It was the last day of the year, and the morning greeted us with a promise of adventure. The sun rose gently over the ocean, painting the waves with hues of gold. Our guests for the day, Marcus and his girlfriend, arrived at the dock with warm smiles that set the tone for an incredible journey ahead. Our first destination was a spot known for Giant Trevally (GT). The conditions were serene, and the water shimmered invitingly under the morning light. Spirits were high as we cast our lines, brimming with optimism. Despite our best efforts, the GT remained elusive. Refusing to be discouraged, we decided to cover more ground, hoping for better luck elsewhere. As we moved to deeper waters, the day’s challenge became clear—the fish weren’t biting easily. Observing the calm waters, I, as the captain, decided to change strategy. We set our sights on the horizon, scanning for birds that could lead us to a school of tuna. After some time, even this proved fruitless. Undeterred, I consulted with local fishermen we encountered. I went for the ideal jigging spots. This shift in tactics proved to be the game-changer. As soon as Marcus dropped his jig to the bottom, he felt the thrilling tug of a strike. Excitement surged as he battled his first catch, a determined fighter that eventually escaped. Undaunted, he sent his jig back down and was rewarded with a beautiful 3kg grouper. The joy on his face was contagious. Not long after, Marcus reeled in a stunning Yellowspotted trevally about 6kg. His persistence and determination were paying off, and the thrill of the catch was palpable. We did lose a jig along the way, but by then, the smiles and laughter on board outweighed the loss. By the end of the trip, Marcus and his girlfriend were overjoyed. The day may not have gone exactly as planned, but the twists and turns made it all the more memorable. They appreciated every moment on the water and promised to return for another adventure. As the time passes, we sailed back to the dock, reflecting on a day filled with perseverance, camaraderie, and the magic of the ocean. Marcus and his girlfriend left with stories to tell, and we, too, were reminded of the unpredictable beauty of fishing—where every day holds the promise of something unforgettable. Here’s to more adventures and tight lines in the new year! ?