Tales from the Edge: Brighter Days Ahead

By Chris Jobes

It seemed like one of the longest and coldest winters we have had in a long time.

We went bluefin hunting on Jan. 2. There was little wind but it was quite chilly and we hunted all over the inshore grounds and saw some fish, but couldn’t get a bite. It was a great way to end the season, though, getting a quick trip in January.

The next day I was off to Guatemala for some fishing at Casa Vieja – highly recommended.  I estimate it would be around $5,000 per person, travel and tips included. Worth every penny given what you will see and catch. 

After that, the doldrums set in with some of the most consistent and coldest weather in a long time. I went to check the boat one February morning when it was below 20 degrees with a stiff 20-plus, gusting to 40.  I got to the marina to find that one of our stern lines had broken at the cleat – it must have been a sharp edge and the constant tugging that finally took its toll. Thankfully, Jimmy was home and able to come help me. We tied her down tight, replacing the one and adding double lines. Boy was that cold but nothing a hot bowl of clam chowder at the Lobster House didn’t cure. 

Slow forward (not fast forward … didn’t happen that way)