Local fisherman from Carrot Bay Mr Albert Stoutt, right, was presented with a plaque by Chairman of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Committee Jabari Stoutt during Carrot Bay Fisherman’s Day on Thursday, August 10, 2023. Photo: VINO

Proud fisherman Albert Stoutt, right, with his fishermen sons Andrew, left, and Zacchari W. Stoutt. Photo: Provided

Mr Stoutt was presented with a plaque by Chairman of the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Committee Jabari Stoutt during the Carrot Bay Fisherman’s Day on Thursday, August 10, 2023.

The well-known fisherman is the father of young Carrot Bay fishermen siblings Zacchari W. Stoutt aka Zach and Andrew W. Stoutt.

"It's a pleasure to receive this plaque," Mr Stoutt stated, adding that everything he does for the community is from the heart.

Mr Stoutt said he was thankful to be recognised by the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta Committee, "and I am so happy."

Fishing is in his DNA

Mr Albert Stoutt was born on January 18, 1957, and spent all but 6 years of his life fishing. He comes from a long line of fishermen and after admiring his father and uncles, he wanted to be a fisherman like them.

When he was growing up, women thought fishing was not good enough. After finding other jobs to impress them, he ended up going right back to fishing.

What Albert loves most about fishing is diving. The serenity and peace of being underwater, he described it as mind-blowing and simply awesome. During his prime, he was considered one of the best divers and could hold his breath for almost 5 minutes. He much prefers diving over hauling fish pots and has admitted that his favorite dive spot is in Beef Island.

Most memorable experience

Albert reflected on his most memorable diving experience; he even remembered that he was wearing a white shirt. On this dive, he was surprised by the biggest shark he had seen in all his life. Although he was scared, he calmly put his spear gun on the shark while it circled him until it swam away. He currently owns a Whaler as it's more comfortable to get around, it’s cost-efficient, and can be used for seine and diving.

Passing on the trade

Seeing that fishing is in Albert’s blood when his son Zach was about 10, he and his brothers used to steal Albert’s equipment and did their own fishing experiments, although, Albert would tell them to stop. Later, when Zach was around 14/15 years, Albert showed him and Andrew the trade including how to loop lobster, and mandated that Zach gets his scuba diving certification. Albert’s legacy resulted in his sons taking part in the trade- Zach and Andrew did the diving, Chris ran the boat, and Elijah was always in the water being the bag-holder and onlooker. But the teachings were not limited to his sons. He also mentors other young men who want to be fishermen or divers and has taken out a few of them to show them the ropes.

Albert noted that a lot of people are now into fishing since the pandemic and although he is glad for them, he encourages them to do the right thing by getting their fishing license. As he said, “the ocean’s there for all of us.”