“Everyone who catches a fish is happy, and this brings me joy,” said Capt. Dave Monti. Here Walt Galloway (with tautog), David Hansen (black sea bass) and Gerald Pesch (cod) caught three species when fishing off Newport, R.I., thanks in part to the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

During the holiday season I often reflect and write about fishing and how it brings me joy. I am very fortunate. I fish a lot on my own, and I am a charter captain and get to take people fishing, sharing the joy of fishing with others. And, when I am not fishing, I am writing about the fish or advocating for them. No doubt I am blessed.

Here are ten reasons why and how fishing brings me (and other fishermen) joy.

1. First, I am thankful for the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Under the act and its reauthorizations, over 40 fish stocks have been rebuilt. It brings me great joy, as many of these rebuilt species we fish for in the Northeast, such as summer flounder (fluke), striped bass, tautog, black sea bass, Atlantic menhaden, bluefish and many others.
2. When the sun rises on the water and I am going fishing, it warms my soul no matter if it is hot or cold outside. This brings me great joy.
3. It brings me joy when I cast my lure and a striped bass hits it with all the force of nature.
4. Fishing brings me joy when I am trolling and I hear the rapid click, click, click of my reel and know a fish is on.
5. When I see the water, when I step on a dock or on my vessel, my heart is filled with joy.
6. When the sun sets on the water it brings me joy, too, as I know God’s work is done for the day. I am thankful for the small or large catch that day.
7. I see the schools of fish, the water boiling with bait, the seals, dolphin and whales… they all bring me great joy.
8. I must admit, I am hooked on the adrenaline rush, my heart beats fast and I am filled with joy when I realize a fish is near and I may catch it.
9. When I clean the catch I am filled with respect for nature and the fish caught. I am thankful for the food that has come my way and filled with joy that I am going home with fish.
10. When I take pictures of people who have caught fish on my boat, they are always smiling. This brings me great joy. My home and office walls are filled with these trophies.

I am an advocate for the fish and the sea for a very selfish reason. I do not want anyone to steal the joy that fish and fishing brings me.