“I was shore fishing on the beach in Orange Beach City , AL near the State Park Pier the first week of August 2013. I started early in the morning, and it was about 10 a.m. when I landed a small sting ray. Being from Michigan, I was unfamiliar with the little guy – about 10-12″ diameter – and was concerned about being stung. He was hooked pretty good, and I thought ‘If I can’t easily dislodge it, I’ll rip it out.’
As this was unfolding, out of the corner of my eye I noticed people strolling by on the sand. I was standing in the swash. A family of five stopped: a mother, a father, a daughter about 12-15, another girl about 5-6, and a much younger boy near the sand. I remember the mother and older daughter were smiling. The father, who was very tall and thin, came very close and bent over my right shoulder as I tried to unhook the ray. I thought, ‘I can’t rip this out in front of others. It might freak them out.’ So I put very careful effort into it and succeeded. Just as I released the fish and turned to speak to the man, I found I was totally alone on the beach. There was NO ONE anywhere near me. Not for at least a 1/4 mile.
I wasn’t shocked or frightened, but actually chuckled. Later, I felt it was a message to be mindful that I am an ethical fisherman and respect the animals. As time has passed, I find it harder to believe it really was real and it is beginning to feel disturbing to me.”
See also “Real Anglers Share Fishing Ghost Stories“
Have you had a strange encounter on the beach? Share your story!
That is creepy. Perhaps some research into the beach itself can shed some light into this.
Great story! Thanks for sharing.
It is as though this entire encounter occurred to protect the little stingray from undue injury. The tall man was actually peering over your shoulder to watch how you dealt with the hook! Did your conscience create this “intervention”? At any rate, I’m so glad you removed the hook humanely. No reason for you to feel creepy about this event. Whatever it was, it was “all good”!!
Why do you find it harder to believe as time goes by? Don’t you trust your own judgement? Of course it bothers you, it was paranormal! But I’m glad it stopped you from hurting the ray! Rip it out, NEVER!!!!!! The ray did nothing to you. If it stung you after you hooked it, you deserved it. Shame on you. Hang up that fishing pole.
A spirit caring for a living animal. Maybe some type of test? Why would you not believe the experience as time goes on? It happened, don’t punish yourself with doubt. A some-what creepy experience, thanks for the share and keep making good choices.