mano a mano

Back to Basics

September 9, 2007, Miami, Florida

The Cuban heritage is deeply entrenched in South Florida.  It can be seen in street names, business, community names, parades and a myriad of other cultural facets.  Even fishing has been influenced by the Caribbean’s largest island, Cuba.

Popular throughout the Caribbean, but most prevalent in Cuba is the use of a “Yo Yo” or hand-line.  The fishing technique and tool got its name from the hand spool’s resemblance to the toy by the same name. The hand reel has a storied history dating back to early Caribbean settlers and indigenous Indians such as the Siboney and Taino.  In more recent history, Santiago, the protagonist from Hemingway’s classic “The Old Man and the Sea” battled his nemesis with a yo yo.  With the modern advancements in the fishing industry, fishing with a yo yo has almost been forgotten.  You can still find some “old school” anglers that rely on the simple device, but to almost everyone of this generation, the yo yo is just a piece of folk history.

To celebrate this rich history, the Cubanacan Club de Pesca is proud to announce the second installment of the “Mano a Mano Yo Yo Tournament.”  Some of South Florida’s best anglers will compete in this throwback event.  The main rule: no rods or reels.  The tournament is being hosted at Boater’s Grill in Key Biscayne; the perfect waterfront location for the event.  The contest takes place on Saturday September 22 with the weigh-ins and final results at 4:00 pm.  The tournament is the only one of its kind where no rods or reels will be used…at all.  “We are not allowing any rods or reels to be on the boats,” explains Art Diaz, committee member.  “Each boat will be inspected before they are allowed to leave the dock,” he added.

Last year’s event drew over 100 anglers from all across South Florida.  The anglers were from all ethnic backgrounds and a multitude of countries; a perfect cross-section of Miami’s International composition.  The largest fish of the tournament was a 38-pound Cubera Snapper and three teams released sailfish.  Barracuda, tuna, and dolphin were also caught.  The “hard luck” award went to the team on “Max’d Out” who, after a 3-hour battle,  lost a 200-pound swordfish only feet from the boat.

“Mano a Mano” takes place Sept. 27 and the event is open to all.  Further information can be located at www.CubanacanClubDePesca.com/yoyo. More info also available at the tournament hotline: 305-461-2700.