SouthCoast Recovery's Fishing Trip 2008
Hooked on Recovery!

Recently a 95 foot boat motored it’s way out of the San Diego harbor….The ‘First String’ was filled not only with eager men and women – some looking forward to their first salt water catch – more importantly, this boat was filled with hope.

The vessel was populated with the staff and the clients from SouthCoast Recovery, in Dana Point, CA. For many aboard, it was their first time on a fishing boat. Many had never been deep sea fishing before. For most of the clients, this is there first time getting clean and sober – hopefully, they were about to start the learning process of having a ‘good time’ without being drunk or high. As the boat continued its journey 80 miles out into the ocean, many on board turned in for the night – with visions of Dorado and Yellowtail in their head.

As the early morning approached, the participants began to stir in their bunks. Once awake – they congregated on deck – as the crew gave instructions regarding their day ahead.

All of a sudden the boat began slowing, as the captain announced that they had spotted the first ‘kelp patch’ – and it was time to prepare the lines for casting. All on board heeded the call, and took their positions at the back of the boat. As soon as the first line was dropped, the bites began. When one of the counselors reeled in his first 12lb. Salmon Gruper, people cheered congratulations were extended, and the fishing began in earnest. There was a feeling of genuine excitement on board as everyone began catching Grupers, Dorado, and Yellowtail throughout the day. Catching a huge fish is such a great feeling – but I think it meant more to these recovering alcoholics/addicts to have someone tell them “you did a great job!”

As the day was winding down, the crew was washing the boat – and we headed for home. Everyone was looking forward to a much needed shower. Everyone was talking about the fish they had caught – and of course, those that got away. It was awesome to look around and see that everyone had a smile on their face. One of the clients summed it up when he said – “I can’t believe how much fun this was, and I didn’t think about getting high, not even once – my dad is going to be so proud of me.”

With the power of the mighty ocean to guide us, and the comraderie between people in recovery, there was much more than just fishing going on that day.