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WE Jan 17-18 Wahoo, Snappers and V.A.T.
Assembled the "A" Team again for what was expected to be a blowout on Wahoo. Muttonman and son, the legendary Capt Kurt (aka Rodney) and me the "Driver" were well prepared to harvest our expected rewards. With a change in pressure, a recent cold front and another cold front forecasted for Sunday night, our anticipation was exceedingly high and well warranted. A 6 am shotgun start slowed us down as we navigated the LW Inlet with fog and a 3' short steep chop on top of a 4'-6' NE swell. We remained warm and dry inside the Cabo Express. After about 27 miles of rocking and rolling, and already thinking about the Sunday arrival of another cold front, the seas magically began to lay down and the sun shone thru the clouds for the rest of the day!
We breezed thru customs as usual and began to prep for the wahoo troll. We did ask about our friend Robby. He is still waiting for his surgery and in good spirits. We trolled and trolled, changed baits and speed, but unfortunately nothing happened. We didn't mark bait nor did we see any fliers. After about two hours we decided to make a change and fish for Queens and Yelloweyes. That was the best move of the day, thanks to the driver :-) Sunday was the day for the wahoo bite and all I can say is that the crew was really worn out. Anyway, back to the deep dropping. We immediately hooked up with Queens and Yellows in about 1000 ft. We used squid and frozen wahoo bellies. Within about an hour, we had enough for dinner and a few more for the home freezer. We then rigged up for the Mutton drift and were thoroughly pleased with the size of the Muttons that we hooked and landed. Of course the biggest one was sharked about 30' under the boat. Speaking of dinner, the restaurant did an incredible job of cooking our catch. The service was top notch and the Kaliks ice cold.
Now to the V.A.T. Most of you prob know this, but for those that don't be prepared for a 7.5% tax on just about everything that you will buy in the Bahamas. They call it a Value Added Tax, however the tax didn't add any value for us. As to my understanding, basically it is a sales tax that everyone who visits, or who lives in the Bahamas has to pay. The Bahamians didn't have a tax prior to this, so as expected they are upset as well. Hopefully the tax will improve the services and amenities for the Bahamians.
We breezed thru customs as usual and began to prep for the wahoo troll. We did ask about our friend Robby. He is still waiting for his surgery and in good spirits. We trolled and trolled, changed baits and speed, but unfortunately nothing happened. We didn't mark bait nor did we see any fliers. After about two hours we decided to make a change and fish for Queens and Yelloweyes. That was the best move of the day, thanks to the driver :-) Sunday was the day for the wahoo bite and all I can say is that the crew was really worn out. Anyway, back to the deep dropping. We immediately hooked up with Queens and Yellows in about 1000 ft. We used squid and frozen wahoo bellies. Within about an hour, we had enough for dinner and a few more for the home freezer. We then rigged up for the Mutton drift and were thoroughly pleased with the size of the Muttons that we hooked and landed. Of course the biggest one was sharked about 30' under the boat. Speaking of dinner, the restaurant did an incredible job of cooking our catch. The service was top notch and the Kaliks ice cold.
Now to the V.A.T. Most of you prob know this, but for those that don't be prepared for a 7.5% tax on just about everything that you will buy in the Bahamas. They call it a Value Added Tax, however the tax didn't add any value for us. As to my understanding, basically it is a sales tax that everyone who visits, or who lives in the Bahamas has to pay. The Bahamians didn't have a tax prior to this, so as expected they are upset as well. Hopefully the tax will improve the services and amenities for the Bahamians.
Great Harbor Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas
pm me for rental info.
pm me for rental info.
Replies
Thanks for the report, nice wahoo and that was a stud mutton that got sharked.
Unfortunately, according to the Dock Master, the VAT will soon be added to the fuel. On a good note, OBB has reduced the dockage rate to only $1.75 ft :-) They have some specials on room rates as well.
pm me for rental info.
Unbelievable.
Thanks again for the report
I think everyone knows where that money will go unfortunately.
Nice trip!
You know how new rule travel in the Islands, one island tax, next one none, $300 customs one place, 150 another.....and so on and so on...