Tom Karrow’s Grand Bahama field-work update / August, 2014
The primary objective behind “Ghost Stories” is the acquisition of environmental knowledge held by elder Bahamian Bonefish Guides, and the generation of fisheries habitat maps. Tom Karrow PhD Candidate, will work with Bahamian elders to effectively generate fisheries habitat maps as a component of his dissertation.
By Tom Karrow
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]onsiderable ongoing scientific bonefish studies have been conducted on Grand Bahama by both Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), and the Fisheries Conservation Foundation (FCF). The majority of these studies have centered on Bonefish tracking studies, attempting to identify critical migration routes, recapture rates, and spawning grounds. Understanding where these important habitats are located will assist in future conservation and management efforts. More recently Bonefish DNA studies have been initiated attempting to identify the size of the population and genetic diversity; until now however, formal research focusing on guide knowledge has been absent from studies.
Tom Karrow meeting, interviewing and learning from legendary guide David Pinder Sr. Mr. Pinder started guiding at Deep Water Cay outside of McLeans Town, GB in 1958.
For the past 10 days I have been trekking around Grand Bahama Island, attempting to interview guides, dodge thunderstorms, avoid lobster-fishing opportunities while capturing all of this on film for “Ghost Stories” documentation. From the West End to the Deep Water Cay facility in the east end and everywhere in between, I have had the pleasure of meeting legends of the past, present and future. Fortunate to stay at North Riding Point Lodge in central Grand Bahama, I was situated well for easy access all across the island. Highlights of my trip included, meeting David Pinder Sr, his sons David Jr, and Jeffrey of the Grand Bahama Bonefishing Co., his cousins Stanley, Leroy and Frankie Glinton at the North Point Riding Club and his other son Joseph and nephew, Omeko Glinton at Deep Water Cay Lodge. Everyone has welcomed me, consistently extolling the vital aspect of Ghost Stories research; documentation of local knowledge and the history of the industry.
Tom Karrow meeting more famous Pinder guides.. it seems to run in the family! David Jr. and Jeffrey Pinder of Grand Bahama bonefishing.
As my time on Grand Bahamas comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the colorful, insightful, Bahamian legends that I have met. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting all of these fine gentlemen and I am honored to capture their stories and their knowledge through this project.
A meeting of great guides at Deep Water Cay. Tom Karrow, Shervin Tate, David Philips, Harry Rolle, Omeko Glinton (grand son of David Pinder Sr.), Mervin Thomas, and Joseph Pinder (son of David Pinder Sr.)
Today, I am in the West End where I spent the day at the Blue Marlin Cove Marina learning from Carl and Tommy Rolle, sons of the late Israel Rolle, better known as “Bonefish Folley”, about West End Bonefishing opportunities, trends and history. Mr. “Folley’s” passing last year along with the loss of his stories and knowledge reinforces the necessity of this research and my resolve. With each passing day, local knowledge is being lost; I intend to capture as much of it as possible through Ghost Stories before it is too late. Look for upcoming articles where I share research details and stories gathered while on Grand Bahamas.
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