Raising Canyon Kids

By Michael Savarese

As offshore fishermen, we have a special bond with the ocean that is unexplainable to the majority of people, even to those who fish “inshore”. For some, nature’s pull to fish for pelagics occurs gradually, like an acquired taste. But for others, like me and many of you, we were hooked immediately by the edge.

Growing up near the Shrewsbury River was an adventure. My dad and I slayed stripers, fluke, and sea bass in the rivers and the bay. But every once in a while my dad had to leave me at the dock and run offshore with the big boys. Often he’d come back with not only loads of tuna but also, more importantly, stories of their adventure. Boy was I jealous. I couldn’t wait for the chance to go. Fortunately, I was a lucky 14-year-old when I first got the opportunity to first go to the canyon for an overnighter.

Nothing compares to the first-time feeling of anticipation, excitement, and a dose of fear as you break the inlet for the 90-mile trek. Of course, that’s after multiple days of convincing your mom to let you go! My first offshore experience was a good one. We had great weather, I was surrounded by good people, and of course we boxed up a few nice yellowfin and mahi. From that moment on all I could think about was getting back out there.