3/21/2001 - 2002 3:07PM

The Site

Yes, we've finally changed. And about time, too.

This site began as simply a part of a personal webpage in 1996. In 1998, I seized the opportunity to turn the Hatteras surf-fishing part into a virtual domain. But what to call it? I had gone by the nickname of "Brocaca" for long enough. And I had shortened it to just plain "bro". One of my best friends has a site at www.fishmojo.com. I asked him what I should name it. He said, how about "fishbro." And it stuck. And for the most part (with only minor revisions), it has remained fairly static since.

But as we all know, one of the keys to keeping the browzer's attention is "change" - novelty, new content, new design (change is good). And so we present in all its glory (or not as the case may be) www.fishbro.com - v 3.1 (we skipped v 2.x altogether).

While retaining nearly all of the original content, v 3.1 recognizes that fishbro has come to be something more than just a "virtual fishing guide" to Cape Hatteras, NC. It has become something of an on-line "publishing house." Since the creation of fishbro.com, we have added "The Screaming Liver!", "The Alien Within!", and "SQUAT!", an outdoor magazine parody. Each of these will continue to be on-going projects with new episodes/articles/images added as available. But other projects are in the works now. And besides it's just plain time for a change.

Xarlos Fishbro encompasses/embodies a spirit - A spirit of universal brotherhood, balance and harmony - not just on the global level but within our individual selves as well. Many of us have forgotten why we enjoy fishing as much as we do. We have forgotten the peace and solitude of communicating with God and nature on a "one-to-one basis." We have forgotten the joy of surprise. And we have forgotten that the fish we catch are gifts to be treasured and not abused.

We gather our trucks at "The Point" or the inlet like so many "football tail-gate parties" - sometimes 3-deep! We stand asshole-to-elbow in a hundred yd. stretch, performing what has come to be referred to as the "conga-line" seeking elusive targets. But are we really fishing? Are we really enjoying nature in all her glory?

Fishing is not just an "activity." It is a way of life. We are ALL fishermen - to a greater or lesser extent. Every day brings us new and interesting adventures and lessons. It is up to us to accept them for what they are - gifts - be grateful for them, and incorporate the lessons into our lives.

Your Host

My name is Carl. But everyone knows me as either "fish", "bro", "fishbro" and/or "xarlos". You may call me anything you like except "late-for-dinner."

Although I grew up only three hours away from Cape Hatteras, I didn't start fishing there until 1979. It was idyllic. I'd walk over the dune, cast a line, and was grateful for whatever I caught. I'd see these 4X4s come back to the motels with much more than I was catching and stories of "blitzes" and I was taken by friends to places inaccessable by foot. I decided I had to do this.

And so I got a 4X4, rod and cooler racks, loaded up on high-end gear and joined the crowd. And in so doing, I lost the reasons why I enjoyed it so much to begin with. It became a "technical" thing. I'd study the winds and tides, the moon-phases and topology. I'd learn how to identify breaks and holes. And the more I studied, the less I caught! I'd forgotten what it was all about to begin with.

Recently, I have been going through some health concerns that have forced me to step back and remember what is really important. It's about spirit. It's about balance. It's about gratitude. It's about watching sunrises and sunsets and storm clouds building, and watching the shore birds and ghost crabs.

I hope y'all will enjoy the ALL NEW AND IMPROVED fishbro, and everything it stands for.

Our symbol

After considerable research, we have adopted a symbol. I can't say "create" because I didn't create any part of them. It is a combination of the "fish" symbol and the "yin and yang" symbol. Both of them are nearly as old as mankind.

We chose this symbol intentionally. It is a symbol of hope.