Under the Gandy Bridge

By Dale Morrow

A few years ago an old friend and neighbor made a cast net for me. Well, I finally used it for the first time last week.

A buddy of mine called me up and asked me if I wanted to go out to Gandy Bridge. He had just obtained a net and had been there the night before, so he had just the spot. I reluctantly agreed, (I wasn't sure I could still throw a net and didn't want my friend to see how bad I was.)

It was a little cold, but with a sweat shirt and a good raincoat we managed to make our way out to the chosen spot. All prepared, we waited for the mullet to swim by. It was dark and my eyes were not adjusting well, but my friend was ready. In a few moments he made his first throw. Nothing, he hurriedly prepared for the next throw. The next time, he threw over a school passing by. He came up with four rather large mullet. I tried and threw my net in a big wad. I was disappointed, but I gathered it up to try again.

Needless to say that was it for us, nothing else seemed to be swimming our way. He had enough for a couple of meals and we both had a great time. Next week I plan to join him again and hopefully I will fill my net and my cooler.

It had been many years since I threw a net, I had forgotten how much fun it can be. The time with my friend and the attempt to be a food gatherer in a primal way felt very good.

My "View From the Road" this week was from under the Gandy Bridge.