“big fish” in Falmouth, Jamaica

I’d passed this fisherman’s spot a few times and mustered the courage to pull over one day. I told them I was writing a book about fishing and would like to essentially learn from them. As any quick-thinking Jamaican would, we agreed on a price (£50), and the deal was set—tomorrow at 5 AM. Damn, so early?!

As the sun began to rise over Falmouth, Jamaica, I found myself waking up early to embark on an adventure I had been eagerly anticipating, only slightly hungover from the night’s Wray and his Nephew’s concoctions.

I manoeuvred my non-agile self onto the wooden boat, and we set off. As we travelled along the Falmouth coastline, skimming across the waters of the Cayman Trench, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of tranquillity wash over me. The gentle rocking of the waves against the boat was soothing, and with the rhythmic hum of the engine, I started to drift off into the light sleep that had been chasing me. Just as that sleep and I we’re about to rock it out, I heard, “Pull! Pull!” from the captain! Adrenaline surged through me as I grabbed hold of the thick line, joining the other fishermen in a synchronised effort to reel in the catch. The excitement was palpable and sharpened my focus.

As we pulled, I could feel the strength of the fish on the other end; it felt like I was trying to pull in a truck! The line tugged and fought against us. This was not like any beach fishing I had experienced in the UK. Were all Jamaican fish this strong? The captain continued his onslaught of verbal orders, humorous and dark in nature, as only an indigenous language can do.

After what felt like an eternity, we finally brought the fish alongside the boat. As it broke the surface, I was awestruck by its stunning colours—the vibrant greens and blues of the mahi mahi shimmering in the morning light. It was a breathtaking sight, and in that moment, all the early morning fatigue faded away, replaced by a profound sense of accomplishment and connection to the ocean.

This fishing technique, which I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand, has deep historical roots in Jamaica. Fishermen have long utilised this method, involving hand-crafted lures and a pulley system, passed down through generations. It’s a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the local fishing community, adapting their practices while respecting the marine life of the Cayman Trench and the surrounding waters.

As we celebrated our catch, I couldn’t help but reflect on the rich history of fishing in this region. The Cayman Trench, known for its deep waters and diverse marine life, is a prime fishing ground that has sustained local communities for centuries. The fishermen’s knowledge of the sea, their techniques, and their commitment to sustainability are vital to preserving this tradition for future generations.

That day, I not only learned about the art of fishing but also experienced the thrill of being part of a community that deeply values its cultural heritage and connection to the ocean. My first fishing trip in Falmouth was more than just a fishing adventure; it was a journey into the heart of Jamaican tradition and a reminder of the beauty and power of nature.

If you’re ever in Falmouth, Jamaica, and want to have your own fishing experience, pull over at the fishermen’s spot and ask for Prince Akeem and Captain, and tell them Speech sent you!

black people and water - a little history

The history of black people in the UK is long and complex, and it is closely tied to the history of the British Empire and its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.

The presence of black individuals in Britain has been recorded as far back as Roman times, but the population remained relatively small until the 16th century. The advent of the transatlantic slave trade in the late 15th century led to a significant increase in the black population in Britain, although the majority of enslaved Africans were transported to colonies in the Americas.

In the 18th century, London, Bristol, and Liverpool became major slave-trading ports, and the wealth generated from the slave trade contributed significantly to the growth and development of these cities. Many of the grand buildings, docks, and warehouses in these cities were financed by the profits from the slave trade.

The docks in London, Bristol, and Liverpool would have been the site of much activity related to the slave trade. Ships would have been built and fitted out for slave voyages, and goods produced by enslaved people in the colonies, such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton, would have been unloaded and sold.

However, it's important to note that the enslaved Africans were generally not brought to Britain to be sold. Slavery was never formally recognized by English law, and in the late 18th century, a series of court cases effectively established that slavery did not exist in England.

The transatlantic slave trade was abolished in 1807, although slavery itself was not abolished in the British colonies until 1833. In the years following the abolition of the slave trade, the black population in Britain became more diverse, with new arrivals from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia.

Despite the dark history of the slave trade, black people in Britain have made significant contributions to British society and culture, and the struggle for racial equality continues to this day. The legacy of the slave trade and the role of cities like London, Bristol, and Liverpool in this trade is a topic of ongoing debate and discussion.

The history of Black people fishing in the UK isn't extensively documented or studied. This could be due in part to the fact that fishing has traditionally been seen as a predominantly white activity, and historical records often overlook the experiences and activities of marginalized communities.

However, in the UK, especially in coastal towns and cities, fishing has long been an integral part of life, and it's likely that Black communities would have also participated in fishing activities. In cities like Liverpool and Bristol, which have long-established Black communities due to their maritime histories, fishing could have been a part of life for some, be it for work, for sustenance, or for leisure.

In more recent years, there are growing efforts to diversify the sport of fishing and encourage more participation from Black and other minority ethnic communities. Organisations such as the Black Swimming Association are working to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in all water sports, including fishing.

While it's important to acknowledge the historical lack of diversity in fishing and other outdoor activities, it's also crucial to celebrate and encourage the growing participation of Black people and other minority groups in these activities today. The Black Fish community is making a step in thus direction.