Features | Waylon's Fishing Features Part One - Introduction | Part Two - Bait Collection | Part Three - The Wahoo | Part Four - The Tuna |
Part One - Introduction
Surrounded by the ocean, it is no surprise that commercial (on a miniscule scale) and recreational fishing plays a substantial role in life here on St Helena. It’s probably safe to assume that most St Helenians have either caught or seen a fish caught at least once in their lives. Needless to say, fishing is a part of our culture.
The commercial fishermen of St Helena fish exclusively using selective methods (pole & line, hand-line and rod & reel) with the only exception being for bait fish; here we use small dip nets. The small fleet (10 boats) comprises a mix of catamaran and mono-hull designs, all powered by diesel engines and averaging 30ft in length with a few exceptions.
The vessels operate on a daily basis, meaning all fish is caught, cleaned, iced and then handed over to the processing plant, all within a matter of hours, resulting in an excellent quality product. Fish can be landed as quickly as 30 minutes after being caught; the maximum time is around 10-12 hours. Occasionally a boat might decide to fish during a public holiday or such time when the processing plant is closed, the fish is caught and thoroughly iced and then landed the following day.
Born into a fishing family, it didn’t take me long to realise that this would also be my chosen career; 15 years on, since making the decision to become a fulltime fishermen it is with no hesitation that I declare, I hold no regrets. The basis of what I know today has naturally been passed down from my Dad (one of the most influential fishermen this island has known), but as any fisherman worth his salt will tell you, fishing is a continuous learning game. A good Skipper absorbs the knowledge passed down to him or her and inevitably evolves their own techniques and theories.
I’ve fished single handedly for the majority of my fishing career, it’s a strenuous way of life but my passion for the job makes it that much easier. I love to fish, even after all these years the sight of big Tuna’s freight training live baits still makes my heart race. Witnessing the majestic power and manoeuvrability of large pelagic fish is something I’ll never tire off.
Of course it’s not all fun and games, because fishing can be a most unforgiving mistress. When it’s good it’s good but when it’s bad; well let’s just say fishermen are not the best people to be around! It’s during lean times that one can really appreciate the importance of fish to the island. A staple part of the St. Helenian diet, the lack of fresh fish doesn’t go down well with the general public. I have always been amazed and touched by the genuine concern expressed by the public towards the well being of the local fishing industry when enduring prolonged fish shortages.
I’m often asked questions relating to my job, some of which can be quite comical simply because the person asking is a complete novice to the commercial fishing scene. It is with this in mind that I have taken the opportunity, through Clique4 to do a series of short features, targeting some of the topics that occasionally make the news but are very rarely elaborated on. Hopefully this will give you the viewer (those who are interested of course!) a better understanding of the daily activities onboard the boats of our small but dedicated fishing industry.
Until next week...
