mate in training

[Squidnation]

What a phenominal trip to Guatemala. I hope to post a complete report with pics by tomorrow but I wanted to share one of the many highlights of our trip. On the second day we had a young kid join us. He is basically a boat washers and gofer but on this day as we were tossing the lines I heard the captain say hop on. You could see him light up just a little bit. What he didn't know was that he was gonna be much more the a sandwicher maker and drink getter. Manuel wa able to gaff his first dophin. Remember your first dolphin? Remember your first fish? It surely was a treat to share this moment with a kid you had no idea he would even be fishing on that day. He also caught two sailfish and wired 3 or 4 sails. He was lucky to have a guy like LC who mates on the Release in Hatteras, NC as a trainer. Hand signals and gestures were able to cross the language barrier. The boy got a full days lesson from seasoned mate without an attitude. Here are some of the shots from Manuel's lists of first.

[frankypettolina]

great first step for the fellow. He will now be able to embark on a more lucrative career than alot of his family, I am sure. Who knows, one day we may see him with Hamlin or Brad Phillips.

[Squidnation]

Here are a few shots of his first dolphin. He actually needed a little convincing to grab the gaff. He was really afraid he was going to lose it. After some reassurance that it was OK he took the gaff and nailed a perfect shot.

[bigeasy]

There is not much more rewarding than teaching a person who is eager to learn.

I have met my share of mates who think they know it all. Many are unwilling to discuss any change in technique.

Show me the man who knows it all and you have identified the man who has ceased growing. He will be left behind as he deserves.

[HOLWACHAGOT]

Cool stuff. That is a big ole sailfish in the pic. Thanks for sharing.
Holwachagot

[Bite Me]

Now, there is a young fella that will remember that day for a long, long time!

Check out the head shot on the gaff. If you can gaff a dolphin, you can gaff anything.......This kid looking for work?

[RUGGERDUDE]

Great story and pics Bill! Those pictures with LC and the young fella are excellent.

[Seaker]

That's how first class fisherpersons are made...

AWESOME and good mojo to all for presenting him the opportunity

[MarlinHunter03]

That's awesome. The first couple of trips I took were on the Release back when I was 6 and DM was the mate (I think he ran or still runs the Sushi now?). Knowing Captain Rom and the mates he's had working on his boats I'm sure the kid learned a ton. Hell, I wish I'd been there looking over his shoulder!