HI PJ! TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!
My name is Peter John Balls “PJ”, but people also know me as “Ballsy” in general or the fishing community. I was born in Grand Cayman, and spent the better part of life in Cayman besides some school in Canada. My parents migrated here from Jamaica in 1973. My Father was a Barclays Offshore manager who moved and lived throughout the Caribbean and then eventually made Cayman his home.
SO, GROWING UP IN CAYMAN, DETAILS! WHAT WAS IT LIKE?
I grew before all the hustle and thriving of island that we have here today. And have welcomed the change. We use to have pretty bad roads as a kid. The hotels and condos were only allowed to build as high as the tree line back then. Those were the good ol’ days. I still love my little Caribbean Island and very proud to call these blessed Islands home!
WHAT DO YOU DO ON ISLAND?
I am a crew member with Slackem Charters. We offer private charters! It’s primarily fishing but we do the full combo services like snorkeling and Stingray City excursions.
THAT SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT DAY AT THE OFFICE! WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 SPOTS FOR FISHING?
My favourite fishing spots? Ah any fisherman would very reluctantly disclose those locales and they’re usually very closely guarded secrets! However, growing up as a young boy I used to enjoy fishing the inland flats in Rum Point; it’s always beautiful there!
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU GIVE FOR THOSE LOOKING TO DO SOME FISHING ON ISLAND?
In Cayman we have two types of water: Very little (or ‘skinny’) water and a whole lot of deep blue water! But where would I recommend to fish on Island? Journey to Barkers Beach, the south side, and offshore. All three of these locations provide different kinds of fishing opportunities. Barkers Beach, a national park, sits on the northeast side of West Bay. It’s usually quiet and secluded. The southern side of the island is also a great choice as it’s on the leeward side and you can’t go wrong there. Lastly, get offshore. Fish the wall or pelagic waters which are always amazing. Most of the guides or fishing companies on Island will provide you with equipment. At the moment I don’t believe there is anywhere you can rent gear. You can purchase some fishing supplies on island, however, I would recommend you plan ahead and bring your own travel gear if you intend to do some serious fishing.
FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?
Cayman is known as the culinary center of the Caribbean so there is no limit to exercise your culinary indulgences. My favorite local dish is the fresh ceviche at Paradise Grill restaurant on the waterfront. Fresh, bright and spicy with scotch bonnet pepper.
WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO FOR SUNSET DRINKS?
Rackams is my place for a sundowner and stunning Cayman sunsets. The bar and dining tables are directly looking out on the waterfront so the views are spectacular. Seeing the infamous “green flash” Cayman sunset isn’t as rare as you’d think! The atmosphere is a real cocktail of islanders – industry people, lawyers, dive masters, doctors and fishermen. All great folks! Rackams also does Tarpon feeding every night. Always fun!
