PARTY BOAT LIVING

There is nothing so delicious in the entire world of saltwater fishing as heading out on glassy seas in the warm, early-morning dampness aboard a party boat. A whole bunch of emotions become tangled into a ball, spiced with the heady aroma of fresh-cut bait, hot coffee and a touch of diesel as the big engines rumble beneath the deck — anticipation, a bit of trepidation, expectation at one level or another, a sense of competition that can barely be stifled, and a little nervousness wondering if the other 16 or 40 or 66 folks on board are friends or foes, compatriots or competitors. Just who are these people?

But emotions soon evaporate into salt air. The captain finds the fish, positions the boat over them and sounds the horn. Baits or jigs are quickly deployed into the inky depths, and soon, rods begin to bend. Kids and adults alike squeal with delight as fish start coming over the rail. Clench-jawed “regulars”