“Get the ax,” I called out, as the three of us started to haul the fish over the transom. Rory returned with the broken blade, and I took it from her as soon as the fish hit the deck. I paused for a second to admire the dolphin fish. During a fight, they are something to behold, as they reflect the mood of the fish during the fight, from a deep green when it relaxed to brilliant silvers and blues when it was excited. The fish slammed its body against the wood, its powerful form moving anything in its way. It slowed for a second, and I took a swing at its head but missed, splintering the deck boards with the broken blade. The fish sensed the blow and fought even harder now. The deck was slippery with blood from the flailing fish as I wound up to strike again, this time connecting.
We turned our attention to Blue, who stood at the rail with the slack line at his feet, a huge grin on his face as he played the fish. With one fish aboard the mood was lighter, and we enjoyed the battle and cheered for him. The fish jumped several times, taking the slack line from the deck as it ran, but Blue sensed its need and allowed it its head. Once the run was finished, he slowly regained the lost line. It took fifteen more minutes before the fish succumbed and floated belly up on the surface.
We hauled it aboard and exchanged grins at the fresh food we would have for dinner, and the future that lay ahead.
Tides of Fortune
What do you do when you’re labeled a pirate in the nineteenth century Caribbean?
Follow the adventures of young Captain Van Doren as he and his crew try to avoid the hangman’s noose. With their unique mix of skills, Nick and company roam the waters of the Caribbean looking for a safe haven to spend their wealth. But, the call “Sail on the horizon” often changes the best laid plans.