Fishing Report #30
September 15 – 22, 2024
Welcome to the Caribbean
Despite the millennia in which the Maya were settled in these lands of the Yucatan Peninsula, and even today they are still present, I have not been able to find any legend or story that makes a clear reference to or has as its central theme the Palometas, Permits or Ojonas. The Maya did not have a specific name recorded for permit (palometa), as many of their descriptions of fauna have not come down to us in their entirety. However, the Maya used to name fish based on their physical characteristics or behavior, and fish in general were very important in their culture, both for food and for their cosmovision. So, this time, my reader friend, I propose that we let our imagination run wild and create a story about the Permit from the Mayan vision.
The word “ojonas”, which in Spanish refers to someone with big eyes, could be translated into Yucatec Maya using the concept that describes that physical characteristic. In Yucatec Maya, the word for “eye” is “ich”. To say “big”, the term “nohoch” is used. So, a possible translation of “ojonas” would be something like “nohoch ich”, which would literally translate as “big eyes”.
In ancient times, when the Mayan gods still walked among men, the great Itzamná, lord of the sky and the waters, decided to create a special creature to inhabit the crystalline waters of the Caribbean. This fish was to be agile and strong, capable of defying both predators and fishermen, to teach men patience and perseverance.
Itzamná then formed the permit, “nohoch ich”, endowing it with shiny fins that reflected the sunlight like mirrors. He gave it a shrewd intelligence and a free spirit. The Mayan fishermen, upon seeing it for the first time, admired it for its beauty and its ability to move gracefully among the currents, but they also realized that catching it would be no easy task.
Days, weeks passed, and none of the fishermen from the nearby villages managed to catch “nohoch ich”. Frustrated, they began to offer offerings to the god Itzamná, asking for his guidance. It was then that a young man named K’an, of patient spirit and clear mind, decided to try his luck. Instead of rushing, he observed the movements of “nohoch ich”, her hunting patterns, her hiding places, and respected her.
One night, in a dream, Itzamná appeared before K’an and told him: “The fish you seek is more than prey, it is a symbol of your connection to the natural world. If you wish to capture it, you must first understand its freedom and learn to flow like the waters around it.”
K’an awoke with a new understanding. He spent several days meditating by the sea, connecting with the forces that guided the cycle of aquatic life. And it was then, when he finally cast his line into the water, that without hesitation “nohoch ich” took the bait, but not in anger or struggle, but as a test of mutual respect.
Upon returning to the village with “nohoch ich”, K’an was not only celebrated as a great fisherman, but also as someone who had learned the lesson of nature. The “nohoch ich” has since become a symbol of wisdom and patience, and Mayan fishermen would tell the story of K’an and the permit as a reminder that everything in life requires balance, respect and, above all, time.
So this week we could say that Sabrina and Jeff, Carl, Ivar, Don and Bob were the most worthy representatives of our fictional character, K’an.
FISHING
Light easterly winds woke us up and brought with them some isolated clouds that seemed to wander aimlessly throughout the day. The excess of fresh water that had been with us for most of the previous week was now just a memory, and life in the bay seemed to be celebrating. Don, wisely taking advantage of his opportunities, managed to land more than a couple of Permit. Bob, for his part, did the same and also accompanied it with a Grand Slam. The rest of the group had constant action during the day with this species, with chances and shots throughout the day.
Tuesday was a great day with excellent weather, where light winds continued to be the constant and the clouds seemed to be non-existent. Again, our anglers took these excellent conditions as a sign from Itzamná, and paying tribute to his generosity, they did not miss the opportunities. Don, for example, landed a couple more “nohoch ich”. Ivar, just over par, Carl also added a Permit to the scoreboard, and Bob, for his part, added a couple more pars and, to continue his streak of accomplishments, added another Grand Slam.
Tuesday night for Wednesday showed us a supermoon that was a spectacle none of us missed, and even brought with it a partial eclipse, but that wasn’t the only thing it brought. It also left an extraordinarily high tide for what is normal for the bay. This excess water seemed to be what all the species were waiting for and activity was frenetic. Ivar added a few more Permit to the scoreboard, as did Carl, with a double including. Bob also added another pair of Ojonas and, not to be outdone, another Grand Slam.
Thursday’s weather was similar to the previous days, with some isolated light showers that did not affect the day’s fishing. The supermoon continued to provide us with unusually high tides and activity in the bay remained frenetic. Everyone strictly applied the phrase “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade” and nonchalantly went after the “nohoch ich” again. Sabrina, Jeff, Don, Ivar and Carl added a few more pairs to the scoreboard.
Friday’s day brought light northerly winds and some clouds that made it just a little difficult to see on the bay. With this change in conditions, finding the Ojonas became a bit more difficult, but Ivar and Carl still managed to add to their score for the week.
The arrival of dawn on the last day of fishing was like an injection of strength for the already tired arms of our fishermen, and they all started their way to the bay with the intention of repaying Itzamná’s generosity in the best way they know how: catching more fish and not skimping on their offerings. Ivar and Carl delivered two Super Grand Slams, including a double of permit, while Don, Bob and Jeff all landed a Grand Slam. What better end to the week could you ask for?
Without a doubt, we had a dream week, in the top three of the best weeks this season. Catches aside, the experience shared with this incredible group of people far surpasses all the Permit and other species caught in our entire season.
WEATHER
Winds were light throughout the week, with speeds never exceeding 10 mph. What did vary was their direction, starting from the east, rotating to the southeast mid-week and then to the north towards the end of the week.
The tide, due to the action of the super moon, was unusually high during the last three days of the week.
Rainfall was practically nil, except for a few isolated and brief showers.
FLIES
Excuse me: Whoever first said “Classics never die” was probably thinking of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but it’s perfectly applicable to the ESB Yellow Eyes Raghead, White House and Flexo flies.
Tarpon and Snook: Although snook haven’t been seen much these past weeks, they didn’t turn down white, red and green baitfish imitations. Tarpon performed similarly, except in rocky or dark bottom waters, where purple and black remain the best choice.
Bonefish: Shrimp and small crabs continue to get the job done.
See you next week with a new report and do not hesitate to contact our friends at The Fly Shop® so they can tell you first-hand what life is like in Espiritu Santo Bay, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve (which means “Where the sky begins”, in the Mayan language).
Taak ulak k’iin and Ka xi’ik teech utsil
(See you later and good luck! in Mayan language)
Martin Ferreyra Gonzalez and the entire ESB Family
800-669-3474 | 530-222-3555 | travel@theflyshop.com | ESB Lodge
