Do not doubt that the fishing season is upon us. As each day goes by, so do opportunities for a day afloat with the fish cooperating reasonably well. The offshore effort continues to increase as conditions become more to the liking of the weekend warriors who have started to come out of their winter hibernation and decided to stop talking about going fishing and actually setting foot on a boat.

The reports from the pros have it that the main activity remains trolling with wahoo the assumed target species. Judging from observation and the tales that have been told, catches of between four and ten fish a day are pretty much the norm with the number six occurring on a fairly regular basis.

Although not to be scorned, some of the fish have been of the "lizard" variety, being luck to tip the scale at 15 pounds. Happily, there have also been enough fish in the trophy class to make the effort well worth the reward with some fish bettering the 70-pound mark.

There is no doubt that there are some tuna out there. A few have been caught by trollers but the directed chumming effort has been largely unsuccessful. Whether this is because the fish are scattered rather than concentrated in any particular locales or they are just not in the mood to please is unclear but continued summery conditions should see them settle down and this Bermudian art form will undoubtedly get results.

Small game fishing is also an option with mackerel, jacks, rainbow runners and robins all offering some diversion. With the relative lack of barracuda live baiting might well turn up a welcome surprise in the form of a hefty tuna or a wahoo. This happy state of affairs won't last forever and the barriers will show up and make a nuisance of themselves.

Bottom fishing still has its adherents although the sportsmen are usually more interested in the recognised game species. Although not particularly numerous, there is a nice class of red hinds that are being caught along with the coneys, barbers and other bottom dwellers. Amberjack and bonitas often take bottom-fished baits with a marked tendency to take those that are fished four or five feet above the bottom. That makes multiple hook rigs productive but because of the technique, catches are not eligible for entry in any IGFA-governed event. Still when fresh fish is required, that works.

The marlin season will probably be a mite late getting into the swing of things. This has nothing to do with the fish but with the logistics that are brought about by the biennial Newport to Bermuda Race. The race starts on the June 19 and the berths at the boat clubs will be given over to the racers. This means that some of the foreign marlin fleet will have to delay their arrival until space becomes available. Of course, there will be some that will have made special arrangements but it won't be until later in the month that the effort becomes concerted. Maybe in the meantime, the local fleet will be able to take advantage of whatever big blues take up residence in and around the Banks.

Now, to the weekend at hand. Monday is the much revered and well-celebrated May 24. Having its origins as the Queen's Birthday back when Queen Victoria was the Queen (she reigned from 1837-1901), then becoming Empire Day, later Commonwealth Day and finally Bermuda Day as it is now. Throughout this time, it has been considered by Bermudians to be the traditional start to the summer season. The logic (what little there was and is) was that the sea water had finally warmed up to the point where it was fashionable and comfortable enough to take a dip, notwithstanding the fact that it ran many a chill up many a spine.

As times changed and the Island became wealthier, pleasure boats became more numerous and this allowed for summer celebration sans sand and without having to cart all sorts of junk to the beach. So much easier to bring the boat alongside and to load the barbeque, coolers and the rest of the junk directly out of the car onto the boat. Just imagine what the contrast would be between the modern festivities and what would have taken place in the 1940's or 1950's. If you think Bermuda is another world these days, you would really be astounded.

Sticking with the here and now, given the favourable forecast weather conditions, the islands in the sound, Mangrove Bay and other sheltered spots will see various flotillas anchored up with summer revellers banging out the music, children splashing around and the smell of barbeque. Many a keen angler will find himself relegated to the role of cruise director in a paltry dozen feet of water instead of trolling the seemingly bottomless briny.

Not to mention the mad rush to get the boat ship-shape, fuelled up and loaded down with the gear that goes with picnicking and that will have to taken ashore before the boat can be returned to piscatorial pursuits. A bit of a chore but all good clean fun!

Having given this weekend over to other leisurely pursuits, the competitive fishing action returns again next Sunday May 30 with the BFCAT and Sandys Boat Club tournaments making use of their alternate dates. Angling club members should probably try to touch base with their respective organisations in order to ensure that these events go off without a hitch. More casual sportsmen who wish to take part in the Sandys event should contact the club to effect an entry.

Slightly further ahead is the first of the major local tournaments with June 6 the appointed day for the Bacardi Rum Tournament. Entries can be made now and should be done in advance of the deadline. It is barely two weeks away and time does indeed fly when you are having fun.

Those who keep track of such things should know that, although quite unlikely given that there were 38 teams entered, the 2010 IGFA Offshore World Championship at Baja, Mexico was won by the Mexican team that won it in 2009. Back to back winning performances is nothing short of outstanding. A Bahamian team came second with an American team taking third place. The billfishing was a bit on the slow side and the Bermuda team of Danny Fox, Bobby Rego, John Domanic and George B. Sowers, Jr. could only muster up a total of 600 points for a 15th place finish. It's a real shame when you have all that talent and skill but fish and luck combine to prevent them coming up with the requisite Tight lines!!