Tuesday 16th May 2006, SJDS, Nicaragua – SAILFISHING, SJDS, NICARAGUA

Having been desperate to try BIG fishing since our arrival in San Juan we were delighted when our friend Eric invited out on his friend’s boat to go catch some sailfish. Having only fished in lakes in the UK and Celina not having fished ever we were so excited about the prospect of catching our biggest fish! The five of us (Eric, Roberto - the boat owner & Richard) had been out on the water for about half and hour when Roberto got a bite on his line. Roberto struggled with the strength of the fish but got it under control nicely and whilst he was fighting to bring the fish in we often saw it jump out of the water and sail above it before entering the water again – it was so amazing to this huge fish jump out of the water so close to us knowing that we were reeling it in at the same time but as it all happened to fast we didn’t manage to catch those shots on film. Not long after Roberto and Richard were dragging the fish into the boat. This was when we realised just how big the fish was!

Roberto & Richard with the Sailfish

After our amazing catch we then went in search of some Dorado (Mahi Mahi). After a short amount of time we catch a 40 pound Dorado that actually unhooked itself and flew into our boat! As well as the two poles with bait on we also dropped into the sea a hook and line. There was no bait on the hook and the line was literally a piece of strong string! After catching this Dorado Celina started fiddling with the string hoping to attract some fish on to the line only to be rewarded with jeers from the men with their big rod and lines but it was soon Celina who was laughing when she caught her first ever fish – a huge 1 pound tuna!!!!

Celina and her first fish!

The men did not catch any big fish (although one more small tuna was caught on the hook and line) and Oliver did manage to get two bites but then lost them!

The day after our big fishing trip we went to Eric’s house for dinner to enjoy the fish we had caught with some good friends, food and wine.

Definitely the best fishing trip ever!