Quick Update. Friday 15 August 2014
Tashi Delek
Mike & Carol Kefford
Fri 15 Aug 2014 17:23
the most exciting news. We not only caught but then landed and have eaten a
fish!!!!!! Woo hoo. After losing yet another lure to the big Mahi Mahi a
couple of days ago Carol had constructed another ensemble of pink plastic
squid like thing on a hook with a weight, some wire and then the line onto a
green plastic spool. Said spool is then attached to the boat with a short
piece of rope that is 'snubbed' by a piece of exercise elastic that one or
other of us was given by a physiotherapist at some point in the hope that we
would use it to strengthen some failing joint or other.
This ensemble has been altered, adjusted and regularly tweaked by taking
advice from other considerably more successful fisherfolk although that
advice varies so much it can simply confuse. Some are very precise about
what combination of stuff is required and which lure for what conditions and
boat speed. Others are very relaxed and sling any old thing over the side
and seem to catch something. Laurie and the guys on Moana Roa don't even
use fishing line anymore but find that venetian blind cord works very well!
Because we are travelling fairly slowly, ie less than 4 knots, we didn't
think the fish would take much notice because the lure is travelling slowly
enough for them to take a look at it and go 'Nah, if you think I'm falling
for that lump of plastic,,,.....'
We were in the middle of reducing the mainsail for the night and therefore
surrounded by lines and with quite a lot to do before we had everything
sorted out and functioning when ... ping... rattle, rattle... Carol looked
round in time to see a Mahi Mahi leap out of the water so we knew what we
had. However we couldn't do much about it without sorting the sails out
first, clearing the decks and getting the stuff out that we needed to deal
with the fish. The Mahi Mahi was therefore simply towed for about ten
minutes with both of us expecting it to leap off the hook as others have
done. It was still there however so we set about bringing it in. Carol did
the bringing in while Mike got set up for the gaff and landing. This time,
with Mike clipped on, we opened up the seat at the back of the boat and so
had a gap to pull it through into the cockpit.
Gaff at the ready and fish giving it every twist and turn it could Carol got
its head out of the water and, in the end just swung it on board over the
swimming platform and into the cockpit where Mike rugby tackled it to keep
it under control. We tried the various tactics such as spraying alcohol
into its gills and covering its eyes to calm it down but in the end it came
down to Mikes rugby skills to keep the thrashing under control otherwise
lives could be lost. We had learnt from experience not to take the hook out
until it had died so Carol all the while is keeping the tension on the line.
Eventually we were able to cut it's spinal cord and kill it. Much as we
wanted to catch a fish this bit is difficult because a Mahi Mahi is an
amazingly beautiful, brightly coloured fish that turns plain silver as it
dies. So we felt a bit sad. But only a bit because the mushroom risotto
for supper was now plain risotto with stir fried veg and fish fried in
butter and olive oil served with lime. Depending on the sea state we may
finally try a little sushi but if it is too rolly for the faffing about
involved then cerviche, curry or simply grilled will keep us fed very well
for a few meals yet.
We are so pleased with ourselves and as soon as we had it under control
Carol radio'd Moana Roa who had travelled close by for about 24 hours to
share the good news. Our spectacular and consistent failure to catch
anything was well known among the fleet who had regularly supplied us with
fish from their excess catches. Moana Roa had caught nothing today although
Adina reported landing a Wahooo and Moxie 2 Mahi Mahi and a Sail fish. Wow.
Photographs will follow.
Otherwise, all is very well. We have not needed the engine for more than 24
hours and are able to sail comfortably. According to the latest weather
forecast we still do not want to arrive in Palmerston before Saturday so we
now have the sails reefed right down to stay slow.