Since the dawn of time, fishing has been at the mercy of the vagaries of the weather. Be it standing on a rain-swept, windswept riverbank watch a spate-swollen river surging its murky way downstream or a multimillion-dollar, sophisticated sportfishing fleet confined to the marina as a tropical system turns the Atlantic into a tumultuous, white-capped nightmare.

And it is no different in the here and now. With Gabrielle wreaking havoc on the eastern central Atlantic, two other tropical systems are feeding on the seasonally warm waters that surround this island and to the south, building up strength and organising into cyclonic systems which may or may not threaten various landmasses. Regardless of their respective paths, the pent-up energy of these magnificent natural systems can cause the oceans to flow and ebb as huge waves, the repercussions of which may travel for thousands of miles, and by doing so divert the paths of normal currents and create enormous riptide systems along many miles of shoreline far removed from the sources of this turmoil.

Such are all to be taken into consideration by the organisers of angling tournaments. What may be acceptable sea conditions for a 40-foot cabin cruiser might be beyond that of a 21-foot centre console. Likewise, there is an implied responsibility on the part of the organisers that suggests that the holding of a tournament is tantamount to saying that conditions are all right. Not true, of course, but then again seafaring capabilities vary widely, as does experience.

So, fingers crossed, the weather that has characterised the local area this past week continues long enough to let the Macallan Wahoo Tournament go off on Sunday. The success of any tournament relies on suitable weather and the co-operation of the fish. The latter is in no doubt, as there have been some fine specimens caught this week on any number of boats. The average size is up where it might be expected, approaching 40 pounds, and there are definitely a few lunkers out there. This type of tournament is usually won by a fish in the 65 to 75-pound range and might come from anywhere around the island and on virtually any method — be it chumming, trolling, live-baiting or casting. That is where the element of luck comes in. Experience helps, especially on the lighter line classes, but when it comes down to it, catching the right fish is simply a matter of being in the right place at the right time. A simple recipe, but one that can be very hard to fill.

Although there are other species out there, the main emphasis is on wahoo at this time of the year. Not only is it a great game fish, but it is an important food fish that is a staple on many local menus. As such, commercial operators look to take advantage of the autumnal run and to stockpile as many as they can into freezers for the months ahead when conditions make an offshore trip unlikely, but when the market will still demand local fish.

Leaving the deep and moving a little closer to land, the deep reef offers some excellent fishing for a rather unsung species. Important both commercially and as a sport fish, the yellowtail snapper has succeeded in keeping a low profile for a few years. Once so abundant that schools were caught in nets and then, more recently, a seasonal speciality, good numbers remain over the deeper reef areas.

A valuable food fish throughout its range, for many years, the yellowtail snapper would not be accepted for line-class records by the International Game Fish Association. The reason given for this refusal was the lack of size. With the average yellowtail throughout Florida and the Caribbean weighing between one and three pounds, this could be expected, but with continual lobbying from Bermuda enthusiasts and proof of individual specimens weighing more than ten pounds, in the 1990s the species was finally recognised. Unsurprisingly, Bermuda holds a majority of the records, with Challenger Bank featuring prominently.

Techniques for taking yellowtails vary, but primarily involve chumming with or without sand. There are those who insist on fouling up the boat with quantities of sand in order to get results, while others just toss chum overboard and eventually get a school of yellowtails to sit some distance behind the boat, taking every bait on offer. The key to successful yellowtailing seems to be the tide or current. A windward one will not meet with success.

At the present time, some of the lighter line classes remain vacant and several of the records are held by fish considerably smaller than the average Bermuda specimen. Without a doubt, there are opportunities to get into the record books here. So, an alternative to the deep blue briny for some.

This weekend could be the season’s swan song, as only the most dedicated anglers will persevere through the winter, taking advantage of the very occasional weekend when the weather will allow. With this knowledge and the competition that drives a tournament, anglers will be doing their utmost to ensure they have something to show for their Tight Lines!!!