Real Name: Tim Durham

 A.k.a.: Sinker

Personal Information and Occupation:

Knick Name: Sinker - (I fish better than I swim If ya know what I mean). One of five children. Now married to my lovely partner and best friend Beverly. Two beautifully cherished children Katherine and Keith. Have done many things (US Army, Police, Construction, Business Manager, Consultant, Business Owner, etc., etc.) but now I am a husband, father and the Owner/Operator of Get Bent Sportfishing LLC.

 Years Fishing:

35 plus years as of this writing. Not exactly sure. There have been breaks in between and have gone from salt to fresh and back due to location not to mention varied locations and oceans. Now I am fortunate enough to be able to fish both.

 First Memories of Fishing:

On a pier in Concord, California (not sure which one), my father took the whole family out to fish. My younger brother caught the biggest fish I had ever seen (at that time), I was hooked from then on - No If's, AND's, OR BUT's about it. I think it was a Striped Bass but am not sure. We made my dad clean it and my mom cooked it for dinner. All five of us kids thought that that was just TOO COOL...

 Favorites Piers:

Unfortunately it no longer exists. The Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station Pier. This pier was taken out by the El Nino storms of the 1980's. This pier was incredible, Halibut, Croaker, Bonito, Smelt, Queenfish, Bass, Rockfish, Perch, Sharks, Rays, Crabs, Lobsters, you name it this pier has pretty well seen it. This pier is where I learned the most about fishing, technique, presentation, knots, fish identification, proper and safe handling of fish (for myself and them), how to clean a fish, how to keep my area clean and safe - all this from my FATHER. We spent countless days and nights on that pier where he taught me what I now know and shared the secrets of life, listened to my problems and helped me make them better. Speaking of my Father, he too is an avid fisherman along with my brother. Did not see much of my Father as a child, as he was off fighting wars in foreign lands. When he came home he did everything for my mother and us children. He is my ROLE MODEL, MY BEST FRIEND and if I can become half the father he was to me, my children will be lucky. He and my mother have been married 48+ years (as of this writing) and are still going strong. I love them both very much and thank them from the bottom of my heart for all they have done.

So many, I guess like this:

LOOKS -         Dorado;

TO EAT -         Halibut;

TO BATTLE - LARGE Sharks

 Most Memorable Pier Fishing Trips:

Was on a freshwater dock in Lake George, NY. Took my young nephews who came out to visit fishing. We got into a mess of Smallmouth Bass that fought outstandingly, pulled line making the reels scream and jumping clear out of the water. Seeing the smiles and looks on their faces, the screams of laughter and excitement from them will be with me forever. Then they asked me something, "Can you clean them so we can eat them when we get home." Sounds familiar huh, just like with my dad. My one nephew was instantly hooked as well.

Words of Wisdom:

I fish because it is fun. I fish because I enjoy the freedom I feel from being exposed to the elements, and the vulnerability to the danger that is intrinsic with nature's forces and the creatures she possess.

I do not fish because it is fashionable to do so. I use a rod & reel, not wear it. My rod & reel is not a symbol of status. It exists simply for me and me alone. My rod & reel are not toys. It is an extension of my being, and I will treat it accordingly, with the same respect as I have for myself, my sport and nature.

I strive to understand the intricacies of my sport, from the most basic to the most complex. I learn everything I can about my sport, so that I am reliant upon no one but myself for the successes and failures I experience. I strive to constantly better my skill of control over my rod & reel. I will learn it's limits, and use my skill to become one with my rod & reel so that we may keep each other alive should the need arise. I am the master, it is my servant. Working together in harmony, we will become an invincible team and will rejoice in our successes and learn from our failures.

I do not fear death. I will, however, do all possible to avoid death prematurely. Fear is the enemy, not death. Fear on the water leads to death, therefore I will not let fear be my master. I will master it. My rod, reel and sport will outlive me. Therefore, they are my legacy. I will care for them for future fishermen to cherish as I have cherished them, whoever they may be.

I do not fish to gain attention or respect from those that do not fish, nor do I wish to intimidate or annoy them or my fellow fishermen. For those that do not want know me, all I wish from them is to ignore me. For those that desire to know me, I will share with them the truth of myself, so that they might understand me and others like me.

I will show respect to other fishermen more experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will learn from them all I can. However, if my respect is not acknowledged or appreciated then it shall end and they shall be cast aside. I will not show disrespect to other fishermen less experienced or knowledgeable than I am. I will teach them what I can. However, if they show me, my sport or my fellow fishermen disrespect they shall be discarded.

It will be my task to mentor new fishermen, that so desire, into the lifestyle and sport of fishing, so that the breed known as fishermen and fisherwomen shall continue. I shall instruct them, as I have been instructed by those before me. I shall preserve and honor the traditions of fishermen before, and will pass them on unaltered.

I will not judge other fishermen on their choice of rod, reel & tackle, their appearance, or their profession. I will judge them only on their conduct as fishermen.

I am proud of my accomplishments as a fisherman, though I will not flaunt them to others. If they ask, I will share them. I will stand ready to help any other fisherman that truly needs my help.

I will never ask another fisherman to do for me what I can do for myself.

I am a fisherman when and where-ever I go. I am proud to be a fisherman.

I fish to better understand myself, my sport, the lands in which I fish, and seek out and know other fishermen like me.