I woke up this morning to go fishing down by the Marina. I put on my new black string bikini from Catalina Island, applied my sunscreen, and packed my backpack. I like to keep my wardrobe comfortable and simple; cargo pants and a plaid pastel colored button down shirt, is what I wore over my bikini as I headed out the door. I love being outside. The ability to leave my car behind and travel on bicycle wheels or my own two feet is freeing. I rode my bike around the marina and saw a few people kayaking and waterskiing. My new friend Casey lives right on the water in the Marina, where you can fish for bass and halibut. I’ve never been fishing before and people are always telling me they’ll teach me how to fish, but it never happens. Today was the day I finally held a reel, learned to cast, and waited for the bite.

As I walked up, I met an adorable dog, named Charlie, who rooms with Casey. He’s very territorial and seems to own the futon in the living room. After small talk and a quick tour of his apartment, we headed down to the shoreline right under the bridge. The sand between my toes felt wonderfully invigorating, though there were some strange little critters biting at my feet as I waded into the water. I was excited to bait my tackle and learn how to get the shrimp firmly attached to the hook so that it stayed in place. The hook was inserted at the base of his belly and traveled through the center of the shrimp’s body and finally made an exit up near the head. You have to get the majority of the body secured at the curve of the hook where it is less likely to shift around.

It wasn’t long before my rod started moving around. I was so excited that the bass were after my bait. With Casey’s help, I reeled in my first catch. I have to admit, holding the little bass in my hand after reeling it in was the apex of my fishing experience. I removed the hook from the side of his mouth, supporting his jaw with my right hand as my left hand pulled the hook out. The fish was then safely returned to the water and swam away in the marina. It may seem pointless, but it was fun!