The story follows Harry, a cynical drifter and small-time con man, who finds himself broke and stranded in a foggy seaside town. He befriends Old Jake, a crusty local fisherman known for wild stories and one strange habit: he never eats the fish he catches. Ever.

Jake speaks cryptically of the sea’s power, of “things that come back,” and of a curse that follows those who take more than they give. Harry laughs it off—until Jake dies suddenly, and Harry inherits his boat.