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March 14, 2008 -- The river known as the Rio Grande in the United States is known in Mexico as the Rio Bravo. With headwaters in the mountains of Colorado, the river becomes the international boundary where it meets El Paso. More than half (1,254 miles) of the border shared by the two countries is defined by this river.

Despite its humble breadth, it has long been a dangerous crossing point for those looking for passage into the United States. The mouth of the river, where it empties into the Gulf of Mexico, attracts local families, tourists, birdwatchers, and recreational fishermen. It is also a source of livelihood for a small but constant group of subsistence fisherman who return to this spot almost daily.

Bill, Wally and Rod are retired and migrate to southeast Texas each year to escape harsh Minnesota winters and to fish on the last stretch of Texas coastline, north of the Mexican border. They fish with surfcasting rods and note that the fish don't bite like they used to.

Almost within casting distance of where Bill, Wally and Rod spend their winter mornings, three young men also fish, albeit with throw nets and with a greater degree of success. They fish as a means of survival, but also speak of the lightness of being that comes with spending time by the sea.

According to some locals, the regional fishing industry is deteriorating because of overfishing and the use of commercial nets. For those that are retired, the collapse of local fish populations is regrettable, but for those subsisting on their catch, the future may be more daunting.