I was up uncharacteristically early this morning while the other two were still snoring like bears in their caves. The sun was shining and the cods were calling.
After breakfast and working through boat technical difficulties we loaded up the car and put the boat in the water.
I have more layers on than and onion and I have no idea what to expect. I’m not sure if we’ll be out for 20 minutes or 2 hours. I’ve got sunscreen and packed my bag full of snacks just in case this turns into an infamous “3 hour tour”.
The sun is shining and it’s crisp – but the game changer will be how the wind decides to blow. As soon as the winds get up, the white caps come out and we run the risk of becoming ‘sea chum’.
Undaunted, we head to the first spot and drop in. Peter and I are fishing and Ivan makes sure we don’t crash into rocks or disappear in the ocean.
After a quick demo, I’m feeling pretty good, despite not knowing what I’m doing. I thought it was the lure and heavy water pulling at my line, but apparently I had already caught a fish!
Unfortunately, (fortunately for him) he was too small and I had to put him back. Peter also caught some “Ugly Fish” which apparently we don’t eat either.
Ivan has a “Fish Finder” on his boat that is supposed to tell us when there are fish around, but we weren’t having much luck. I guess all the schools of fish were out for recess 🙄.
Finally, after having to throw at least 7 fishies back, I get a bite.
A BIG bite.
I’m struggling. It’s fighting. I’m screaming. They’re laughing and cheering. I’m reeling it in. The pole is bent in a semi circle. I’m laughing and my arm is severely cramping.
After what seems like hours my cod is finally by the side of the boat. I barely hooked its lip and it’s in danger of falling off. He’s wiggling and wobbling. I can’t hold my pole straight. I almost hit Ivan in the face with it.
Ivan cuts its throat and I’m super excited and sad at the same time. It’s thrashing around in the bucket “bleeding out”. I wonder if it can feel pain.
It’s a cod, cod world out there.
Watch me do it in real time: Abadass Goes Fishing!!!