Fishing combines quiet contemplation with an alert awareness of the world around you, and it does so far more safely than attempts to drive with one’s eyes closed. Savor the sport of philosophers and size-exaggerators with today's Groupon, which gets you an open-water fishing trip from the Island Current Fleet on City Island. Ace anglers can challenge their seafood-plucking prowess and beginners receive rigging, netting, and fish-cleaning tips from the crew of aquatic veterans. Rods, reels, bait, tackle, and boats are included, so fishermen need only bring sandwiches and drinks. Reserve your spot on one of six different casting quests:

• For $30, you get an eight-hour blackfish trip (a $65 value). Track notorious bait-stealing masterminds whose tough flesh works well in stews or as roofing shingles.
  Expeditions run through December 20, departing at 8 a.m.

• For $45, you get a 12-hour marathon blackfish trip (a $95 value). Experienced lure-launchers will get four extra hours to visit rare reefs and wrecks as they pursue the cunning chowder candidates lurking therein. The season is over, but sign up to go next November.

• For $45, you get a 13-hour wreckfish trip (a $95 value). This challenging excursion hits the 17 Fathoms, South Reef, and Shrewsbury Grounds sites, famous hotbeds for pescetarian partying. Expeditions run through December 20, departing at 5 a.m.

• For $30, you get a six-hour night-fishing trip (a $65 value). Capture predatory bluefish and striped bass using special nighttime tactics that eliminate the need for bulky, infrared scuba masks or cumbersome sleeping-bag swimsuits.
  Expeditions start April 15, departing at 8 p.m.

• For $30, you get an eight-hour jumbo-flounder trip (a $65 value). Nab flat, flakey shallow-water denizens during an excellent tenderfoot voyage through warm spring waters.
  Expeditions start April 1, departing at 8 a.m.

• For $30, you get a six-hour jumbo-porgy trip (a $65 value). Land nets full of Gershwin's favorite reef citizen, a versatile main course that tastes great baked, broiled, or grilled.
  Expeditions start May 15, departure time TBD.