by Steve “Tuna” Tornovish
“Leave me alone, I’m just carrying on an old family tradition…” these sardonic lyrics from the Hank Williams Jr. classic 1979 song Family Tradition still punch hard after all these years. Hank Jr. didn’t have an easy road. He had to climb past the enormous shadow of his dad, a man who had died when Jr. was only three years old. But climb he did. Hank Jr. developed his own style and sound. He lived his own life. And yes, he’s always been proud of his father and what the original Hank Williams had left for him. Both men have become true American country music icons.
My wife Beth and I recently escaped the island to go see Hank Jr. in concert. We travelled up to Gilford, NH in the beautiful lakes region. I’m not sure that our summer guests fully comprehend what a chore it is for an islander to get away for a day or two, particularly in-season. Boat, rental car, hotel, boat, someone to care for our doggie, transportation in and out of town—it’s a lot, I tell ya! But it was certainly worth it. Neither of us sat down for a minute from the moment the 77-year-old Bocephus hit the stage. Hank played a great electric guitar. He played some fiddle as well. At one point, Hank took over the piano and described how he learned the boogie-woogie style from both Fats Domino and Jerry Lee Lewis. And finally, Hank Jr. sat there alone at center stage with his acoustic guitar and absolutely crushed his biggest hit, A Country Boy Can Survive. It was an amazing night and well worth the summer travel aggravation.
I’ve recently seen a family tradition being carried on here on the beaches of Great Point. My dear friend and Nantucket High School classmate Dave Small has been taking some well-deserved time off from his role as a pharmacist at Nantucket Cottage Hospital. He’s been fishing up a storm with his brother Tommy and Dave’s son, Ryan. Ryan’s daughter Liliana (age 12) and his son Owen (age 10) are often out there as well. It’s a beautiful thing to see three generations of the Small family fishing together!
Dave and Tommy have certainly been taking care of business while out there.The current August Blues Nantucket tournament leaderboard shows Tommy Small in second place in the beach fishing contest, with a score of 94 total inches, just .25 inches behind some guy named Tedy Bruschi. Tom also holds the top position for the biggest bluefish caught from the beach so far with his 33.5-inch beast. And there’s David in third place with 87.25 inches for his best three bluefish. Yes indeed, those Small brothers are representing!
Ryan has been doing his part to carry on the family tradition as well. He carved his name into the August Blues leaderboard this week by catching the first beach bonito. Ryan told me, “We were here from August 9th. I fished hard. I wanted to sit down, I wanted to take a break, but I kept casting. My mind and body are on empty after this week. And look at the memories we made!”
Memories indeed! Twelve-year-old Liliana decided it was time to add her name to the list of contenders when she beached a 28.75 inch bluefish. This catch put her atop of the junior beach anglers seeking their place on the new John Robinson (John from Maine) award! If Liliana’s beast of a bluefish holds up throughout the month, her name will be engraved on the plaque awarded to the junior beach fisher with the biggest bluefish. And she will win a new surfcasting rod and reel donated by a certain local beach fishing guide (hint, hint!).
One of the best things about the Small family takeover of the beach fishing side of this tournament is that Dave and Tommy’s parents, Ozzie and Nanette Small, get to enjoy this memorable run with them. Ryan, Dave, and Tom all expressed great pride in going to see Ozzie and Nan to fill them in on how they’re doing. I assure you that these three fishers (four, when we add Liliana into the mix) could not be any prouder! Tommy said, “Dad (Ozzie) is very proud, especially of Dave and I sandwiching Tedy (Bruschi) on the big fish board.”
Yes, the fishing has been tough. But the Small crew has been persistent. “We joke that you’re bound to catch a fish every 3,000 casts or so!” said Tommy. “My best day came when I hooked up with the leader bluefish. It was a miserable day, windy and rainy. I was alone and had the whole beach to myself. Caught a bunch of big blues!”
There’s still about two weeks left in this awesome fishing tournament. Tedy Bruschi still holds a precarious lead in the Three Strikes beach category (longest three bluefish). Tommy and Dave vie to catch him every day. Ryan and his crew had to head back to their home in Newington CT, having made their mark on the leaderboard. I caught up with Ryan as his crew settled in for their Steamship ride home. He told me, “I saw Tedy downtown when we were going to the boat. Don’t let him win (again!) He’s already got three Super Bowl rings!”
The Small family certainly is carrying on a family tradition. And it’s wonderful. Meanwhile, the August Blues battle rages on! Grab a kid and take them fishing. You might change a life!
Steve “Tuna” Tornovish is a Nantucket native who has spent his life fishing from the beaches of his beloved island. He loves to introduce clients to the joy of fishing with his Nantucket Island Fishing Adventures: stevetuna.com
