Fish Sticks for the Hippies

I’m not a member of PETA (Secret—I had to look up the correct acronym spelling) but I am a big fan of the Earth, and animals, and trees. For example, I love getting caught in thunderstorms. The smell of rich, dark earth stops my feet and I can’t help but exist within the moment. Stilled and trapped. Until of course it begins to hail. No one likes rain that much.

Newport Beach Dock—There are tons of fishermen. They toss the line out and within 10 seconds pull it back with three fish. Hooked. I’m pretty sure fish sticks are bigger than these fish. My curiosity is going crazy. These people have coolers full of nugget-sized fish. What do they do with them? I ask the nearest fishermen. Possible mistake. He doesn’t speak much English and I’m being generous with that assessment. The following conversation ensues—

What do you do with all of these fish? Do you eat them? Are they for bait?

No. Just catch.

You don’t use them for anything? At all? Not even for catching bigger fish?

No.

(I think it was at this point I may have “accidentally” switched to attacking. Poor man.)

So…why are you catching them? Why don’t you throw them back? You don’t even eat them? Are you kidding? Do you know how many fish you have?

(I’m going to guess this is the point where he decided lying would be the best way to get rid of the “crazy girl who cares about the fish”.)

Oh no, no we eat them.

How do you cook them?

Cook?

Yea. How do you cook them? Do you fry them? Filet them? What spices do you use?

Oh uh well we filet them. You know and use…(at this point I saw a seal. Considered tossing a fish to the creature. Decided against stealing. Honestly though I just can’t throw that far.) I smile and say bye.

Utah’s Free Fishing Day—June 4. I’m excited. I’m gonna be ticked if all I catch is Fish Bites. After all, I didn’t write down his recipe.