SEA FISHING IN THE BOCAS ISLANDS 



15 



name. Here there is a narrow channel across the island, 

 through which the water enters from outside, navigable for 

 fishing boats at high tide when calm, with careful steering. 



Bdtiment-ecrasee. This bank is situated about half-way 

 between Balata and the northwestern point of Huevos 

 called " Pointe des Enfants." 



Des Enfants, about fifty yards before you reach the point, 

 near to the shore. Fine sport can be sometimes obtained 

 fishing under the lee of "Pointe des Enfants" with "ligne 

 dormante". It is advisable to have at least one hundred 

 fathoms of line, as there are large groupers and "pargues- 

 dent-chien" to be found here, necessitating skill in playing. 

 You can commence operations shortly after the tide begins 

 to rise. When leaving "Des Enfants" you can get out your 

 trolling line and go round the point to the Caribbean Sea 

 outside, it being a favourite locale for tarpon, cavalli, king- 

 fish, and in the season fine large mackerel. Going round the 

 north side of Huevos about a quarter mile from shore you 

 come to the following red snapper banks, all to be fished on 

 the falling tide : 



Loo Balata, a very deep bank, where you want plenty of 

 spare line and the currents are exceptionally strong. 



La Grenade, further again from the shore, the most out- 

 side of all. 



Banc VAhoo. Here you begin to take the turn to enterthe 

 Second Boca. This is a very large bank, and if the currents 

 are not too strong can be fished a la " Margaritan", which 

 means the boat can be allowed to drift a bit with the chance 

 of dropping into a school or shoal of fish. 



Parasol, near the Parasol, sometimes called the Umbrella 

 Rock, at the northwest entrance of the Second Boca on the 

 Huevos side. In the vicinity of the Parasol there are several 

 rocks where good fishing can be obtained a la "ligne dor- 

 mante." 



La Gran' Tante. There are two marks for this bank 

 about one hundred and fifty yards from the Huevos shore, 

 about the middle of the island. The currents here are ex- 

 ceptionally strong. If you strike this bank on a calm day 

 from half to full tide, you are Hkely to get fine sport. 



