In our last blog we wrote about catching our FIRST fish in the Bahamas--a beautiful mutton snapper which provided us with two wonderful meals. But little did we know that a mere 7 days later we would’ve experienced more fish in one week that we would normally be involved with in a YEAR back home.
Upon returning to Boat Harbour from Lynyard Cay on Tuesday after our wonderful weekend “away,” we were surprised to find everyone talking about the big RMHYC Fishing Tournament scheduled for the next day. Having just arrived back to our slip after a very active few days “out and about,” we were in no mood to head off again so soon after that last adventure--electing instead to shower, do some laundry and lounge around the pool after after bridge, bocci and mahjong. Early the next morning however we were awakened by sounds of the “fleet” going out for fish. Boats were filled with groups of fisher men and women along with all the appropriate “gear” necessary to lure in the “big ones.” And promptly at 4:00pm they were all back once again with boatloads of fish. There were prizes for the biggest one, the most fish, different “types” of fish, and the weirdest catch.
The filleting of the fish began at the “fish station” as soon as the first of the yachts were tied up back in their slip and its catch off-loaded. Shortly after that the partying and eating began with the entire club invited for a BBQ “fish-tasting” event at the picnic tables set up under the palms. All we had to do was show up with drinks and a side dish to share. This was no “fish-tasting” event--but a full-out fish eating orgy! One boat had brought in more than 70 fish! Another, just over 20--and that was just TWO of the boats!
And we’re talking BIG fish here. Fish was fried, grilled, battered and sauteed. There were thick slabs of fish and small coconut covered pieces. There was “sushi” fish and sauces galore and more crackers, dips and hor d’oeuvres than you could shake a stick at. And it was all absolutely delicious! I never knew fish could taste SO good. It’s a treat Vince and I somehow missed out on over the past 60 plus years. But we’re certainly making up for it now. We went to bed full of fish that night--almost too uncomfortable to sleep due to our gluttony. But very happy. And I thought that would be the end of the “fish stories” for some time to come. Wrong!
Two days later Vince came rushing back to our boat urging me to “put the book down and get over to the fish weighing station Linda--you’re not going to believe your eyes!.
Once up and onto the dock I could see people from everywhere heading the same way.
Two young women on one of the sport fishing boats had caught a HUMONGOUS tuna!!
It took more than 2 hours to fight the fish into submission. But it was too heavy and they were two exhausted to bring it on board. Four men from a neighbouring yacht who were following the action, swam over to lend a hand. And with everyone’s help it was finally hauled onto their yacht. THIS FISH WEIGHED IN AT 672lbs.!! The Bahamians said there had never been a tuna that size caught in these waters since the 1970’s. The experienced fishermen said it would bring $10,000. at market prices. But it never went to market. After everyone took lots of pictures, the girls that brought that fish in donated it to the workers at the Abaco Resort/Restaurant and to us cruisers at Boat Harbour! And so we ended up with even MORE fish! It took several hours and some very heavy duty equipment to fillet that baby with Vince and I following the entire process in horror-struck fascination. After the major “players” and resort workers all had huge sections of tuna, we cruisers--with freezer bags and coolers in hand--lined up for our share. We received a big 3” thick slab of tuna steak which we put on ice immediately. Once again it was fish for dinner with lots leftover for a future meal. At this point we are all “fished out.” Been there, done that. Tomorrow we leave on an outing with 30 other RMHYC members aboard a yacht from Grand Bend (of all places) called “Tourelou” for the weekly pig roast at Great Guana Cay. Aside from the fun we expect to have with the other cruisers, I’m also looking forward to something other than FISH to eat for a change!
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