Tony is a fisherman. His dad was a fisherman and his dad's dad was a fisherman and so on as far as the line could be traced. He lives on an island in a house on a slope above the town with a nice view of the bay. He built the house with his own hands.
Tony was born on the island but didn't always live there. He was still a baby when the war reached the island, and his family – along with many others – was evacuated from the island to Italy and later on to Egypt where they spent many months in refugee camps.
When the war was over and they were allowed to return, there was no time for education. Tony learned to read and write but never finished any school. He worked hard on the family vineyards and learned the fishermen's trade from the elders. But he wasn't happy with that kind of life. He married young and soon took his wife and baby daughter to Australia where he intended to make enough money to return home, build a house and buy a boat. In Australia he took on any job he could get, including fishing and masonry. After ten years he managed to earn enough to return home with his family, larger by a boy, and he built the house and bought the boat and raised his children on his native island. He was happy setting out to sea, working with nets, long lines, lobster pots... the catch earning him enough for a comfortable living.
Tony is long retired but he still dreams about fishing. He sold his boat a few years ago, soon after his wife's death, and has regretted his decision ever since. Sometimes he goes out to sea on board other fishermen's boats to help them and share his experience – and make some money along the way. But his strength and stamina are not what they used to be and he finds the job increasingly difficult.
Tony now fishes in a different world. His prey does not live in the sea. Summer brings unlimited supply of tourists and there's always a female around looking for a fleeting romance. Tony seems to know which bite to use to catch his prey. And he can seldom be seen alone.
