keithanddoradoWe had a master plan for provisioning this Cabo trip. The two members of our party who are fisherman would book a fishing excursion on the first day and catch enough fish to feed all ten of us for the rest of the week. Most of us had confidence in this plan. One of didn’t and quickly bought a few packages of Mac & Cheese just in case.

We needn’t have worried. Within two hours after Andy and Keith left to meet their fishing boat, they were texting back pictures of their multiple Dorado catch. With possible starvation averted, they continued to catch a total of seven Dorado — nearly 100 pounds of fish — and Andy hooked a striped Marlin. Dorado, by the way, is another name for Mahi Mahi and both names replace the original English name of dolphin fish. Since dolphin fish caused too many consumers to imagine they were about to order Flipper a la Carte, the fish is now marketed under its Hawaiian or Mexican name. Marlin, despite being a prized sport fish, is pretty boney and tasteless, so these days, most fishermen catch and release them. A good Marlin can grow to be anywhere from 120 to 400 pounds, they usually live to put up a good fight another day. But hey, anyone can tell a fish tale. Few can offer empirical evidence, I’ll let the pictures tell this post.

The Dorado didn't know what was waiting for them when our mighty fishermen hit the waves.

The Dorado didn’t know what was waiting for them when our mighty fishermen hit the waves.

Then Andy hooked this Striped Marlin -- which was a whole different game.

Then Andy hooked this Striped Marlin — which was a whole different game.

Andy was drenched at the end of the fight.

Andy was drenched at the end of the fight.

He earned the right to hold up the Marlin catch flag and the release flag.

He earned the right to hold up the Marlin catch flag and the release flag.

On their way back to harbor, the crew threw the unused bait and the fish trimmings over the side.

And a local popped up to see if he could cadge some sashimi.

And a local popped up to see if he could cadge some sashimi.

Meanwhile, back at the villa, we'd brought in local cook Letty and her assistant, Noah, to help us with the feast.

Meanwhile, back at the villa, we’d brought in local cook Letty and her assistant, Noah, to help us with the feast.

First there was a plate of the freshest sashimi ever. (Only a few hours from swimming!)

First there was a plate of the freshest sashimi ever. (Only a few hours from swimming!)

Then a big bowl of the freshest ceviche ever.

Then a big bowl of the freshest ceviche ever.

Ending with grilled Dorado, Mexican rice and vegetables!

Ending with grilled Dorado, Mexican rice and vegetables!

Possibly the best New Year’s Eve meal ever. We even forgot the champagne. But then we faded quickly after watching Univision coverage of the ball falling in Times Square at 9 PM our time. No matter. Fish for brunch and we’ll get out that champagne then.

Happy New Year and a prosperous 2013 everyone!