A Fish Out of Water

Our website isn’t just for experienced anglers. We want to encourage everyone to get involved in the sport of fishing or at least be aware of how much it has changed our lives. I’ve known my friend Cindy Goldstein for (gulp) a period of nearly 40 years, since junior high school. She’s the least “fishy” person you’d ever want to meet. She doesn’t even eat fish. Then again, until I met Pete, no one would have accused me of being a serious angler—I hadn’t caught a fish since the 1970s.

Cindy and I talk at least every week. Sometimes multiple times a week or even multiple times a day. She’s a confidante and one of my most trusted advisors. I also know that despite the fact that she doesn’t care at all about fishing, she regularly reads my blogs. We talk about them all of the time, and even though it pains me that she’s surrounded by Florida’s great fisheries and doesn’t take advantage of them, oddly enough this blog has helped us grow even closer. I may someday even convince her to join us on a fishing trip.

I am thrilled that one of my besties is now obsessed with reading our site each day. I’m even more excited that through her feedback I’ve learned that I may have influenced her future purchases and travels. Here she is in her own words:

HPFC: Of all the trips we have gone on which one is most interesting to you and why?

Cindy: Casa Vieja Lodge. I could feel your excitement about this place through the phone! You had basically just left the day before and were itching to go back. The luxurious accommodations and quality service (Drink of the day? Hello!) definitely appeals to me. Although I am not a fishing girl, I love boating and their boats with an air-conditioned salon and a head onboard would be right up my alley. When I go on a vacation and pay hard-earned money, I like to be pampered at least a bit of the time. Creature comforts are important and it looks like they have it all.

HPFC: For a non-outdoorsy person what would convince you to go on a fishing trip?

Cindy: I definitely would request the great guides that you have used everywhere. I am a complete novice and this would be so new that I would love the hands-on assistance. I would also look for nice accommodations to relax after an early day on the water - a pool, amenities like a great massage since after listening to you talk about casting, I am sure my arm would be ready to fall off after the first day. And of course, great food.

HPFC: What are some of the favorite places you've been?

Cindy: Obviously living in Florida, I have grown to love a warmer climate, so some of my favorite places are the Caribbean and Hawaii. The islands offer scenery and greenery, fishing, golfing, tennis, boating and diving. Hard to beat all of that. But the all-time best place on earth is Italy. There is nothing like the culture, history, food, landscape and sheer beauty of that country. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many cities all over the country, each with a completely different atmosphere and community. I would go back there over and over if I could.

HPFC: Are there any products or categories of products that you have considered once reading what we have written?

Cindy: I have already put on my list to buy the in-flight phone mount that you just wrote about. That is such a clever gadget for any type of traveler. I also was very impressed with the Yeti soft cooler and could see a lot of uses for that one, not just to keep your catches cold. I would take this boating, on a picnic or to kids’ soccer matches or events.

I have been to your house many times and continue to be amazed by the fish replicas you have. They are so realistic and must give you guys so much pleasure and good memories. Just not sure if you will have enough wall space for the rest of your lives to fit it all! 

HPFC: What is something that you always travel with and why?

Cindy: Earplugs. Specifically these: www.mightyplugs.com. I can fall asleep anywhere, but I am a light sleeper, so these earplugs have saved me! I no longer hear the dogs going in and out of the doggie door, the bird chirping or the husband snoring. These also work great to block out the crying baby in aisle 10 behind you on the flight or the Chatty Cathy on her cell phone all day at the pool next to you while you are trying to relax and enjoy a good book!

HPFC: You've known me for 40-plus years what have you learned about me from my blog?

Cindy: You’ve always been competitive. I’ve watched you play softball and volleyball and never saw you back down from a challenge. This whole new fishing adventure has really brought that part of you to the forefront! Your willingness to adapt to any new situation is something I have always admired. It’s so obvious that you are all in - doing something you love, and I love that you continue to be adventurous as hell. I’ve learned so much from you about fishing (“Hanna, what’s a crankbait?”) and I haven’t even yet set foot on a fishing boat. As we have discussed, I look forward to one day tagging along in that RV for at least a bit of time and joining you guys in your quest for new and exciting places to fish!

HPFC: Why would you tell sometime to subscribe or follow HPFC and why?

Cindy: From what I have seen on HPFC, the fishing community is a tight knit one, but growing like crazy. The interviews with professionals are incredibly informative. There are likely so many amateur anglers out there that would love to experience a trip like the ones you and Peter plan. I’ve never even fished and I want to go! The knowledge and experience you guys have with locations, tackle, baits and gear is exceptional. I love to do a lot of research before I go anywhere or buy anything, but many people hate doing that. Having the HPFC site available with all the answers is terrific for someone who wants all the answers in one place!