When starting to get this week’s article together, I realized how slow it was. It struck me that August has its “dog days,” and now it seems that February has the same. It’s a nice six-month span between each, so it creates a nice balanced cycle. That’s about all it does though, as I’d rather have boats and anglers doing what they do. I guess a slow-down doesn’t hurt, so let’s make the best of it and enjoy it. Last winter I introduced you to people in the area that are involved in the fishing community in some manner. Today I’ll tell you about a young girl I met last summer, someone who was being granted her wish.
During any weekend here in the summer you can find people on vacation, resting, eating a seafood dinner at a nice restaurant, and doing one other thing: fishing. On one of these weekends, a young girl and her family were enjoying everything our seashore has to offer. They were here because of the efforts of an organization that helps children realize their dreams, and escape from an unfortunate situation if only for a short time.
On a pleasant Sunday this past summer, I went to Sea Isle City to meet a young angler who was getting what she asked for. That may sound harsh, but it wasn’t because of any bad behavior on her part. It was because it was her request. Let me back up a little more.
I received a request from Captain Zig and his wife Donna, asking if I would be interested in covering the story of a young girl. They run the charter service First Fish Adventures ~ Sea Isle City. I knew this would be a good human-interest story, similar to the type I covered last winter that related to hobbies or side businesses that exist amongst the fishing folk in our area. These stories showed a different perspective of the people we may meet on any beach or boat. But this one was different because of a medical situation faced by this young girl.
The young lady in question is named Hannah Rodgers. She is a friendly 11-year-old from Boise, Idaho. Among her beloved activities is something favored by our readers: Hannah loves to fish. She was here in New Jersey to have the opportunity to catch “a flatfish.” That is her term for a local favorite, otherwise known as a summer flounder, or fluke. She arrived in New Jersey through the efforts of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation. Its mission is to grant once-in-a-lifetime hunting and fishing experiences to children 18 years old or younger who have a life-threatening illness. They are based in Mississippi, so they are willing to go all over to make a dream happen.
Hannah suffers from a rare disease known as Batten disease. This is a rare, autosomal recessive disease. It is a fatal inherited disorder of the nervous system that typically begins in the childhood years. Vision problems and seizures are usually an early indicator. Later, cognitive impairment, worsening seizures, and a progressive loss of vision and motor skills will develop. Eventually, blindness, being bedridden and dementia will occur. By the late teens or early 20s, the disease proves fatal.
A point to mention now is an additional sensation that is experienced when Hannah catches a fish. Due to blindness resulting from the disease, she also enjoys her catch through the sense of touch. You and I may not give it a second thought as we hold our catch. When Hannah holds her catch, she is actually “seeing” it. Feeling the shape, touching the fins and tail, getting fish slime on her fingers. At that point, she has “seen” her catch.
I arrived after the family completed their morning fishing session. Hannah, her mother Trina, father Bob and sister Paige had the touch. They had a keeper “flatfish” ready to show me. They had caught some other local fish, but were very excited about the flounder. We discussed their trip in the back bay, what they had done since arriving a couple days previously, and what they planned to do with their remaining time in town. First on the list was a dockside lunch, followed by another fishing excursion on a different tide. They were looking for continued action in the afternoon, and maybe fishing in another area. In addition to the fishing, it was also about the family time and the experience. They planned to have a cookout later that night after a fun-filled day on the water. I left right before lunch, but later found out that they had a successful afternoon trip and an enjoyable dinner.
Hannah and her family returned home, happy and fulfilled after being granted her “wish.” Thanks to the help and generosity of people and businesses in our area and the Catch-A-Dream Foundation, a young girl from Idaho was able to experience her dream of catching a “flatfish.”
I received some pictures from Hooker Sports Fishing of striper trips from November and December. There seemed to be plenty of happy striper fishermen showing off their catches.
Here’s a couple of ideas for some weekend activities: Don’t forget that the Saltwater Sportsman Seminar Series is Saturday at the Linwood Country Club with an after-party to occur at the Bass Pro Shop in Atlantic City.
Another show that is happening this weekend is the Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Show. It runs from Feb. 23 through Feb. 26 in Oaks, Pa. It is geared “to everything outdoor sports related.” It is family oriented, so get everyone together for a road trip. Professional fishermen and hunters will appear and also give seminars, plus all types of outdoor items will be available to purchase.
Don’t forget to register for the Saltwater Fishing Registry – March 1 will be here soon! On that date, the back bay will open up for striper fishing. Get your gear ready, get the rust off and get set to head out. See you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
