Alumni Al S. Catches a Big one in San Diego
If you think fishing is just a passive activity like watching television then you've probably never done it. We have been using the ocean activities for years to help people have fun and connect with each other and a higher power for years. Al is one of our star alumni and he recounts a tale of catching a very big fish.
The trip was not a "sure thing" whatsoever. Logistically, I needed a friend to make the trip with me and we only had a one week window of opportunity.
After we booked the trip, the fish count went way down and my friend and I discussed canceling. With the deadline for canceling approaching, I turned to the program that I had learned in recovery for help making a decision. As I was getting ready to buy some pricey fishing equipment, I took a little quiet time and prayed to my higher power to give me a sign. When I went into the store to buy the items, the cashier took 50% off the price which took me by surprise. I asked if that was correct and the cashier said "yes." I felt like I had gotten my sign off we went to catch some fish.
During the early part of the trip, I was having bad luck. I was losing fish and then couldn't get bit. Everyone else was catching fish after fish. I decided to get out of this fishing funk by using "the program" once again. I turned to people around me and asked if anyone had not caught a fish yet. A 13 year old kid said he had not caught a fish. I decided to help him. I told him to stick with me and do everything I did. On the very next stop we both caught our first fish. Prior to that he was seasick and having a terrible time. After he caught his first fish, his seasickness disappeared and he had the biggest confident smile on his face for the rest of the trip. 
I continued to have a tough time fishing so when I hooked my next fish, I decided to take my time with it. As it turned out that next fish happened to be a 46 pound Albacore Tuna. As it turned out, it was the biggest fish on the boat and it won the jackpot which helped me to pay for the trip. I thanked the kid for allowing me to help him. I explained that I couldn't have caught that big fish without having spent time helping him first.
I have been fishing for 20 years and would have days were everyone on the boat was catching a fish but me. I would go home mad and without any fish. I now have a way to get out of a fishing funk thanks to "the program."
