Fishy Feelings

It was the summer going into second grade and my father decided to take me with him when he went fishing for the weekend. I had never been fishing before, but I love doing new things so I was particularly excited. A few days before, I had gone down to the Salem pier and looked on as two men caught a twenty eight inch striper. I thought it was fascinating, but at the same time I felt horrible for the fish. The hook had become lodged deep down into the fish’s mouth and the men were having a hard time getting it out. I was worried that they were not going to be able to put it back before it suffocated out of the water.

The men finally gave up on getting their hook back and just cut the line in an attempt to save the fish. I can remember the sea breeze had been stinging my eyes all day, so it was easy for them to start watering up. I watched them throw it back into the water through blurry eyes and felt a sweep of relief. I leaned over the cold railing and peered into the w...