Suncho The Pulpero

Suncho (Pulpero):

The low tide has Leith naked a vast plain, which reflects the curved shadow of Don Fidel. With the faithful help of his iron hook, he carefully “gropes” the cavities of the area looking for the octopus of “Fuerte Argentino”.

During 50 years he has “fished” octopus. His father brought him to the area when he has very small. Here he has developed a gift, that with practice, has become wisdom. Fidel (Suncho) is considered by the locals to be the more experimented in his craft in the San Matías Bay.

He has taught many to “read” the tracks in the lakes and to extract from imperceptible cracks the prized octopus. The calendar and the tide are all he needs, to predict the zone of his “treasures”.The zone has given him sustain, peace and friendly, sincere words from those around him. “Suncho” is a hard worker. In less than a month his hook loses its’ “twist”. Without complaints, he keeps going.“Suncho” has his own personal “trade-mark”; the “digging” into the rock and the banging on the rim of the pail with his hook so as to release each octopus captured.

This “trademark” can be heard upto 300 times in a tide, so as to complete a catch of 20 kilos.

Having always lived in West San Antonio just as his father did, “Suncho” teacher his sons the trade.

What does “Suncho” think about when he reads the water? Only “El Fuerte” knows… his years in the trade help his conclusions. Maybe a piece of shell or scattered sand can lead to a catch.

All year long he carries out his craft to be able to satisfy his “lifelong” clients. The tides help. Sometimes it seems that the sea only drops so that “Suncho” can fill his bucket!! Fidel is a pulpero… and he will always be.