The Joy of Fishing

On Sunday, we went fishing.  Or perhaps we went boating while bringing rods and bait. The weather on North Shore made up a bit more than anticipated, and actually catching fish of a size suitable to bring to shore proved to be beyond our admittedly novice skills.  But we had a great day nonetheless, and a few fish benefited from gobbling our bait.

Porgy Dreams

Don't confuse us with game fishermen - we have much more in common with the folks we saw casting hand lines off the rocks.  Our rods are the junior specials and the bait came frozen from the fuel dock.  

Wise women usually know that when their men disappear to go recreational fishing, it's often an excuse to spend some time with their mates and otherwise avoid their honey-do lists.  A catch is sought as evidence of their pure intent, but it is really about the camaraderie.  I've also had it suggested to me that the presence of women on boats ensures little or no catch.  A silly suspicion!  

Here's what I think my land-bound sisters (and many June to September boaters) are missing...

1. Fresh sea air.  Yes, bait and fish smell, well, fishy.  But not nearly as bad as nail polish or traffic fumes.  If it's not high summer, the smell is quite pleasant.  And you can sit upwind of it.  Draw in lungfuls of salt air.  It's much fresher than the yoga studio's.
2. Noise abatement.  Cellphones work inshore - but you can always use the excuse of poor reception to take a break from the wired world.  While boat motors are noisy, they are behind you and off when you are actually engaged in fishing.  Listening to the lap of waves and occasional bird call is super relaxing.  And the party boats aren't out in winter.
3. A different perspective.  I've always thought that Bermuda is much more interesting when viewed from the water.   Plus, a lot of moorings are empty before May - you can putter around the shoreline before coming home and learn quite a bit.
4. Friendliness of strangers.  Everyone waves and smiles around the water, with very few exceptions.   Those people are either uninitiated visitors or miserable.  Wave anyway.
5. Observation.  Bermudians are pokey.  While you are looking at them, they are most certainly checking you out.  While they wave.
6. Staycation.  Honestly, we often forget to enjoy for free what our overseas visitors pay dearly to experience for a few days.  The stress reduction benefits of a sunny day by the water are huge - and you don't have to get all sandy, or brave a bathing suit, or perspire.
7. Catch and release.   Unless you really enjoy cleaning and cooking fish, I recommend gifting the catch or sharing with someone who will appreciate it.  Or throw it back and let the circle of life work.
8. Self accomplishment.  You know that saying about 'teach a man to fish'.  Well, it feels pretty darn good to land or boat a fish and even more exciting to see it just under the water when it is magnified.  The source of all 'fish tales'.

So if you get a chance to get out on the water before May 24th or after Labour Day, take along a fishing line and hook and try your hand at jigging.  I have a friend who swears by chicken for snapper bait.

Lobster Tales

Spiny Lobster season will be over on March 31st; though the cooler water will have put off many of these divers by about mid-November.  This painting is called "Lobster Tales".  I've printed it on a long sleeve t-shirt that is perfect for boating or fishing and available on my website www.bermyurchins.com or at Hand Made Bermuda's shop in the Clocktower Mall at Dockyard.