Retirement: A New Chapter at Sea
For many, retirement marks the end of an era. But for Andres "Ding" Amado, it was the beginning of a new adventure. After 35 years of running an auto shop, Ding, now 73, traded wrenches for rods and reels, embracing the serenity of the sea. "I can finally fish whenever I want," he shares with a quiet pride that speaks volumes about his newfound freedom.
Ding's passion for fishing ignited back in the 1980s. He started with simple shore fishing, eventually progressing to all-day party boat trips. This journey wasn't a solo endeavor; it was a shared experience with friends from Jersey City, many of whom, like Ding, came from the Philippines where fishing was a part of life. This shared background created a brotherhood of Filipino fishing aficionados.
Another member of this aquatic fraternity is Jay San Agustin, a 54-year-old Medicare specialist. Jay's deep-sea fishing journey began in 2001, initially trying his luck in the Philippines before venturing out on boats with his father. "Every Father's Day, I'd take my dad fishing," Jay recalls fondly, even remembering the seasickness that accompanied his early trips.
Companionship and Community on the Water
Over the years, Ding and Jay have found more than just fish in the sea; they've discovered companionship and a strong sense of community. "When you're a fisherman, you meet others like you," Ding explains. Their fishing group, which started with just six to eight members, has evolved over time, welcoming younger generations and even women, keeping the camaraderie alive. They often frequent the waters around Leonardo State Marina, near the Earle Naval Base in Monmouth County, New Jersey, or venture to Brielle and Point Pleasant for deeper sea adventures.
"If we want to go deeper—like a thousand feet—we go tile fishing on the Voyager in Point Pleasant and tuna fishing on the Big Jamaica in Brielle," said Jay. "Those trips can take 18 to 30 hours. Twenty-six to thirty anglers on board."
The Thrill of the Catch and the Beauty of the Sea
The fishing season in New Jersey peaks from May to August, with the best catches. But here's where it gets controversial: Jay points out the unique appeal of fishing in New Jersey. "People come to New Jersey from Maryland and Massachusetts. The quality of fish here is really good—black sea bass, fluke, blackfish—those are the best-tasting ones." But, of course, with great fishing comes great responsibility. Strict regulations are in place to ensure sustainability. For example, striped bass must be between 28 and 31 inches in length, and wardens are often present at the docks to enforce these rules.
Beyond the catch, there's a deeper connection to the water. Ding often shares his bounty, preparing Filipino dishes with his prized catches. For him, and for Jay, fishing is a form of therapy. "Fishing relaxes your mind," Ding says. "Every trip teaches you something." Jay agrees, finding solace in the salt air and the break from everyday life.
The Cost of Passion
And this is the part most people miss: The hobby isn't cheap. "A good reel can cost $1,000 to $1,200. Rods run $200 to $600 each," Jay admits. However, for Ding, the cost is secondary. "Yes, it's expensive—but if it's your passion, it's worth it." Party boat trips cost around $85–$90 per person for eight hours, but the joy is priceless.
They even have a friendly competition with a $5 pool for the biggest catch. "I've won four times," Jay shares. The sport is evolving, with women joining the ranks. "Two Filipinas from the Bronx just started," Jay shares. "One of them is really good—she ties knots perfectly, has a GoPro, and she's very humble. A good angler knows how to tie knots so the line doesn't break."
Jay's most memorable catch? A tuna from the canyons off New Jersey, a 30-hour trip away from any cell signal. Ding's biggest catch was a 120-pound bluefin tuna. He points out that regulations are in place to ensure responsible fishing practices, including releasing large fish caught during the off-season. Safety is always the priority, and when the weather turns bad, they stay ashore.
Superstitions and Shared Experiences
They have their superstitions, like never turning over a fish for good luck. For Jay, fishing has taught him patience, and he knows the fish is fresh when his wife comments that it doesn't even smell when he fries the fillet at home. Ding reflects on the disagreements that can arise among anglers, but he chooses to focus on the joy of the experience. He loves fish, always has.
What do you think about the balance between the cost and the joy of fishing? Do you have any fishing stories to share? Let us know in the comments below!
