The September 15, 2001, Surf Fishing Outing was a much needed salve after the devastating events of September 11th. With a backdrop of diluted smoke rising from lower Manhattan north of the beach, OWL members ventured out to Sandy Hook to regain some emotional footing by engaging in, and learning about, the outdoors and its precious wildlife.

Our leader was Dorothy Obropta, surf fishing instructor for the BOW workshops, who also tags fish for the American Littoral Society. Her participation in the ALS Fish Tagging program helps provide valuable data on the migratory habits of saltwater fish. Dorothy outlined many facets of surf fishing: types of bait, fishing rigs, preparing bait, baiting hooks,"reading the beach," casting, coastal ecology and equipment care. She even pointed out the significance of the garb worn by other surf anglers as they perused the beach looking for a likely slough that might hold a striped bass. Unfortunately, the fish took the day off, not just for OWLers, but for everybody.

Even so, the weather was beautiful, and although the emotional trauma of the week's tragedies swirled throughout our thoughts, much strength and reassurance was drawn from entwining ourselves with nature and the emotional healing she offers. Many thanks to Dorothy, the enticing surf at Sandy Hook and the fish (even if they didn't cooperate) for allowing NJ OWL members the opportunity to experience another segment of the outdoor life.

Dorothy shows a moss bunker, an oily fish that is often cut into pieces and used as bait.