After leaving Black Point, we went a very short distance to Isaac Bay.  It is virtually disserted.  There was one other boat quite a ways away.  We went snorkeling and saw lots of reef fish.  There were Lion Fish that look like flowers, but are very poisonous.  It was a great spot to hang out and do nothing…and we’re getting very good at doing nothing…and it’s time consuming!  At night, the stars went all the way to the horizon.  We went for a walk on our own private beach…see the pictures.

The next day, we decided to make a run on the Exuma Sound side.  When travelling in the Exumas, you eventually need to get out on the Sound to make it to Georgetown.  The Sound, unlike the Bank, is very deep.  About a half mile offshore you are in 1,500+ ft. of water…very blue.

In order to get on the Sound, you must go through a “cut”.  There are several and each has its own issues…depth, width, current, rocks, etc.  They are usually rough and require some planning.  We chose Galliot Cut between Big Farmers Cay and Cave Cay.  It looked pretty good as we passed so…we went.  Once through the cut, it gets better, but the cut has some sizable waves. 

We had a 21 mile run to get to Emerald Bay on Great Exuma Island.  We were right on the shelf of the deep water so Steve decided it was time to do some real fishing.  Well, this is where it gets interesting.  About 30 minutes out, we hooked a Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi, not the mammal).  These fish are bright blue, green, and yellow, plus they taste great.  Well, this one was between 2-3 ft. and about 50 ft. behind the boat, he jumped and spit the hook out.

About 30 minutes later, we pulled in a 1 ½ ft. King Mackerel, and we threw him back.  About 30 minutes later, we brought in a 2 ft. Barracuda, and we threw him back.  Then came the BIG ONE.  We had a huge hit on the starboard rod.  The drag was running very fast.  Steve tightened the drag and set the hook perfectly.  In a couple of minutes, he started jumping.  WOW, it was a huge dolphin!  It was all Steve could do to hold on to the rod.  Kim timed the event at 45 minutes.  This guy (it was a bull) was strong, and wasn’t wearing down.  We finally got him to the back of the boat (the previous three times he saw the boat he took off for another 20-30 yards).  Steve then started to hand line him so he could grab the leader and then gaff the big guy.  He was at least 4 ft., a real monster.  Enough fillets to feed an army.  Just when Steve was grabbing for the leader, the fish snapped the line.  While Steve didn’t get the fish, he got his hips totally bruised from holding the rod base against his body.  The big fish won the battle!  Oh well, there are other fish in the sea…but we really wanted this one.  There are a couple of pictures of the fish, but he’s a little deep.  The colors are visible, however.

I’m sure we’ll have more “fish stories”

Steve and Kim

PS: Check out the new underwater shots of the Lion Fish on the "Underwater Pics" page.