He was just saying it so he could teach me. It's pride. [he takes off the hook and ties a potato to the string before casting out again]

He's never going to not be a Marine. [which is fine and fun, but he guesses Smokey has to remind himself sometimes]

I wonder if I'll see him again back home...

[it's just idle talking...he doesn't really want to know. But guesses he does or he might since Smoker thinks he should be stronger]