Posted by: Lottfisher on July 30, 2004 at 12:43:10:
Best Texas Coastal Fishing Guide? – The “Confused” Gathering
If you have the burning desire to learn more about saltwater fishing on the Texas gulf coast, get tips from the experts, condense lifetime fishing expertise into a jump-start lesson while being amongst like-minded fishing friends, then look no further than the Coalition of Confused Coastal Fishermen (CCCF) Gatherings.
That’s right folks, if you have not had a chance to meet some of the group, you owe it to yourself in this New Year to get out and see what the fuss is all about. This free flowing group of fishermen and fisherwomen host regular gatherings, on a monthly or bi-monthly basis at locations usually in the Galveston/Surfside area.
Some of the gatherings are formally prepared, others just an informal meeting of friends. Typically a member or members volunteer to organize the gathering, and others are asked to help with food, activities, etc. if they so desire. A time is chosen for gathering, usually followed after a morning of fishing from some of the members. There are no expectations or any special protocol, just show up and mingle amongst your new friends. As the motto says, “No Dues, No Rules; Just Fun, Fishing, and Friends!”
Past gatherings included casting lessons, fishing tournaments, fishing outings for kids, fun and games, sharing of gear/tackle know how, and without a doubt, some of the best food around! Yes, we have some real chefs in this group! Truth be told, quite a few are making excuses for gatherings to contribute their favorite recipes and taste a sample of others wares!
Ask any of the folks that have been to the gatherings, and you will find a common theme - it’s the pursuit of fishing that brings them back, but more importantly lifetime friendships are born. Bonds are formed amongst strangers and first acquaintances in such a curious way. We are people from various backgrounds and all walks of life. To see most together you would think that we have known each other all of our lives.
We have seen the outpour of support and comfort that the members have shown towards one another. A request for help from a fellow member usually finds him/herself with an overwhelming response of volunteers and helpful responses. Other common interest amongst individuals has enabled many new and refreshing ideas to be born.
The diversity of the group is quite amazing and the experience of the members offers a broad coverage of the various aspects of saltwater fishing. We can all remember a time when we yearned to be able to tag along with someone of greater experience, a second or third party to join you when exploring new fishing grounds, or a partner for an early wade.
Putting a face to a name at gatherings has enabled lots of us to do just that! Our access to quality fishing partners and friends has suddenly grown to the point where most of our regrets will be never finding enough time to fish will all of them. The goal to do so is an awesome one, and I suspect many of us will come rather close.