There are many ways to describe the sea; words vary depending on whom you ask. For some, it’s beautiful; for others, it's intimidating, or even terrifying. Each person’s relationship with the sea is different—some see it as a place to visit occasionally, others avoid it entirely, but few see it as an old friend. Fishermen belong to this last group: the sea is a key part of their lives, they know it well and understand how unpredictable it can be.
Jesús Alberto Massa Nadal, a fisherman from Dzilam de Bravo, knows the sea like the back of his hand. From a young age, he followed in his father’s footsteps and took up fishing in this well-known Yucatecan fishing port. However, he wasn’t always certain about his path. The sea may be beautiful, but it can also be dangerous. Before modern weather forecasting, heading out to fish was a real challenge. But any doubt would fade after a good fishing day when all the effort paid off.
A day in the life of a fisherman
With over 35 years of experience, Jesús knows that being a fisherman in Yucatán is a mix of joys and hardships. Some days bring an abundant catch, while others barely yield anything. The preparation begins the night before—he checks his equipment, packs his lunch, and reviews the weather conditions. At dawn, before setting sail, he prays and heads out to sea, hoping for a good day.
Thanks to technological advancements, fishermen now have better boat engines, allowing them to leave around 6 am and return near 4 pm, depending on the catch. However, some fishing trips extend up to five days, far from the coast and with no phone signal. During these journeys, the radio is their only means of communication with other fishermen. The routine is demanding: they work until 6 pm, have dinner, and rest before starting again at sunrise.
In Dzilam de Bravo, the most commonly caught species include red grouper (Epinephelus morio), yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus), lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris), king mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla), Atlantic Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus), bonnethead shark (Sphyrna tiburo), spotted weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus), snook (Centropomus undecimalis), and octopus. Jesús advises aspiring fishermen to learn how to read wind currents, as those can make the difference between a successful trip and returning empty-handed.
The challenges of fishing
The sea does not forgive carelessness. One of the greatest fears of any fisherman is engine failure, because getting stranded in the open ocean is nothing like having car trouble on the road. With no signal and no way to call for help, the uncertainty grows—for both the fishermen and their families waiting on shore.
Jesús has lived unforgettable moments, both good and bad. He proudly recalls the day he caught a full ton of fish, an achievement that few can imagine. But he has also faced storms that test even the most seasoned fisherman. Once, he found himself in the middle of a hailstorm with winds of up to 120 km/h (74 m/h), which struck in just minutes. In moments like these, panic is not an option—staying calm and trusting your experience is crucial. And as the saying goes, "After the storm comes the calm," because after thirty minutes of fury, the sea settled as if nothing had happened.
The mysteries and wonders of the sea
Nights at sea have their own magic. Far from the harbor lights, the sky turns into a breathtaking spectacle. Jesús says he has witnessed strange flashes of light that made him wonder if we are truly alone in the universe. But beyond the unexplained, what he treasures most is the sight of the starry sky—a gift only those who spend the night at sea get to experience.
Tourism and the evolution of fishing
Nowadays, many fishermen have turned to tourism as a new source of income, and Jesús is one of them. Through Tico’s Tours, an eco-tourism service in Dzilam de Bravo, he shares his love for the sea by offering unique experiences such as sport fishing and nighttime tours to admire the bioluminescence in the water. The best time to visit the region is during Easter and summer, though fishing is most abundant between May and September. Of course, the sea follows no fixed rules—regardless of the season, some days bring great catches, while others yield nothing. But that’s part of the charm because there’s always another chance in the next outing.
For Jesús, tourism is more than just a source of income—it’s an opportunity for visitors to share his own bond with nature and discover the serenity the sea can offer. However, it’s also a reminder of the need to protect marine ecosystems. Overfishing is a growing issue, and Jesús regrets that fishing bans are not always respected.
A legacy for the future
The sea is more than just a beautiful landscape—it holds history, identity, and sustenance. Beyond his own experiences, Jesús dreams of a future where sustainable fishing practices are upheld, ensuring that future generations in Dzilam de Bravo can continue to thrive from its waters.
Being a fisherman is not just a job—it’s facing each sunrise with courage, overcoming the sea’s challenges, and returning with the satisfaction of having given it your all. And though fishing may be unpredictable, there’s one thing Jesús knows for sure: his love for the sea is unwavering.
If you want to experience his story firsthand and witness the magic of Dzilam de Bravo, don’t miss the tours offered by Tico’s Tours. For more details on this incredible adventure, check out the article Dive into the Beauty of Dzilam de Bravo
First published in Yucatán Today print and digital magazine no. 448, in April 2025.
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