Life can be rough for a world-class competitor in fishing. Flash Higgins didn't get to the pinnacle of the fishing world without plenty of trial and tribulation. This incredible athlete drills for five grueling sessions three times each year, followed by the usual homework for someone in eleventh grade.
Two years ago, he broke his heart in three places. But this didn't stop him. He seems even more determined to excel at his sport.
"I was really down when I broke my heart, and then my yak died. I literally lost heart, and it showed in my funny bone. It took fourteen lifetimes to get back in shape. But to win at fishing is what I've been working for all my life, and I just had to pull myself up by my sari and forget about Gabriel, my yak."
Doc, his main squeeze, moved with him to Jersey City to be with his coach, leaving behind his mother, Helga, in their archaic wigwam, where she still labors as a tour guide to help pay for Flash's expensive training.