Big Fish

The early afternoon sky was clear above and slightly cloudy to the West. A soft breeze of about 5 mph blew out of the Southeast.

(See Chip land a Mahi Mahi in video below)

Brilliant blue waves with tiny white caps broke across the long reef in the Caribbean Sea and rolled toward shore just off Akumal Bay, Quintana Roo, Mexico. We have been assured it is a perfect day to fish.

Peggy and I, with Bob and Martha Steffen, have been helped onto the 26 foot, open hull fishing boat by Skipper Raoul and his mate Diego. The two expert fishermen tell us about their already successful day. We climb aboard the “Colorada,” and our new fishing buddies from Colorado consider the name a good omen.

Raoul sets a course South, parallel to the beach. Diego prepares colorful fringed fishing lures, baits them with footlong ballyhoo and sets four heavy duty, open reel rods ready for action. We four amateur fishers soak in the scene, take a few pictures, tell silly anecdotes, douse with sunscreen and avoid thinking about seasickness.

After an hour of eventless trolling Chip begins to lower expectations. They cast pesos into the sea for good luck.

“There are a lot of fish in the sea.”

“Everyday’s different out on the water.”

“Patience my friend. One never knows.”

Suddenly, Diego thumps his way to the rear of the boat, grabs a rod from its holder and starts yanking it back and forth. Colorado Bob is pushed toward the swivel fishing seat, given a belt with a holder for the rod base and is soon reeling like mad. Quickly he finds his rhythm.

Bob arcs the rod against a significant strain then dips it forward, shortening the distance between what’s on the hook and the boat. Diego stands beside him staring intently at the Sea through mirrored sunglasses. His bare feet pound the deck. We are frozen with excitement.

“It’s Mahi,” grins Diego as an enormous green and yellow fish breaks the frothy surface. Bob keeps reeling.

After about 10 minutes Bob pulls the fish to the side of the boat and Diego gaffes it smartly, then drops an enormous Mahi Mahi onto the glistening fiberglass deck. The crew, the passengers, all aboard except the giant fish are all smiles. Soon Chip catches another, much smaller one.

Later on the beach, word spreads quickly “…the Colorada has a big one!” Strangers in swimsuits gather, cameras capture the moment. Everyone is happy. The crew’s reputation has elevated a notch.

It’s a day that will last in our memory forever. Wanna join us for the next big catch? Come on down to Akumal where the fishing is fine in the clear blue Caribbean all year long.