Fishing for…..

On our way.....

the prize! And I got it…without catching a thing. Yes I managed to split the Female Angler prize in the Hungry Bay Fishing tournament because well…there were only two of us in the whole tournament.

Why? I don’t know. For some reason women don’t enter our tournament (the one hosted in the bay, Hungry Bay, where my family lives)

My father and family friend Peter who go out every year? No prizes, but they did get two fish so the day wasn’t a complete wash for them. But while they got to eat some beautiful fish I got to eat…ugh I didn’t want to eat at all.

What do I mean? Well let’s start with my day traveling by boat. For my day out I planned ahead.

1. I didn’t go out the night before.

2. I got up early enough to take stugeron (anti-seasick pills)

3. Ate some breakfast and had coffee to wake-up.

4. I wore a hat.

But I should have known as the sun rose above the boats on our way out of Hamilton Harbour that it was going to be a hot day. It was going to be hot day, it was going to be a rough day and I was going to get ill.

All was good on the way out. We escaped the harbour, went under Somerset Bridge, wandered down South Shore and found the entrance to Hungry Bay.

Anchoring wasn’t easy. But it had to be done to try to chum for the fish. Three times and I convinced my dad to wait and see if we moved. We didn’t . The anchor was down and we were free to fish.

I take credit for this.

My line went out first. It came in last. It didn’t catch a thing. But not all was lost. I wasn’t just a dead-weight on the boat.

My dad’s line went off. Fighting and fighting, the fish flew into the air, fighting and fight……it was a Barracuda. A big one.

The Robins circled the boat. Swarming left right and centre they were easy pickings to be used as bait fish and that’s what kept my dad busy.

Peter, a family friend, was also on the boat. His line brought in three Coneys and almost another barracuda until it saw the boat and gave him the shake.

Robins waiting for their turn as bait

The weather turned and grey clouds meandered onto the island and over our boat. Sun burn was replaced by goosebumps as we got belted with air juice.

Nothing was biting. I thought rain was supposed to help. My dad kept raising the issue of moving.

“Do you think we should get some of these Robins and start trolling? I think we should get going. We haven’t had anything in ages.”

“Yeah  but dad we’ve already spent hours chumming the water. I think if the Robins go we’ll get fish.”

His line went off. A four-pound Bonita was on the other end.

Peter’s line went-off soon afterwards. A five-pound Bonita answered his call. We were not going to get skunked (see previous post if confused).

But the day was catching-up with me. My well-planned attack on fishing was letting me down. I couldn’t speak. I sat in the bow of the boat. I tried to keep my eyes open. I fell asleep. I would roll awake. The waves were picking-up. Ugh I feel ill. There’s no way they’re going to take me in.

I’m done. I’m done with boating. I want to travel by land. I want to walk and nothing moves below me. I want to be able to get a glass of water without falling into something.

“Shall we call it a day?”

“YES!” is all I could say. Salvation. We got the anchor in and we headed for the breaking waves of the mouth of Hungry Bay and home…and solid land.

That might be enough boats for me ….until  tomorrow! Bring on the non-mariner’s race and check back here for traveling by non-boating mechanics. Or at least enjoying them with a Dark n Stormy.

Bermuda’s Cup Match continues.

Take Monday down, tell Tuesday to hurry….

and wait through Wednesday before…….Cup Match is a-coming.

What is Cup Match you ask (well obviously if you’re not from Bermuda)?

Well from today, most Bermudians and island residents will have today and one more workday before the biggest holiday of the year (bar Christmas on the island perhaps).

Thursday and Friday, not to mention Saturday and Sunday, will be devoted to: watching cricket, gamble at Crown and Anchor (which requires knowledge of shapes and the ability to put money on them), veg on the beach, head for the open water with our boats, and hang with family and friends.

What will I be doing? Good question. I’m hoping not to be skunked. What do I mean? Every Cup Match we have family friends who come down and then Thursday is the Hungry Bay (a tiny, beautiful outlet in the centre of the Island) fishing tournament.

This “exclusive” gaming event requires all boats to leave from the bay and return at 3 p.m. The poor fisherman who fails to land one fish receives a Skunk award. What does this include? A stuffed skunk and some backed beans (because you have no fish to eat of course!) and of course the right to multiple “big-fish-got-away” stories.

I have yet to find a boat for the tournament so I will probably safe from skunking. What are you doing this Cup Match??

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It will probably require toting towels, toddlers and all types of goodies for your days out. Why not make it fashionable with the bags from The Harbourmaster?

Kalencom by Amy Butler

Sheilagh Robertson, the owner of the Washington Mall (near the entrance off Washington Lane) shop offers these trendy totes and a few tips for Cup Match on this Harbourmaster Travel Tip Tuesday.

She says: “Cup Match is a time to let your hair down and have a little fun. The perfect time to splash out on a colourful tote in bright orange, snazzy stripes or blue florals.

Hadaki Blue!

“These totes make a fashion statement but are practical too with room for the bathing suit, sunblock, and water bottle.”

But what about the weather, Sheilagh?

“Whether you are going to the game, heading to the beach , or out on the water always make sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated . Water is much better than alcohol and sugary drinks.

“Apply lots of sunblock and wear a hat. Girls like to pose in skimpy tops at Cup Match but it doesn’t take long to get serious sunburn. Parents should be especially careful with children.”

And for those heading for the water remember:

“Water safety. For many Bermudians Cup Match is the only time people go in the water.

“While everyone likes to picnic on the beach I often observe parents or family members sitting in the shade while toddlers and very young children play in the water some distance away.

“Remember it only takes an instant for a young child to be knocked over by a wave or wander in too deep. If your child is in the water playing, you or a responsible adult  who can swim should be with them at all times.”

Finally: Pick-up your last-minute bags from The Harbourmaster in the Washington Mall, Hamilton, Have fun, Stay Safe and remember to check back to the blog while on Cup Match! I will be here updating!!!