We are staying in Chuahuapan, in a rural setting in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. Our hosts are North Americans, from the US, and have been accepted pretty much by the local community. One of the local guys here that they have hired while living here is named Hugo, and he invited us to go with him and his friend Julio on one of their favorite things to do locally- go on a crayfish hunt.
Crayfish hunting to them is more than just that. They get to go swimming. They bring their pot. They drink a little of the local moonshine, called Canya, while they fish. When they finish, the catch is put to the fire. Everybody has a great time outdoors. Sounds like most fishermen I know.
The crayfish here are about average size, but a few grow quite large. They have special front paws that hold on to the swiftly moving current. They have a greenish color, and if you catch one, they will get away if you drop them even out of water. We lost several that were tossed our direction and scampered under the rocks on the dry edge of the bank.
Julio goes under water, and pulls up rocks with his hands, and when the crayfish attempt to scamper away, he grabs them. It takes a lot of energy to do this in this current, and he has to take breaks. Nearby, there is world class whitewater rafting on this river. Julio finds some areas are better than others for for the hiding crayfish.
After Hugo has a sack full, we head to a flat spot along the riverbank to start a fire.
Don cut up lots of tomatoes, onions and jalapenos. Julio says he forgot the garlic, but it will be good anyway. It isn't clear what cooking method that the chef has in mind.
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