The novel “The Old Man And The Sea” was actually written by Ernest Hemingway when he was in Cuba, but when Floridians think of him they associate him with big game fishing and the Florida Keys. Hemingway lived in the Keys during the 1930s and penned many of his literary works from his studio on Whitehead Street in Key West.
Each year his writings and adventurous life are celebrated by the residents of Key West. This year’s activities will take place from July 21 through July 26. There are numerous events held during this celebration but the most publicized is the Hemingway look-a-like contest. And, of course, there is a fishing tournament in honor of his love
of the sea.
Hemingway’s fishing exploits took place in the Florida Straits between Key West and Cuba aboard his 38-foot fishing boat, Pilar. A model of his craft is on display at the Custom House Museum on Front Street in Key West. Among the treasures found in the museum are antique fishing tackle used by Hemingway, including a Greenheart rod with a Pflueger Atlapac reel and South Bend marlin teasers designed by Western writer Zane Grey, who also was also an avid fisherman and Keys visitor.
In addition to his search for giant prey in the sea, Hemingway was deeply involved in conservation activities perhaps because of his vested interest in preserving the fish population in the Florida Straits. He often invited scientists to visit the region to study the many fish species in his favorite waters with a view towards preserving them for future anglers.
Recommended works of Hemingway that reflect some of his fishing encounters include “To Have and Have Not” that describes life in Key West during the Depression and, of course, “The Old Man And The Sea”. The latter will fill you with dreams of the sea, just like the Old Man experienced.