A Tribute to Papa Jim: Fishing Adventures off the Avon Pier in OBX, North Carolina
As the sun sets over the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina, I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia and connection to my beloved Papa Jim. It's been years since he passed away, but every summer, my family and I gather at the Avon Pier in OBX to honor his memory and share in our passion for fishing.
A plaque that bears his name is nestled next to the pier, a poignant reminder of the bond we shared and the countless fishing adventures we had together. As I cast my line, I know that Papa Jim's spirit is with us, watching over our family as we continue the tradition that he loved so dearly.
Surrounded by the calming sound of the waves and the laughter of my family, I find solace and excitement in the art of fishing. The Avon Pier is an angler's paradise, teeming with a rich variety of local fish species like red drum, flounder, and Spanish mackerel. As the night falls, we often switch gears and focus on shark fishing, an activity that has always fascinated me.
Between June and August, the waters off the pier come to life with an array of shark species, including blacktip, sandbar, and the occasional hammerhead shark. My heart races with anticipation as I feel the tug on my line, reeling in yet another remarkable catch.
Night fishing at the pier is a truly enchanting experience. As the darkness envelops the sky, we gather around the warm glow of lanterns, sharing stories of our past fishing adventures and the wisdom that Papa Jim once imparted upon us. Grandma Kathy, the ever-watchful matriarch of our family, sits nearby, her eyes full of pride as she oversees our fishing escapades.
The camaraderie of our family, bonded by love and a shared passion for fishing, makes each trip to the Avon Pier a cherished memory. Every cast, every catch, and every shared moment is a tribute to Papa Jim, who instilled in us the importance of family, love, and the pursuit of adventure.
As the night gives way to dawn, and our fishing lines are reeled in for the last time, we gather around the plaque that bears Papa Jim's name. We reminisce about the man who inspired us, the family patriarch who taught us to cherish the simple joys of life, like the thrill of the catch and the beauty of a summer night spent with loved ones.
As we leave the Avon Pier, our hearts are full of gratitude for the memories we've created and the enduring love that connects us to Papa Jim. His spirit lives on in the gentle waves of the Outer Banks, in the warm embrace of family, and in every cast and catch that pays homage to the man who first showed us the magic of fishing.