[Rhodes22-list] Dilemma

[Jim White]

OK folks

The weather here is 84 degrees, the wind is west at 5-10mph and it is 
overcast with an occasional (tropical) rainshower.


The Laguna Madre is perfect for sailing, smooth and calm, and I can 
envision myself in a couple of hours setting sail, and letting the wind in 
the canvas work its magic. Maybe a couple of cold beers and some fresh 
ceviche (sort of a Mexican version of a seafood cocktail) to complete the 
day....

On the other hand, last night we went wade fishing about a mile north of 
the town of South Padre Island, and today looks to be a carbon copy of 
that. I caught 4 speckled trout over 20" each and a tasty moderate sized 
redfish (28"). The water was gin-clear with nary a ripple, and as I glided 
along the seagrass beds in pursuit of finny critters the sun made it's 
departure, mullet were jumping, and big fish were cruising everywhere . The 
evening was almost surreal, and certainly something out of a 
sportfishermans dream. This is the best time here to fish, everything is 
schooling up and hungry, and a person would be foolish not to take 
advantage of it at almost every opportunity.

And then there's the surf....today we have a swell rolling in that's about 
head high, and perfectly groomed by the offshore winds, a regular tropical 
groundswell, easy to paddle out in and plenty fun for an old fart surfer / 
sailor / fisherman like myself. I can also see myself catching a few waves, 
then finishing up the evening at the Dolphin Cove Oyster Bar, knocking back 
some fifty cent drafts and a couple of dozen twenty-five cent oysters (Yea, 
today's the mid week special there).

And therein lies the dilemma....One certainly can't do all three activities 
in a single afternoon. Should I sail, fish or surf? It's 1430 here, I got 
off at 1700, the beach is 100 yards from the labs backdoor, the fishing 
spot is about 10 minutes north, and Le Menagerie is across the bridge a 
scant five miles (by road) away.....Jeez, decisions, decisions....what 
should I do?

Jim White
Le Menagerie