If you look closely above, you can see little boats circling Shag Rock – there’s lots out there because the recreational, three-week food fishery has begun. People out here in the the Wonderful World of Whiteway have been looking forward to this chance to fish for weeks – nearly everyone with a boat, or with a friend with a boat, will be out to catch their 5 fish limit, I’d say. There’s certainly lots more activity on our bay, as I’m sure there is across the island.
Of course, we went out with friend and neighbour, Alf, who also, of course, helped me pick out all the gear we needed. We also brought some guests out – including an 8-month pregnant woman. I’d had to drive out to St. John’s earlier to pick them up, since they’d had a hard time getting a car rental (note to future guests: make sure to book yours early, and feel free to let us know if you’re having trouble!). We filleted the fish for them, too. What can I say – I like to be a good host, and I like to fillet fish!
Lying in bed Sunday morning and hearing all the activity offshore certainly brought back memories, and I’m sure it would for anyone in my generation. I remember when Torbay (my hometown) was covered with “The Little Boats of Newfoundland” and you could virtually walk across the bay going from boat to boat. You could hear the “putt-putt” of the single cylinder engines early in the morning as almost everyone in the town was involved in the fishery. That has all changed now, of course, but this morning was reflective of days gone by. It made me feel very grateful to be living near the water, so I could experience the excitement again. 
And clearly Joe Friday could barely contain his excitement either!