DennyR
04-18-2009, 02:48 PM
Thanks to a comment made by someone on this forum (who exactly I don't remember) I picked up a copy of Call of the Surf by Van Campen Heilner and Frank Stick. An outstanding book that I highly recommend. It was first published in 1920. The second edition copy I got from Surfcasting Rhode Island ($15.99 and free shipping) was obviously reprinted using an OCR. There are several mis-spellings and strangely formated words, but the intent and meaning are clear.
The descriptions of the love slinging lead and bait out into the surf are just the same with us now as they were nearly 100 years ago. The description of equipment really made me think about how spoiled we are today. In one segment they mention being cold and wet in their hip waders and oiled slickers. Made me think about last November when I was out on Frying Pan Shoals in the rain. I had breatheable chest waders, breatheable hooded rain jacket and a sweat suit underneath. I was warm, dry, and comfortable. I was the only person on the beach as far as I could see in any direction. Just me and some blues and a puppy drum. I can't recall ever having been happier. Call of the Surf accurately captures the way I felt that day. Hope you'll read it.
The descriptions of the love slinging lead and bait out into the surf are just the same with us now as they were nearly 100 years ago. The description of equipment really made me think about how spoiled we are today. In one segment they mention being cold and wet in their hip waders and oiled slickers. Made me think about last November when I was out on Frying Pan Shoals in the rain. I had breatheable chest waders, breatheable hooded rain jacket and a sweat suit underneath. I was warm, dry, and comfortable. I was the only person on the beach as far as I could see in any direction. Just me and some blues and a puppy drum. I can't recall ever having been happier. Call of the Surf accurately captures the way I felt that day. Hope you'll read it.