88 SEA FISH OF TRINIDAD 



as the Bocas fishermen call the rudder, with an experience 

 and dexterity learned from many tight comers. Now the 

 water round us at the point is commencing to simmer gently, 

 just as if it were beginning to feel the influence of some vast 

 subterranean fire, gradually increasing in ebullition, until 

 like some vast witch's cauldron "bubble-bubble, toil and 

 trouble," the ocean is one seething mass, like cane syrup, 

 which is reaching the sugar stage. A fresh roar on the 

 north. Half-turn and look ; you will see the waters of the 

 Caribbean, coming through the Monos Boca also full of life, 

 jimiping and boiling with enthusiasm to join in the general 

 hurly-burly. As far as the eye can reach, the surface of 

 the sea is crossed and criss-crossed with currents running 

 like express trains on gigantic iron roads, their surface being 

 smooth in comparison with the masses of ebullition they pass 

 through. The porpoises have ceased their gambols, and all 

 signs of fish life have disappeared for the present. During 

 the period of time the "remous" is passing, it is presumed 

 that all fish seek the bottom of the deep, where the currents 

 are not so perceptible, and remain there for some time until 

 the new rising tide has calmed down from its first rush. In 

 my experience, I have never had a bite, nor have I ever seen 

 a fish caught during the time the "remous" is passing, and I 

 have fished comparatively secluded spots, such as Balata, 

 Huevos — places to outward appearance very little affected 

 by it — but to no avail. 



The visitors to our shores who are lovers of the sea, 

 should assuredly, especially if they go down to the Bocas for 

 a time, not neglect the chance of seeing a spring-tide "re- 

 mous," as it will repay them ; and as I have previously stated, 

 I consider Pointe Baleine the best " pied a terre" for a general 

 prospect. I have great hopes in the near future that suit- 

 able accommodation will be provided for tourists on the East- 

 ern coast, between Manzanilla and Mayaro, but for the pres- 

 ent, at all events, they can only find suitable residences at 

 the islands of the Bocas. The angler will also be handicapped 

 on the Eastern coast, the surf rendering fishing almost im- 

 practicable, except during the months of July, August and 

 September. It is true he can get tarpon, black snapper, and 



