POLECAT
06-19-2005, 10:52 AM
From Virgin HO to Dippin Pro in one lesson.
On one of the rare occasions that I did not have a boatload of crew for a day’s crabbing I received a call from TF member Charlie asking if he could HO on my boat. I had a commitment for 3 Bu. that had to be filled so I asked Charlie if he was a good dipper. His answer was: “I’ve never dipped a trot line before, but I’m a quick learner.” I decided to give him a try, but had my best dipper (Mary) come along as insurance, just in case.
True to his word, after watching Mary dip the first two runs in the dark, Charlie took the net and immediately began filling the baskets with Chesapeake’s finest, not with the form of a neophyte, but that of an experienced pro. Charlie’s hand-eye coordination and excellent depth perception were exceptional. He did an admirable job for his first time at this sport. I had to ask him if he was pulling my leg about not having dipped before. Charlie’s form was pro quality. Sure, there were a few missed as with any dipper, but there were also many that tried to dodge the net that didn’t make the escape.
We were able to fill enough baskets to meet my commitments and send Charlie back home with some for his family. A new friendship was begun, and it wouldn’t have happened if not for TF.
This is a great forum and has many fine members that can and do make fun times happen. Let’s keep it going in that direction.
On one of the rare occasions that I did not have a boatload of crew for a day’s crabbing I received a call from TF member Charlie asking if he could HO on my boat. I had a commitment for 3 Bu. that had to be filled so I asked Charlie if he was a good dipper. His answer was: “I’ve never dipped a trot line before, but I’m a quick learner.” I decided to give him a try, but had my best dipper (Mary) come along as insurance, just in case.
True to his word, after watching Mary dip the first two runs in the dark, Charlie took the net and immediately began filling the baskets with Chesapeake’s finest, not with the form of a neophyte, but that of an experienced pro. Charlie’s hand-eye coordination and excellent depth perception were exceptional. He did an admirable job for his first time at this sport. I had to ask him if he was pulling my leg about not having dipped before. Charlie’s form was pro quality. Sure, there were a few missed as with any dipper, but there were also many that tried to dodge the net that didn’t make the escape.
We were able to fill enough baskets to meet my commitments and send Charlie back home with some for his family. A new friendship was begun, and it wouldn’t have happened if not for TF.
This is a great forum and has many fine members that can and do make fun times happen. Let’s keep it going in that direction.