For those of us who mount up our trusty steel steeds to navigate the ruts and humps of the desert by the sea, we do so with, not only the hopes of catching passels of fish, but also to decompress following the toil of a tenuous work week.

Our Friday afternoon minds wander as to which beach we may squat on for the weekend, baits we may use to entice our quarry, half truth stories we may tell, or what we may hoist from the frothy sea. Whether you’re a sun riser or a sun setter, life on the beach is perfect no matter the time.

When the only worry we have is, as Zac Brown once crooned, “will the tide reach my chair”, count that as a better day than most. When your lucky rod, which stands at attention in the sand spike before you, begins to bow in deference to the tide, you know the frying pan, which patiently awaits your return, will not be lonely tonight.

Though my choices of tackle may fail me, my choice to immerse myself in the moment does not.

Life is full of choices. For fishermen, most of which involves gear, time honored tricks, and old wives tales that seem to steer the lures we find in our tackle boxes. Choices of where to fish, who to fish with, the snacks I pack or, is there time for just one more cast, are ones I relish.

As I look through my rearview mirror, I cannot see one choice I’ve made where sitting on a beach was stressful, chaotic, or detrimental to my health, with the exception of my leathery and freckled skin my dermatologist scolds me for each time I visit his office.

So, all you beach wagon warriors, it’s time to gas up and air down as you prepare to wander through the ruts and humps, or simply dream as if you were. The sticky salt that clings to the sheet metal may wear thin that which holds it all together, but that salty seasoning is just what the chef ordered.

Grab a rod, some stink bait, and your best bud (or sweetheart) and hit the surf this weekend, or any weekend. Be sure to bring big expectations, but a humble heart, cause the fish are often the ones in charge so check your ego at the gate.

Wishing y’all tight lines!