Fish On!
20 January 2025
Allan Gray

Following a relaxing few days at Lee Stocking we decided to move a few miles down the coast and check out Black Cay. We were looking forward to have a chance to fish since this trip would once again take us out Aderley Cut for the 8 mile trip down the coast. While we waited for the favourable noon tide we decided to go for a leisurely morning kayak. Not only have we been disappointed in our fishing skills but, our ability to find legal size conch was nothing to write home about either. However, as we drifted along in the glassy water we quickly discovered that kayaking was an ideal way to hunt for conch. We happened to drift over an area where we had the pick of the litter. We took our time picking out a couple that would make a great conch salad and once White Bird had made their selections we headed back to the boats.
We have had great luck sailing this trip but today the wind gods weren't on our side. We hoisted anchor in a feeble 3 knot breeze that would eventually die out to nothing. However, this made timing the cut a little less crucial, although we encountered a strong adverse current the seas were calm. As soon as we crossed the 100 foot depth line the fishing lines were run out as we enjoyed a leisurely cruise to Black Cay. Suddenly Bev jumped up and said the rod moved; close inspection showed that something was on but there wasn't much pull on the line. Once in a while as the line was being retrieved there would be a strong tug then we saw a silver and blue flash. Bingo, Bev had caught her first tuna, not as big as we expected but it was a great start. Not only was it our lucky day but just as White Bird was pulling in their lines they caught a nice Wahoo. You guessed it, fish was definitely on the menu for the evening.
We have never stopped in this area before; there a few cays in a row where the wide cuts lead to deep anchorages and easily accessible beaches. However, the down side is the ocean swells from north east winds will roll through the anchorage. The first day here was great as we hiked and did some dinghy exploring, but as the wind shifted and increased the anchorage became quite uncomfortable after two days. The silver lining was it was a great wind for sailing south so as slack tide arrived we headed off for George Town. The forecasted 12-15 knot breeze was really 15-20 as we motored out the wide cut in building seas. We used most of our 55 horses while powering into the short steep waves, although we never buried the bow like WhiteBird we certainly gave the deck a good wash on the way out. As we cleared the cut and set sail for George Town the seas relaxed a bit resulting in a fast sporty sail to Conch Cut and the entrance to the Elizabeth Harbour.
We plan on spending a couple of days in George Town doing the usual, laundry, groceries, and preparing the boat for our next destination. The stop over here will also give us a chance to catch up with a few friends in the anchorage. Although there is always a lot to do in George Town being anchored amongst 180 plus boats is not our scene. Once the weather settles we'll be on our way again.
Today's picture is of yet another sunset with Dagny and WhiteBird resting peacefully.