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BY CORY GURMAN
t the age of 15, fishing has become as much a part of my life as the food that sustains me. Addicted? Obsessed? Crazed? Yes, yes and yes… Thanks dad! My first experience with fishing was at the age of four while cobia fishing with my dad out of Destin, Fla. The plan was to head out and try to intercept migrating fish early in the season. I spent the day going back and forth between playing with the eels in the livewell and watching Power Rangers on my portable DVD player. Although we never found the cobia, the highlight for me (aside from the eels and Power Rangers) was reeling in a small grouper from 30 feet below the surface. I remember that day as an exciting, fun-filled adventure which ended with me asking, with a big smile on my face, “When are we going again?” Years have passed since my indoctrination. Since then, there have been countless fishing adventures, experiences and learned lessons, all of which have led me here today; writing my first column and sharing with you the first part of what it means to “Take a Kid Fishing.” The significance of this much-used catch phrase is far reaching and encompasses everything from strengthening bonds to protecting our oceans for future generations. This sport presents opportunities on all levels, from the novice angler to the most experienced. However, kids rely heavily on adults to facilitate opportunities for them, to mentor and show them the way. We are the future of fishing; we need adults to help us be the voices of tomorrow. My most recent outing took place out of Crystal River, Fla. We
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chased the gag grouper that invade the shallow-water rock piles in the Gulf as the water temperature cools. These grouper are caught in as shallow as 10 feet of water. So, on nice days even the smallest skiffs can get in on the fun. If you don’t own a boat or are not familiar with the area, there are dozens of local charter captains who will put you on the fish. We started our day by loading up the livewell with pinfish for bait. Soon after, we arrived at the first pile of rocks in 12 feet of water. Within minutes, the pinfish was on the bottom and the anticipation of a grouper inhaling my bait had me shaking with excitement. It didn’t take long before my rod doubled over as a fish tried getting back to the rocks. With the drag almost locked, I had him coming to the surface, and after a few minutes a beautiful 12-pound gag grouper was in the boat. Another five spots, and we had our limit of four fish and released another seven. We smiled all the way back to the dock. That evening, we loaded the grill with grouper and veggies, then sat back and reminisced on the awesome day we shared. Cory Gurman is a freshman at Ponte Vedra High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. Besides reveling in the great outdoors, Cory enjoys spending time with his three golden retrievers and rooting for the Atlanta Braves. Follow him on Instagram @fishhunter1119.
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CANGL_FL1-FL16!!!.indd 5
JANUARY 2018
FLORIDA
5
12/14/17 10:48 AM