Corpusfishing.com

[Capt. Billy L. Sandifer]

I needed cheering up so I really enjoyed reading the post about me wearing the NPS uniform. Your are correct, Brother Mike Singleterry, I weigh 180 pounds and I've never weighed over 169 in my life. It's probably due to lack of charters/work and the fact that the 28th. of June will be 2 years since I quit smoking. HOWEVER; I did swim towing a kayak 1,000 yards last week while wearing stingray boots (short version) in the open surf and will invite you to an arm wrestling match. Ha. To those who don't know it Mike and I grew up together and I love him to death. Last year was my worst year ever as a guide financially and this one isn't doing any better. NPS at PINS Natural Resource Management realized they did not have appropriate bird and fisheries data and want to gather data for future generations. They realized I've been down there so long I was a natural for the job instead of trying to bring someone in from somewhere else and then having to train them. They found a legal way to hire me for 3 days a week for 2 months to work as a Biological Field Tech. to gather this data. That's all they can hire me for with me being the guide is 60 days. I worked 3 days and the phone started ringing off the hook with customers so I had to curtail this activity as this is the time of year I make whatever money I will make for the year as a guide. Once my charter business slows and time is available I'll work the remaining 57 days for NPS at 3 days a week. The data is important to the future well being of the eco-systgem of PINS that we all love so much and I enjoy doing the work. It gives me a chance to study aspects of the environment down there I have no time to study as a guide. Guiding on PINS to totally an act of love as there is no money in it. I just try to make enough to keep doing it and keep going down there and still keep food on the table and a roof over our heads. I hope to do it till I die. But trust me it's not like you probably think it is. Last week $263. broken leaf spring, one broken $460.Scott fly rod and my favorite spinning rod was broken. Currently I have a leaking gas tank and had to cancel all my charters till I can get it replaced. Gas tank on a suburban is a bear to get to and lots of work. Brother Repo is helping me out as I couldn't even find anyone who would take on the job. I have nothing to do with Law enforcement and no desire to tote a gun or get involved in anything but attempting to gather data on the creatures of Padre Island. I guess that includes me as I am a creature of Padre Island as are many of you. so it ain't the end of the world. I'll be 63 years old Thursday and that is a hell of a lot scarier than me in uniform. Not like it was the first time I ever wore the uniform of the United Sates of
America. Your Brother in the Sand. Billy
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If we don't leave any there won't be any.

[GoinCoastal]

I'm glad you found a way to supplement your income and be on the island at the same time, Billy! Good for YOU!

[threelegcoyote]

You don't need a gun Brother-Man, You can do more with words than most people can with a cannon. Must be a MAGNUM PEN you wield!
Ace
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Lord, help me be the person my dog thinks I am.

[Chef Lefty]

Keep doing the things you love. Everything else will work itself out. And thanks for your service to keep us free!!!!
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[frayed]

Billy PM sent.
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Jeff

Get Busy

[Capt Mike Singleterry]

Billy....let me know what I can do to help....

and for sure HOLD OUT FOR A BIGGER SHIRT..

Mike

[Carlos]

Put pen to paper and write about what you know. There are so many of us who would buy the book. Its about residual income. How many Plugger books have been sold.

On the other hand I am going to see if my bro in law and his boy are interested in a guided surf trip with Capt Billy this summer.

I am a master at feeding the surf fish and a flunky at catching them If you want to learn how to catch on the surf you go to the best.

[tbart]

If you can't get that tank fixed you let me know , I will help you out. My young daughters were cleaning up with you last year with oz and the young ranger. Tanks are no big deal to change.

[ehuntingdaddy]

Write a book, it would definately be a success.

[Fishbrains]

Aw heck, I thought someone got smart & put you in charge down there.

Well I'm glad you aren't giving up on guideing down on the surf, one day I hope to go again. The fish don't always bite, but the conversation is never dull with you.

[BaitBoy]

Billy,

Good for you!!! We're behind you all the way. Might as well get paid for what you have been doing all along. Bob is working on the AC for the 'burb, so hope to get it to you sooner rather than later, although it is already much later than we had planned. Needs a radio, though. The original got stolen a few years ago. How 'bout a marine radio?

[BALZTOWAL]

God Bless!

[Bluffer]

Thanks for the update. Enjoying what you do is the key to long term survival in any job!
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-STAY THIRSTY MY FRIENDS!-

[Big Jack]

Billy you really should write a book or memoir of your life and times on the island and how you learned what you know. The article about you in the CCCT left me wanting to know more. You have a unique perspective and it should be shared. maybe put a little bread on the table.
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"Charlie Don't Surf"

[Tyler]

Go get em Dad! Better order a larger shirt cuz Kelle and I are planning to take you and Joy out to dinner on your birthday and I can't afford to get sued for injuries cause by your park shirt button popping off and injuring someone.