As someone who loves a good adventure, when Ver mentioned that we should go fishing, I became curious and that’s how this story was born.
We finally planned to give it a shot. We set out to Elegushi Beach, a part of the Atlantic Coast in West Africa in the early hours of a Sunday. I got there first so I had the time to explore the beach a bit before my friends arrived.
I scouted the area because I had no idea where we’d be fishing or which part of the ocean would be suitable. Ver and Demilade joined me a while after, and we got started.
Ver and Demilade getting the hooks ready. Photography by The Loba
As a complete beginner, I had to learn how to tie the fishing line and properly attach the bait. It took a few tries (and a lot of concentration), but eventually I got it right and cast my line into the water for the first time.
Then came the wait...
The wait.
I learned that with ocean fishing, you don’t just pull your line every time you feel a movement or a vibration; sometimes it’s just the waves underwater. I’d feel a little tug, pull it back in, and find nothing. That happened a couple of times. For over an hour or two, I kept trying, casting and waiting, casting and waiting. Still nothing.
I was almost at the edge of giving up. But I knew I had to be patient and give it more tries.
Ver - Photographed by The Loba
About two minutes later, I felt something. A vibration. It was different, a stronger pull than the previous tugs. I carefully started reeling it in, not sure what to expect. And then, out of the water and at the end of my hook, was a red snapper fish.
It was thrilling. Red snappers are rare, and though mine was a younger one, it felt like such a win. A reward for the effort, the patience and persistence.
Later, Ver caught two fishes, the jack. We were both excited. It felt like a trophy won during a Fifa League.
A red snapper- Photographed by the loba
It’s amazing how waiting can be so rewarding. Fishing taught me something I didn’t expect: patience really pays off. Nature has a way of testing you before it offers its gifts.
I was reminded that waiting isn’t wasted time. It’s preparation, practice, and faith that something good is coming, even when you can’t see it yet.
So if you’re in a season of waiting, or stuck in a cycle of trying and trying with no visible results, I hope this encourages you. Your “red snapper” moment might be just around the corner.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.
It was such a fun experience, and I’d really love to do it again. Who knows what I’ll catch next time?
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