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Hello everybody! Before I get into the meat of this Gig Line, I want to first acknowledge not only our watermen being commercial and charter fishermen, shrimpers and oystermen, but also, very importantly, our crabbers. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned our watermen, but I think I may have neglected to include our crabbers and bring attention to their contribution as well.

Why do I mention this now? Because in writing this Gig Line column, my emphasis is on and will continue to be primarily for veterans but as the daughter of a retired U.S. Coast Guardsman who later designed, then commissioned the building of his own charter boat “Playboy” back in the day … my son and grandson are hardcore watermen; they respect our environment, they work hard and love what they do. I’m always and will forever be in their corner, too.

Anyone who has not had the privilege and pride of being the son/daughter, grandchild of, married to, or the parent of a son or daughter of those who make their living on the water cannot imagine what it takes to fish, crab or shrimp for a living. They are a unique group of resolute, skilled, talented, intelligent men and women who brave the elements, hope and pray first for safety, sunny days, calm wind/seas/sound and for hearty catches and big yields. They are tough, resilient and committed to their craft and most often to their heritage whether they grew up watching their granddaddy mend his nets, double check his safety gear (life jackets, life raft, electronics, etc.) and leave his dock early mornings and oftentimes arriving late at the end of the day or even nearly a week later if his ice is adequate and if he’s catching … or not.

No matter if you fish or crab or haul shrimp nets, your plan is to set out and come back safely with a great catch, no incidents of injury, no engine mishaps, no auto pilot problems, and depending what type of boat your own or run … your goal is to catch every fish you are allowed to in order to satisfy the Marine Fisheries quota limitations and avoid crossing the line in any possible way.

If you fish commercially, you see all too often the effort you put into baiting your hooks only to haul in what? The head of the tuna because its body was eaten not only by shark, but hungry whales … yes, I said whales. Your bait expense, the time it took to ready the lines, steam out miles from home and the realization you went literally “in the hole” for your expenses rather than “fish in the hole” when all is said and done. You must make sure your cameras are in good order because you are constantly being “observed” via a recording (or at times by “observers” who physically accompany you on your trips out) and, of course, you must mail the videos very timely each time you sail.

The goal to preserve our fish is realized by our watermen and they above the rest of us believe in conservation … however, they want fairness, not overkill creating an over-abundance of the species that devour catchable species. Like the veterans I respect and rally for, I also have a devotion to our watermen, and I know the challenges they face constantly. A good deal of the rules and regs would surprise those who are not well versed about the challenges and restrictions our watermen face on a per trip basis.

What I find so ironic is how we love our seafood yet some of us complain about over-fishing and push for excessive catch limits. Why is that? Would we prefer to eat seafood caught in countries far away, which may not be governed by the same sanitation, icing, scrutiny and oversight that we do in America? Our watermen are smart people, they sacrifice so much more than what meets the eye to catch that delectable seafood platter, meaty crab cakes, hard crabs to pick while sitting among family and friends, and the delicious soft-shell crabs that we look forward to every season. Come on now, let us not scoop up every fish that swims or crab that scurries the sandy bottom, but let us at least be fair.

And one more thing – you might be pleased to know that many of our working watermen are veterans! I thank the good Lord for each one; for their service to our country, for their bravery in the jungles, the mountains, the deserts and on the water, too. Their courage and determination to get the job done is a tribute to stamina especially when they have other personal things going on in their lives. I am proud of each waterman I know, and I would prefer eating their catches over the frozen store-bought (no telling when/where) seafood any day of the week! Buy local folks, whenever you can and support their love of their (our) OBX heritage … help them preserve it, they deserve that.

Speaking of that, a reminder that one of our local fellas (Charlie R. “Robbie” Beasly Jr.) who joined the service after graduating college, served as a U.S. Army, Ranger team leader in Vietnam then came home from his service and went back into his first love – crabbing. While he owns/operates a successful crabbing business, he wrote a compelling read, Vietnam War – Lesson of a Lifetime, a personal and enlightening insight into the Vietnam War. It can be purchased locally at Billy’s Seafood (Colington), Downtown Books (Manteo) and O’Neal’s Sea Harvest (Wanchese) if you are interested in acquiring one.

VETERANS – PLEASE DO NOT MISS …

Roanoke Island Festival Park – A THOUSAND WORDS: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans, Tuesday, October 15 – Tuesday, December 31, 2024, open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. This is a FREE exhibit on loan from the North Carolina Museum of History.

Personally, I want very much to see it though I know already, I will cry every step of the way. I cannot help it. I love, respect and miss my sweet husband Billy and all his “brothers and sisters” who served and fought in Vietnam with him. The Roanoke Island Festival Park website describes the exhibit as “… a collection of photographs taken by North Carolina soldiers” and “Each snapshot is enhanced by commentary from veterans relaying what a photo means to them. With this collection of snapshots assembled by Winston-Salem photographer Martin Tucker, the exhibit lets visitors step into the memories of Vietnam veterans.” This opportunity folks, is a treasure to behold. Quotes regarding the exhibit originated from the press release thanks to Kim Sawyer, see: http://www.roanokeisland.com.

IMPORTANT EVERYBODY! Please take the time to vote for your choice of candidates. As I understand it, EARLY voting can be done at three locations only between now and November 1^st being: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. AND one weekend day being: Saturday, November 2^nd 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at these locations ONLY: Manteo Administrative Bldg., Kill Devil Hills Town Hall and Buxton Fessenden Center Annex. HOWEVER, ON ELECTION DAY, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5^th WE HAVE TO VOTE AT OUR PRECINCT.

Also, for anyone who has ambulatory issues, please remember that CURBSIDE VOTING is available and a blessing! You can remain in your vehicle and the staff will accommodate you. Trust me – I use it with my grumpy knee and the procedure is very professionally and discreetly conducted!

Until next time, be healthy, safe and happy! Fall is here and isn’t that wonderful? Very soon I will post all the Veteran’s Day event schedules along with other pertinent info of interest to veterans and veteran lovers! If you need or would like to contact Dare County veteran service officer Patty O’Sullivan: office 252-475-5604; cell/text 252-473-7749 and email: patricia.o’sullivan@darenc.gov.

If you would like to talk with me, I welcome your call at cell/text: 252-202-2058 or email: giglineheroes@aol.com. Please remember to thank each and every veteran and active duty service member you see … they are all so worthy of acknowledgement, praise and gratitude. God bless you and everyone you love. I love you all too whether I know you or not! Stay tuned!

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