Although New Englander Janet Messineo knew she was as capable as any man of catching and landing a huge fish, it took many terrifying nights alone on the beach in complete darkness, in search of a huge creature to pull out of the sea, for her to prove to herself and to the male-dominated fishing community that she could make her dream real. In this memoir, Messineo reflects on how her discovery of fishing helped her find her way in life and fit in with the Martha's Vineyard fishing community, and gave her a valuable skill to help her bond with her son.

"A tackle box full of fishing tips, memories, histories, taxidermy, and even recipes…. A chronicle of a life in fishing by an author who seems like good company."—Kirkus Reviews