Pelican Moon

With force similar to the power of the water itself, something hit the line, wrenching it across Sethrum's hands. Beads of water jumped from taut line pointing into murky depths. While shooting downward, the line loosened from the shore.

"What have I hit now?" whispered Sethrum, partly in shock as he struggled to keep his hands from getting tangled in the slithering and rapidly descending line. "I can't catch a shark now," he told the dark, undulating water. "I don't want to get anything while I'm in this canoe. I'm just bringing out the bait."

Using the back of his arm, he wiped sweat from his forehead. His throat was dry and his nerves had flared making him feel tense; but he knew he was not going to let go of the line or cut it. Sure, he told himself disparagingly, wouldn't I be just the type to hold on to the line. I'm also the type to use a canoe to bring the line out far enough to catch a shark. Small sharks swim close to shore. Larger fish usually stay out farther. I like trying for the larger quests and something big just caught me. The shark has trapped me in this little canoe. Hooking a fish large enough to catch me is my ultimate fishing dream...or nightmare. Any person who likes to fish probably feels the same way. Such a once-in-a-lifetime chance has happened to me. I'm going to hold on and not let this thing go.

All possible line must have unwound from the reel, noted Sethrum. I can feel the pole being dragged through the water. I will pull my pole to the canoe then wind in the line. If I can get a fishing rod in my hands again, I can fish normally and have a greater chance to catch this powerful thing on the other end of my line. If I work the line carefully, I can tire the shark and guide it to shore. Fishing from a canoe was not my idea. I have something big on now and I'm not going to let it go. I'm supposed to only use the canoe to set the line. I'm sure though that this fish will soon get tired. I'll turn it to the north toward shore. I can clearly see lights on the land. In the other direction, there are lights from a few ships. Beneath me, there is a large shark. I must not get lost out here.

A burst of line shooting downward tugged against the canoe and brought a sheet of water splashing over the side. A quick release of line stabilized the craft while water swirled menacingly along the floor. Working rapidly, Seth used a bailing can to remove most of this water.

The hidden fish ended its powerful rush and commenced a steady, pulling movement, forcing the fragile craft to slice through the Gulf's calmly undulating surface. The sheen of moonlight divided to let the canoe pass. This craft was pulled steadily on a silver ocean.