Mouseover Image Try For The Big One
© 2009 - William C. Highsmith

Jim stood on the island beach as he had done countless times before. As he readied his tackle to 'try for the big one', he marveled at the beauty that stretched before him. There were many pieces of driftwood deposited on the beach by the prevailing winds, from some unknown source. Also, there were the gnarled remains of local trees bleached white by exposure to the elements.

It was the unknown source that intrigued him. Many were the times he had dreamed about what was over the horizon. He considered the mysteries which lay below the water's surface as well as the possible wonders beneath the sand under his feet. Just what if there was buried pirate treasure ?

Enough daydreaming; the surf on this particular beach is always good for some nice whiting or the occasional speckled trout or perhaps a beautiful redfish.

The party started with his first cast when he reeled in a good sized whiting. The fish were biting really good on this beautiful day on the island. Overhead, the jets' contrails marked the blue sky and the seagulls patrolled the beach looking for a tasty morsel.

Then it happened. It is normal on any fishing trip, now and then, for your line to be caught on something on the bottom. Often, one breaks the line in an attempt to dislodge the hook. This time, however, the fisherman could feel the hooked object began to move toward him. Cautiously, he kept reeling until he could see something at the end of his line. It appeared to be a bright looking object covered in seaweed. Maybe he hooked something from a sunken boat!

Carefully, he reached down and lifted the object from the water. It was a small brass bell!    Excitedly, he brushed the seaweed away and turned it over and along the edge was some writing.

It said, "MADE IN JAPAN."

By William C. Highsmith - December 8, 2009