"What kind of bait you using? Been at it long? What kind of reel is that? Can I try it? I know how. Watch this-oops dang wait a sec. Watch this-did I cross your line sorry oops dang OK yep I'm going don't have to yell..."
*gathers stuff walks down pier a few feet to next unsuspecting elderly victim*
"Hey mister..."
As soon as I was old enough to walk, I became the scourge of The Oceanside Pier (and any Jetty or other related structure exposed to the Pacific in the greater North County area.) Heaven help you if you were an old timer lookin for some peace and quiet- if you had a rod anywhere near you it was going to attract my lightening intense focus and curiosity. Before too long the regulars who saw me coming either packed up their stuff to leave or unpacked extra stuff they brought just in case I showed up on that day. I had a regular group of fishing folks from all walks of life looking after me from the north jetty on Pendelton Harbor to Cardiff. The world trusted Grandma and she trusted the world and she would drop me off anywhere there was water and be back to pick me up at dark. Never packed a lunch and she never asked if I ate.
I remember fishing handlines from the rocks and watching the fancy sportfishers go out and come back and praying to the lord they would see me and stop and pick me up- they never did. I dont think they saw me, too small among the rocks.
As soon as I could drive I had a truck and a boat to tow and you can bet your arse that any time a child displayed that same curiosity as I did that I had some good loot to disperse and when appropriate- fishing trips to be offered. I do not know how many kids have fished in my boats over the years nor how much gear I have given away. I get email from "kids" who now have kids of their own, kids I took fishing on a boat years ago and it made a difference in their life and they never forgot. I can still remember the names and faces of the kind people who were so good to me. Especially Mr.Ford who was a homeless Vietnam Vet yet was so generous with everything he had. My own son never quite caught the fishing bug and his life took precedent over my hobbies. I haven't fished these last 15 years as much as I would have liked and that's ok. I can get back to it when the time is right. Maybe get down to the Oceanside Pier for some peace and quiet.
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A lot of use can relate to this way of life !