It's Not About the Fish
Though the object of pier fishing is obviously to catch a fish, it is not uncommon for fishermen to actually throw their fish back.
Maybe it's because pier fishing can offer a welcome escape from their hectic lives. "I go to chill more so than to fish," said pier fishing fan, Andrew.
For others, pier fishing represents the ultimate social networking activity. "You get to bond with your friends," said Wesley, 22, while sitting next a couple of his buddies on a Southern California pier. "When you're out there you have nothing to do but talk to each other."
But perhaps it's that pier fishing can teach the ultimate lesson in patience.
"Eventually you catch a fish," said San Diego pier mainstay, Dimitri. "And after a while you start catching bigger stuff. That's pier fishing."
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