Captain Jeremy, Mate Santana, Tania and I met at 5:30 for breakfast at Coastal Azul Restaurant. Over breakfast we reviewed the day’s weather report and discussed our hopes of catching the Big One. We finished breakfast by 6:00 and headed out for Colon, crossing over the Panama Canal at the only location you can actually drive across. When we arrived at the Shelter Bay Marina (at 7:15) our excitement rose at the sight of the marina, our boat and the smell of the open ocean. Once the crew loaded the boat, we were off a little ahead of schedule (7:45). We set course for the 22.6 km trip to the Volcan Reef. The ocean was calm. The sky was lined with a few light clouds and we could see scattered rains on the horizon. But no worries. We moved through a little light rain for about four minutes and popped out to clear skies and sunshine between us and the reef. Our hopes were high as the weather looked great.
The Captain and Mate put in the lines and we began scanning the surface for action. We spotted birds working on the horizon. We know it would not be long before the reels sounded. Twenty minutes into fishing and we found ourselves watching a large pod of Spinner Dolphins. There were literally hundreds of them and, for a moment, we forgot our task while we watched the amazing acrobatic show. The Dolphins were hunting a herd of Tuna and we knew all we had to do was to stay in front of them and cross their path. As expected, three reels started screaming with Tuna on the line as they started their descent to the deep depths while the Captain and Mate were screaming, “Get the belt. Fish on”.
It didn’t take long to fill the boat with Tuna. So, as a team, we decided to change strategy and fish for some different species. We switched the wire and cable for Wahoo, Dorado and larger Bill Fish and prepared Ballyhoo for the switch bait tactic. We fished the normal routes as well as the west end of Volcan reef where two high peaks drop off to over a thousand feet with excellent currents and ledges that hold the fish well. We landed a couple of Wahoo and Blue Runners with anticipation growing of catching a Bill Fish.
At 4:00 we decided to head for the Lodge. High fives were in order along with cool adult beverages to stay hydrated. Although our day ended without a Marlin, the boat was full of a nice selection of edible fish and content and happy faces as we realized the day could of been worse.
We arrived at the Lodge an hour later greeted by the smiling faces of the Lodge staff. Chef Stan had prepared fresh smoke fish dip and tuna sushi appetizers along with a pitcher of pineapple daiquiris and ice cold beer for us to enjoy upon our arrival. Chef Stan joined us as we shared our fishing stories. The staff hung the fish we caught on the “Bragging Board” and photos were taken as we all watched from the Bar. After showering and cleaning up we enjoyed an incredible dinner prepared by Chef Stan. Then we made our way to the hammocks for after-dinner drinks, reflect on the day, make plans for tomorrow and enjoying quality time with my other half.
It was a great day!
Scutt Herrington
