Salt-water therapy or I'm cranky!

This weather is making me feel the need for salt-water therapy! Winds are not falling to the ideal fishing weather and I am getting cranky...

I took a friend out Wednesday evening for a short fishing trip at 19 knots winds with gust to 22 knots at the time we were in the water. I was fine and trying to maintain my deep drop line in search of Silvermouths or any great tasting deep water fish in our Marianas Pond.

However, the trip had to be cut short. With only 2 drops under my belt and three (3) 2 lbs kale kale, I had to head back. Why? Why so soon?

Well, my fishing partner got sick. He freaked out as well seeing 9 foot swells coming towards the aft of the boat as we were in idle and drifting with the winds. I turn to see the depth finder and yell its time to drop. As I look back, I see his face. His eyes glistening as if tears are in them. His body movement swayed with the rocking of the boat in the high swells. His one arm holding on to the support rail for the cover and his head turns over towards the edge of the boat and spewing vomit out the side.

Chum for those fish nearby I thought, but hey, I am not that mean. I told him lets pick up and head home. Instead of saying we are leaving because he is sick, I told him we are leaving because there was too much current. In fact, the current was strong and pulled out about 1K of line on 650 feet drop, but thats how it goes.

So leche' 10-11 or 21 as I want my therapy I guess it will not happen this weekend... Ugh!

Break out the Penns!

Its a weekend to fish as the Marriage Encounter husbands will go on its fun-filled fishing derby on who will gain bragging rights to this Saturday's competition. Tweety, My Boni, J Jr. are all set to head out with the boys on board.  Manny, Fred, Nick, Tom, Paul, Jun, Wayne, and Christopher will head out at 8am and return by 2pm.

A short get away, but should be filled with laughters and stories of fish tales on the one that got away! Hmm. I wonder what this day will bring forth.

Pull out the Penns!

Greased and ready, each to their own style of fishing. the Penn Reels are shining bright and lines tight for the day that each angler with their captain and boat hopes to bring in the biggest catch. Of course its mainly to brag, but who says we can't share the meat?

Hearing the Penn Reels go off is always a great sound. Its losing it at the end where it sucks air, but thats fishing. We estimate at maximum 15 knot winds with wind waves around 4-6 in east and 3-4 in the west, the real question is where are the fish and where do each captain go to fish for those yum-tasting fresh fish. Good luck boys and don't forget the beer lai!

Fish on Marianas!

LIFE Happens!

We age with every tick of the clock. Time is lost and can never be retrieved, but we can all make the best of the time we have on our blue planet.  Bon and I have our children to love and bring forth as great citizens into the world that is sometimes cruel and sometimes it brings everlasting joy and happiness to our hearts. Thats because we choose to love. Our decision to love is choice we made after getting encountered with Marriage Encounter in the Fall of 2010.

Our children see this and we are proud parents knowing we did our very best to provide the comfort they need, the love they require and the space that is essential to their growth and development.  Our struggles with a blended family was not easy, but definitely rewarding. We see each of them in their element. Their character, the way they progress and think for themselves. The way they put up a fight with courage to stand for what they believe in. At times passive, but that is their own way on how they deal with things. I am a proud father to them all and although I rarely see and speak to everyone, I hope that one day after they view this post will realize that as a parent, a human being, I too have made mistakes in relationships, but have never stopped loving them each of them unconditionally.

My wife is the better person in our marriage, she has taught me countless times on how to deal with issues and for the betterment of our livelihood together as well our children. To see them prosper and become adults in their own right has made me feel nostalgic and I find myself reminiscing on past photos.  With this post I share a few photos of who they are today and how confident each is growing in their own skin.

Life happens and because we cannot turn back time, each of them will go through hardship. They will face an array of issues that are both good and bad. They will find joy and happiness for themselves. I only hope that from what we as parents taught them - that making the right decisions for themselves - will always be atop their minds.

I am so proud of everyone and I will share some words about each of them below. One day when they read this blog post they will see that even though dad was a strict person in their earlier childhood, I meant well for their upbringing. And if what I had caused over years past hurt them and I have failed to apologize, I say this,

"To all my children, I too have made many mistakes in our lives and our relationship. I ask for your forgiveness.  I will always love each of you".

Anthony: I recall years back of how hard I was on you. I had my reasons, but that never stopped me from loving you. Although we do not speak much today, I think of you more than you know. Your career move into being a chef surprised me in great way. I could remember your corned beef fried rice that you made whenever you were hungry, it tasted real good and each time I made it, I thought of you. Your a man of your own choosing, I tried to have a stronger influence with your decisions, but that was wrong of me. I am proud of who you have become and I see greatness that will come from your talents.

Donovan: The military was not of your choosing. You took it as a way out, but never said that was your reason. I see in you a strong exterior shell that hides your emotions. One day I hope that you will be in touch with them as you will see the benefit. You will marry soon to a woman who brings your smiles and makes your heart flutter in cloud nine. Your career move into the medical field is a great one, I can see a future that you can be proud of as you continue to progress forward. Your knowledge will come to find its need everywhere you go. Keep it up!

Hope: Sweet, delicate and head strong. You did it! A graduate of Sacramento State University in less than a month from now.  Your life is gearing up to enter a new chapter. We have heard your struggles and accomplishments and all the while gave the space you need to decide on what is best for you.  We are super proud of you as you start with a career that you have chosen for yourself. No one can take away what you did, you earned every right to be who you are. Your intellect will go to great use here at home when you return. I can see your generous heart moving mountains. You love so freely and in this life of yours, I hope that you will find the love you desire.

Jayvier: Our family comedian that never fails to bring out laughter in any circumstance. A heart softer than the touch of silk and that is wonderful for a man to have. Remain positive, work hard and you will reap the benefits. Love unconditionally as you do and I hope your getting that in return as well in your relationship. Decide wisely on what you do with your life as I know you tend to jump and react so quickly. Impulsive is not a bad thing, but always remember to step back a bit and see things clearly. I say this because I know and I have had my fair share of struggles because of such action.

Wayannie: Your starting your journey with fulfilling your education. My look-a-like as many have said before. But your more level-headed than I am and that is why you will succeed with your studies at North Georgia University.  Your quiet but thats only because your thinking, I believe that you will start to voice your concerns more freely and debate your arguments with passion. I know this will eventually be you. Your strong-willed and like to do things alone, similar to my trait. Because your quiet, do not let people assume they can walk all over you. Stand firm, plant your feet and use this time to explore and be adventurous. Remember family is always there and no matter how far you may be, you have many that love you dearly.

Peyton: One extremely strong individual is how I define you. That is your character that was not seen by me until your early teen years. So talented in dance as music lifts your soul, you have life in you that will one day shine brighter than the sun. Your comfortable in your skin and it shows. Your nervous at most times, but you pull through with grace and confidence, something you learned on your own and I could not be more proud of you. This tells me you will be just fine. Stay strong dear.

Sommer: My firecracker, quick with puns and your intelligence is off the charts. Youngest of the girls, you are truly one who makes my day with intelligent jokes and your caring persona. While you have your anxieties and a temper that's like Donny, you will need to control this. Quick on your feet and a great listener, I hope one day that when your older, you will go back and see just how you came to be this brilliant person. Of course, genes from your mother is a plus!

Wade: The youngest of the eight. I spoke to you today a week after your 13th birthday and I cried after because you were taken away from me too early. Nevertheless, your growing to be a very intelligent young man. Your interest in astronomy and paleontology amazes me. Continue to learn and become that of what makes you happy.

My children, life is truly short. Mistakes, heartbreaks, struggles will come your way. Be resilient, tough, and pray as that would get you out of anything. I love you all with all that I am. A simple person that I hope in one way or another has contributed to your happiness as a person. Never give up, live and make it known that you are living.


My wife, I wrote this so I do not forget to see just how special each of our children is. I put it in words so that I can and everyone else can reflect on it just as much as I am. Whether we live to be a 100 or live to see only tomorrow, my memories of everyone is deep within my heart. I want everyone to know this.

I'm going for it!

I decided to enroll with the Northern Mariana College (NMC) fall semester.  Once again I will attempt to induce myself in college learning and acquire the degree that I eluded to obtain for myself over 20 years ago.

Taking advantage of the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program I will use my experiences in life to hopefully prove to the Dean of Academic and Programs that I am competent and have surpassed the requirements of certain courses offered at NMC to meet my educational degree in Business Management.

No doubt I have been involved and operated various business models over the years and in different sectors to add. From the perishable fish business to the airline industry, to occupational safety consultation services to construction, to public relations and education to marketing and publishing, to boarding school to the food industry. While the effort made was fruitful, I am determined to complete this one aspect of fulfillment, a piece of paper that says I am a graduate in the filed of Business Management.

This semester, I pulled myself to work on 33 credits. 30 through the PLA as that is the maximum anyone could obtain through the program and another 3 on World Civilization. It has taken a toll on me, but as stated, I am determined.

INSPIRED

My soon to be Doctor is on her way. My wife, Boni inspired me to get that piece of paper. She has proven resilient and focused and seeing this has made me think about myself. Even though I still aspire to open up another business, I am working towards getting this done as it would benefit and show my children that no matter what, their dad can still overcome an array of obstacles.


Then there are my children. Hope is graduating with a Psych Major and Wayannie and Peyton starting off with their freshmen year at college. Tony who went to culinary school and is practicing the trade. Donovan who has been taking classes towards a nursing background and now myself as well. A family full of college students and that too
inspires me.

So here I go, another journey, another responsibility to enhance myself and hopefully continue to motivate myself throughout the remaining year or so to complete it. Several advisors had told me its never too late and the one I like the most is the saying "we understand, life happened!" How true and fitting that is.

Hafa adai taotao Marianas!

All Smiles Upon Him!

At 71, Pete P. "Slow" Reyes, has rejuvenated his passion for deep sea fishing. He does not necessarily just want a leisure style fishing trip, but that of the hard-core 12-18 hours trip deal. He is one tough dude!

For several weeks of taking him out on the "My Boni", a 19.5' Glass Pro, out into the deep blue Marianas pond.  He set his goal on catching his Onaga. Not just any Onaga, but a prize winning 30+ lber. is what he desires. We tried numerous spots that I know off and some that were given to me by master fishermen on Saipan such as George Moses, Judge Alex Castro, Diego Benavente and Judge Perry Inos. 

Our luck on those coordinates did not provide well for us. We caught fish, however not the ultimate Onaga he wanted. This past Sunday, November 12, 2017, Slow organized a trip to bring another master fishermen for deep drop fishing. Mr. Lino Tenorio, known for his "target fishing" tactics was on board for a few hours to show, teach, and provide a few coordinates that would bring us the catch.

Lino knew what we wanted and brought us to his spots that other fishermen ask him for. Sorry guys, this is the secret that I cannot share as Lino requested we keep it that way.

As we arrived about 3 miles out on the westerly waters off Saipan, we took our first drop. Lino on the Electra-mate 940 with a 12/0 reel and 200lbs. of braided line that goes up to 3K feet, I was certain we could haul up something worthwhile.  Within the first 5 minutes after reaching bottom with the use of # 1 rebar cut at a length of 14" to reach the bottom took about 4 minutes at a depth of 590-650 feet.

My Garmin 7DV Striker was adjusted at 77 megahertz to read the depth at an instance. Immediately you see the fish finder go to work...bleep- bleep- bleep... fish were all around at the bottom anywhere at depths of 5'-40'.

Pete P. "Slow" Reyes

Within the time frame of 5 minutes or possibly less, Lino feels a tug. He gestures "oooh, yeah, come-on!" then again another tug and immediately, he lets go of the line on his hands and turns on the reel. The 940 Eletra-mate starts winding. Its noise piercing while it winds that you could not hear yourself speak. You had to raise your tone to higher decibels to even hear yourself. We see the rod bend, then shake and then bend even more as the fish fought its way at the bottom hooked on the rigs. In a few minutes of winding up, the fish emerges. A silvermouth penetrates the surface. Slow picks up the fish and all smiles were upon him.

At the time of winding, Lino gave up the reel for Slow to carry on. We watched as he fished and realized we were doing this wrong. While we have the equipment, we saw our mistakes from the master of deep drop fishing.  It was our time to ask questions. It was a time to learn the skills that he beset upon us. He made it look easy, but he kept reminding us to be patient. This type of target-fishing he does was mastered after years of trial and error and he is giving us a crash course of deep-drop 401 on the mastery science and skipping all other pre-requisite learning courses. I know I am grateful!