During the voyage south to Cuba, the crew shifted into white uniforms. The port holes were closed tight and painted deep black. All precautions were taken against unexpected attack. We passed close aboard Matling Island, or San Salvador whereon Columbus first set foot in the New World.
We rounded Cape Maysi Light and headed up for the harbor of Guantanamo Bay. While changing troops at the mouth of the harbor, our great draft precluding our entrance, the men-of-warsmen initiated the rookies into the delights of shark-catching.
Catching Shark
L. G. M.
While lying at anchor off the beautiful harbor of Guantanamo Bay, those of the crew who were off watch were lounging around the open decks and enjoying the heat of the tropical sun. Among the crew were some old navy men who had visited this port before and knew from experience that these waters were infested with sharks. They suggested that a line, hook and bait of some kind be procured and an attempt be made to catch sharks.
The necessary articles were obtained, the hook being double-pronged. To this was tied a whole cow’s liver—a juicy and inviting piece of bait.
The waters of the bay were calm and from “B” deck, when the fishing line, which was of 1 inch hemp, was thrown over, one could see the hook and bait fully thirty feet below the surface of the water.
In a short time a large black body with a white belly swam with lightning swiftness past the line several times, darting back and forth, but on a sudden it turned, seized the bait and tried to make off with it. The end of the line on deck was tied to a stanchion which gave the shark a strong opponent, and a terrific struggle followed both on deck and in the water, for as soon as Mr. Shark struck, about 40 men grabbed the line and began to run across the deck, pulling the fighting monster out of the water onto the deck.
As soon as the shark landed on deck every one scattered, for the big fish began frantically to lash his powerful tail and snap his jaws. No one dared approach him.