Deep Sea. Big Fish!

Did you know you can do even more on the ocean than just sail and kayak? Did you know that some food actually lives in the water before it shows up on your plate? Well, these are things I learned when my humans told me all about their recent fishing trip.

For Christmas, human mom and dad set up a deep-sea fishing adventure for Elijah and Penelope. Even though mom and I sat this one out, we heard all about it from the others. I loved hearing their stories and am THRILLED to share them with you.

My family got really lucky because their fishing tour was with someone they already knew. So, it mostly felt like spending the day with a friend on a boat while learning from their expertise. Before getting on the boat, my humans packed the essentials: water, snacks, and sunscreen. They also had the brilliant idea of taking motion sickness pills (just in case... smart humans).

Right after stepping on board, Elijah noticed the live fish bait (well...it was live at the start). The bait was kept in a special container built into the boat. Elijah scooped a fish up (after making sure it was okay), said it felt really cool, and (admittedly) used it to mildly scare his sister before returning it safely to the tank.

Once everyone was settled, the boat zoomed off at an impressive speed into the big blue ocean to find more bait. When that didn’t happen quickly, they started trolling. For those of you who don’t know, trolling is when you drag lures behind the boat as it moves forward, in hopes of catching fish.

At first, there were no bites. But honestly, my humans didn’t seem too concerned. Between the splashing waves, the ocean breeze, and the excitement of being out there together, they were having a pleasant time. Plus, Elijah and Penelope got to drive the boat!!

Eventually, the fishing rods popped up. That meant something was on the line! Since Elijah was closest, he jumped into action, reeling with all his might...but just before the fish made it in, it slipped off the hook. Sneaky little swimmer. Apparently, this was a more common occurrence than one might think. Elijah tried. Penelope tried. They even teamed up. Still, the fish just kept getting away.

From what I can tell, fishing requires a lot of patience and persistence. Luckily, my family is capable of both those things, especially when enjoying good company on a boat with an open breeze. As time passed, there was another bite. This time, human dad stepped in. He reeled and reeled and reeled… using what I imagine was very impressive strength.

And then—there it was. A HUGE fish. Almost as big as me.

Now, I’ve heard that with a fish story, the fish gets bigger every time someone tells the story. So naturally, when they told me this story, I said, “Sure. Where’s the proof?” But then they showed me the picture...and I have to admit...it really WAS a big fish!! And one with very sharp teeth.

Dad had reeled in a Barracuda! 

According to the captain it might have been almost 18 pounds! Even though it was a biggie, Barracuda aren’t good for eating. They can make you pretty sick. So, my family tossed it back into the ocean.

They kept boating for a bit and then, after some time, they got another bite! Penelope and Elijah sprang into action, but the fish was very strong, so they called for backup. Once again dad stepped in and the three of them reeled the fish all the way in. It was...

...another barracuda. 

So, they had to toss it back and fish some more. At this point, I might have started questioning the whole activity. But my humans? They stayed hopeful. They switched to stationary fishing. Still no luck. So, they went back to trolling.

And then...it happened!!

A tug on the line.

They were ready!

The line tugged (they were used to that by now), the poll by Elijah was wiggling, so he started reeling it in!  He soon called for backup, and his sister came to help! Together they reeled the fish all the way in. Finally, they caught a fish they could keep! Because of their patience, persistence, and teamwork, they had a yellow jack!

After that catch and knowing they’d been out a long time, they decided to call it a day. They headed back to shore where the captain filleted the fish for them to take home.  

The fish was the main course for their Easter dinner, alongside homemade mango salsa (made by mom, of course—she’s clever like that), roasted veggies, and other tasty things. Rumor had they were going to share some of the fish with me but forgot. I want to be mad, but the homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in lieu of fish was an acceptable apology. Plus, they told me they plan to fish again. Maybe next time, they'll remember to share!