text: Touted as the greatest fishing month in the Riviera Maya, May is the ideal time to take a trip out and test your strength against some of the fiercest fighters in the sea. As a prelude to all of this excitement, Sac-Be took a trip with the Carlos, from La Cueva del Pescador. He and his brother Edgar (a.k.a. Gordo) have been fishing these waters for well over the last decade and were eager to kick off the season a little early with us!
  We arrived at La Cueva at about 9:00 a.m., and everything was already prepared. We were escorted to a boat where tackle, bait, and a cooler with soft drinks and water had been stashed neatly aboard. If you would like a few cervezas while out on the water, you are welcome to B.Y.O.B. and a cooler can be provided.
  Since I am extremely new to this whole ‘fishing-thing’, Carlos took a bit of time to explain to me what I could expect. He touched on how the poles work, what an outrigger and a downrigger were and their functions, what sort of bait we would use, and what to do when and if I landed a fish. I have to admit, the prospect of fighting - using a pole and a reel - against a swimming muscle-bound animal in its own environment, was a bit enticing!
  After our briefing, we were off. We motored out of the cut and began looking for the tell-tale signs of fish. Carlos pointed to a bird way off in the distance that was diving into the water. This frigate was hunting the same sorts of fish we were seeking, so as we got into deeper water, we caste all the lines and cruised in the diving bird’s direction. It was an extraordinarily glorious day to be out in a boat: flat, clam, clear and sunny… absolutely perfect!
  We devoured the stories Carlos told of past battles fought between man and fish upon the very panga boat in which we were riding… epic adventures detailing the gruesome hours of struggle and strain, where the only factor attributing to a WIN was who had more patience and more perseverance. I did experience my own fight with a barracuda, and though not quite so long and drawn out as a war waged with a Blue Marlin, I found it amazing how hard a fish can fight. It was exhilarating when my rival was finally brought in and the battle decided. Whew!
  Various other battles were fought, some won and some lost, during the three hours we were out, however our stomachs called us home. ‘Hook It and Cook It’ is the motto of La Cueva del Pescador, and there is no better ending to a day spent fishing than having your catch transformed into a delicious meal with no work involved on your part. We sat and enjoyed some beers with Carlos, Gordo and a few other friends; all the while, the chef was handling everything. Life doesn’t get much better…
  During THE BIGGEST fishing months on the coast, when the best fighters and the tastiest fish are running (Mahi Mahi, Marlin, Sailfish, and Wahoo), your chances of hooking a choice fish are at their best. Stop by and schedule your trip at La Cueva del Pescador. Also available is the classic Robinson Crusoe trip which is an all-day excursion of fishing and snorkeling while your catch is prepared for you a beach of choice. All the trips are fantastic and the results are scrumptious! Be sure to tell them Sac-Be sent you.