Deep Sea Fishing
On Saturday I finally got to go deep sea fishing! We woke up at 5am, headed out the door at 6am, and made it to Port Canaveral at 7am. Found our Captain and the First Mate and boarded the 28' boat.
It was a beautiful, sunny day. It wasn't too bad when we started moving. It really felt great on our way out in the morning because we were in the shade of the cabin and the wind was whipping in our faces. I only felt like I was going to puke once, which was amazing. Luckily, I didn't puke and I managed to down a couple more dramamine and a couple of pretzels. Fresh moving air does wonders for queasiness.
We were probably about 18 miles offshore. I'm not sure exactly though, except for the first time we stopped, the Captain said we were about 14 miles out. Then we went out another 1.5 miles, and then we moved out again, but I am not sure how far.
The first fish was mine. A big barracuda that bitch-slapped me with his tail when the first mate held him up for picture time. It was hard reeling him in, but was so much fun.
The second one was Bill's King Mackerel. Unfortunately, all that was hauled up on the boat was the head since something got to it first before he pulled it all the way in. His was about 200 yards out.
We took turns reeling them in. I caught a Barracuda, and two King Mackerels. Bill caught two King Mackerels and a Bonita. The barracuda was released, the mackerel head was "released", and the Bonita was kept by the Captain (I guess).
I think this is the bonita:
Here we are, at the end of the fishing day with our remaining catch:
As if all this wasn't eventful enough, we were stopped by the Coast Guard. I think it was because we crossed into an off-limits zone and it was a launch day (Discovery Shuttle). For about 10 minutes we were under scrutiny by the United States Coast Guard. Our boat was boarded by 3 men in full gear. We were finally sent on our merry way, and thank goodness too, because it was damned hot and the wind felt so good when we were really moving.
All in all, I had a fabulous time, and hope we get to do it again. I asked if they ever get yellow-fin tuna, and the mate said yes, but they have to go out about 70 to 100 miles. Yikes. Thanks to my dear Bill for this wonderful day, it's one for the books!
-- Addendum --
Okay, apparently I needed to do some research before I went fishing, because I think the fish (bonita) that the Captain said was "awful to eat" was an aku. Anyone? Is Bonita the same as Bonito the same as aku??? UGH. I am so mad.
