals set forward this morn at 7:17am toward uncertain seas. Ten students, along with
their fathers, thirteen solo students, three additional Prep family members, two faculty and one recent alumnus chose
to carry the colors of the club this morn. Included were seven neophytes who would get their first taste of the open
ocean. The day's action began an hour later after anchoring above a rock reef as some keeper sea bass surrendered
unconditionally due to the angling artistry of half a dozen or so club members. Prep Dad Tom Saley and his son,
Tommy, shared the early lead in the pool here. Unsatisfied, Captain Mike used his fish-finding skills and the mates
their anchoring abilities over four differently structured sea floors. Porgies (a closed season species by just ONE day
prior), black fish (outstanding sweet meat), and bergalls (inedible type bait thieves) were picked away until the action died out, were captured or thrown back to the briny deep.
It was apparent, even to seven members never before at sea and christened this day, non-keeper sea bass (under 14")
were plentiful while keeper sea bass few. So patience and endurance became orders of the day, with throwbacks
outnumbering keepers at a roughly 30 to 1 pace. Several changes in leading the pool took place during each anchoring.
After three-quarters of the day, Phil Portuese looked a shoo-in for "king of the hill,' as what was thought a rogue
jumbo blue chose to grace his hook. As usual the down time traveling between stops had club members dining on three
specialty fish species. Each was served with two variations in presentation. Offered this year were kielbasa fish (kapusta), puffer fish (blow fish) and dolphin (mahi-mahi).
The last quarter of the trip was packed with plenty of action. For a time, attention turned to Mina Shaker in a classic
battle of cat and mouse as he struggled with a "mystery" fish who chose to let play possum several time before he "let
go," much to Mina's disappointment. [Turned out to be a rarely seen Mielko Fish.] Jayson Carvalho also hooked into
something "big". But this fight, too, ended up with the fish getting the decision, as Carvalho's line snapped due to an
ill chosen bob and weave tactic he employed. This phantom fish gave Jayson the fin just as the captain put an end to
the day. As it turned, out the jumbo blue all thought was a rogue happened to be part of a much larger school, and five
more were boated. A tie was declared for fish pool, between John Kubilus and Eduardo Meza. Their jumbo blues were in
the 11 lb, range. Because of the split, the big winner of the day was Prep father Alex Hoatson, who had the wisdom in
picking ZERO for how many would suffer digestion disaster!! This occurrence was a first in fishing club history! Almost
to a man, the members expressed disappointment when the captain signaled the truce ending the day's atrocities and are looking forward to resuming battle of Seton Hall Prep's "young men and the sea!"
In spite of all anxiety, the log will show the trip of November 1st, 2002 better than expected and a worthy day spent at
sea! Thankfully, it gives credence to the fact that some things are meant be and have a pleasant outcome despite how
many signs might suggest otherwise. In addition the club declared Captain Mike Scardino and his vessel Mijo successor to Deep Adventures III
. In doing so, the club contracted this vessel for its next two trips on Thursday, May 24th, 2003 and Sunday, September 28th
, 2003. Let the log also show that club president Dan Istok was instrumental in finding and
laying the foundation for this to be possible. The club also acknowledges Mr. Montana and Mr. William Mielko Jr. for their assistance regarding transporation, in addition to the Prep fathers attending.
