JUST when you thought that winter had departed, it responds with a blast of cool air that brings a deluge of rain and gusty winds. Needless to say that put a damper on most of the fishing earlier this week. But not to worry though, the offshore scene is rapidly shaping up and a bit of stable weather will soon see the fleet trying their luck out on the briny.

Those of you who live in a time warp might want to be reminded that next weekend is the start of summer holiday weekend when the boat will be required albeit it for proceedings that primarily take place in near shore waters. This usually restricts the amount of fishing that occurs over the next couple of weeks but the really keen anglers will be getting their respective acts together and there should be lots of fishy stories circulating shortly.

There haven't been too many reports of what is happening on the inner bottom and reef areas, although the grey snappers should be starting to do their thing. A few casual anglers have worked the bottom with some success, catching coneys and barbers. Red hinds will please as well ¿ just remember that there is a daily bag limit of just ten fish per boat.

Returning to more sporting species, there are jacks around, both over the reef areas and in the inshore waters. Off the sandy shores, there are pompano (palometa) and bonefish just waiting for the shore anglers to take full advantage of an early season beach expedition. An alternative worth considering if the boat isn't quite ready yet.

Offshore, things are settling into the established pattern. Spring means trolling time and some good results are being had. The wahoo lead the hit parade with some boats managing double figures and very few not managing to catch a fish. The wahoo are of a nice size with 40 and 50-pounders quite common. Some larger fish in the 65-pound bracket have also been caught and, certainly for the amateur, it doesn't take too many of these to justify the effort.

The usual trolling techniques are paying off but it might just be worth thinking about carrying a small lure or even a daisy chain. Early on, there are sometimes some small mackerel which, while larger than "frigate" mackerel, still make a useful live bait. Double (or even treble) hooking the rig should give you a good chance at snagging a striking wahoo and a big bait often attracts bigger fish.

Speaking of bigger fish, there have been some really nice dolphin taken recently. These include fish in the better than 30-pound range and that is big for local dolphin. They are great light-tackle fish, usually put on a good show and offer great rewards in the galley.

So far, tuna, especially yellowfin tuna, remain scarce. A few larger fish have been caught but there haven't been any numbers seen. This makes the option of chumming for them a bit remote although that tactic might well pay off with certain other species such as bonita, rainbow runner and jacks. It is a bit early, but by hanging a bit shallow there should be some blackfin tuna around. They are a great light tackle species and can provide great sport on spinning gear as well. Just try using a surface popper. Cast it out into the chum line and retrieve it so that it chugs its way along, sending up spray and bubbles. If there are any blackfin in the area, they will almost immediately crash such an offering. Don't be too surprised to learn that rainbow runners and jacks will also hit such lures.

No blue marlin have been caught yet, but it is due to happen any day now. Most of the charter boats are dragging at least one large lure on heavy tackle when travelling across the Churn and, as soon as the word gets around that fish are being raised, expect the serious marlin hunters to put out the heavy gear and to increase the amount of time that they spend in the deep. Just let the wahoo bite ease off and this will become normal practice.

Something a bit unusual happened last week. A commercial fisherman was chumming off the Banks during the day in the hope of raising a few yellowfin when the action came from escolar. Escolar is normally a nocturnal species and has frequently been caught by anglers spending the night anchored off and fishing. They are a rather handsome fish, not unlike a wahoo but a bit heavier set through the body. They can attain a length of six feet or so, making them a sizable catch.

They are not considered a game fish although they do occur throughout the world in tropical and sub-tropical waters. They are akin to the snake mackerels which include the oil fish (Ruvettus species) which are also caught by night fishers here in Bermuda. They do, however, have a dubious food value. The meat looks absolutely gorgeous and an escolar steak is a thing of beauty. Unfortunately it will likely wreak havoc on your digestive system virtually assuring your confinement in the bathroom for a considerable period of time. To say that they give "you the trots" is putting it mildly.

The reason for this is that there are some heavy oils and fats that are nigh on indigestible and which are, almost literally, propelled through your guts. Not a very pleasant thought.

So, the take-home message is this: for some reason, there is an increased likelihood of ordinary day anglers catching n escolar. Chances are that many won't recognise the fish for what it is but, on cleaning it will discover that it looks very tempting. It may even taste good but if you do eat it don't plan on going anywhere for a while. You have been warned.

The sport fishing schedule slides into gear this weekend with the Bermuda Anglers Club hosting their first fun tournament of the season. The Blue Waters Anglers Club also stages the first round of an in-house tournament. The first is restricted to club members and guests while the latter is for members only.

Next week's holiday weekend sees the alternates for two tournaments postponed earlier this year. The Bermuda Fishing Clubs Annual tournament and the Sandys Boat Club tournament will be fished concurrently on Sunday May 25. Details and entry forms may be obtained from the organisers and tackle shops.

The weather should be alright this weekend and there can be no denying that the season has commenced. So, consider giving it a go and going in search of some Tight lines!!!