What the Sea Taught Me: Lessons from a Fisherman’s Daughter

Before I knew how to tie my shoes, I knew how to tie a line when my dad docked the boat. I was always drawn to the water and fishing life, whether it was casting off the bulkhead, chasing minnows in the shallows, or turning fishing lures into earrings. I’d spend hours at the dock or on the beach, salt-dried and sun-kissed, searching for sea life or just watching the waves.

Growing up the daughter of a fisherman didn’t just shape my summers, it shaped my spirit. The salt and the stories have stayed with me. I find myself returning to what I’ve lost connection with. To the sound of water lapping against the boat and gulls overhead. To the beauty in waiting. To the call of something simple and real, even if it comes with uncertainty.

Growing up in a coastal town, where in 6th grade it was a rite of passage to get your boaters license and having a dad with his Captain’s license, it was almost a guarantee to always have a connection to the waterways. Fishing and crabbing tournaments were a part of every summer and fall; helping to catch bait fish at night in the Spring was quality time spent with my dad. And I’m so thankful for all he and the sea have taught me.

Patience: There are days with no catch. You can wet your line all day long without so much as a nibble. You can view it as a waste of time as gas or view it as a blessing that you were able to get out on the water. There is waiting for the tide to come in or go out, knowing that you can near launch nor dock until the right time. There is learning to sit still and just wait.

Rhythm: There’s a time for everything- casting, reeling, resting. The tide comes and goes according to the moon, not our schedules.

Respect: For nature, for weather, for what’s bigger than you. You can’t stop that storm from coming in, you can’t control the wind, you can’t control the waves. You can only roll along and adapt in the moment.

Resourcefulness: Using what you have, fixing what breaks, being as ready as you can be. My dad could often be found using fishing clips to hold things together.

To Return: The sea and family always welcome you back. Like Moana said, “See the line where the sky meets the sea, it calls me”- I’m leaning into my love of the water and roots even more and sharing all of these things with my children.

If you are drawn to the sea, easy and intentional living, and passing along traditions…welcome to my coastal lifestyle blog, where you will find intentional coastal living, sea-to-table recipes and coastal home inspiration.

Stay Salty,

Tori