“Yucatan Fishermen Gear Up for Lucrative Octopus Season!”

800 fishing boats in the Yucatan ports of El Cuyo, San Felipe, and Río Lagartos are preparing for the upcoming octopus season, beginning on August 1. Each boat is investing 10,000 pesos, amounting to a total investment of 8 million pesos across the fleet.

The fishermen have had to borrow from their employers to purchase the necessary equipment for octopus fishing. The initial outlay of 10,000 pesos per boat covers the cost of two small dinghies.

The investment also includes bamboo rods, costing 200 pesos each, and octopus lines, which were priced at 69 pesos per roll last year. Lead weights are another necessary expense, coming in at 675 pesos per kilogram. Additional costs for bait and fuel are also expected, with fuel prices currently around 24 pesos per liter in this region.

Each boat carries four fishermen and two dinghies, each equipped with a pair of rods and five octopus lines. The lines are tied at the tip and hold the bait, typically crabs or lobster heads. The use of sea snails as bait is prohibited, but some fishermen still use them.

The success of the season is heavily dependent on weather conditions. Favorable winds are needed for the boats to drift effectively and catch octopus. If the weather is not suitable, the catch can be significantly reduced.

Despite the considerable initial investment, the fishermen remain hopeful. If the season starts well and the price of octopus is high, the investment could be recouped within a week. However, if the octopus are scarce, the fishermen could find themselves facing increased debt. The season is set to begin in August.