Fishing Boats

There have been so many times that I have seen the fishing boats leaving the picturesque port of Molivos. Many times at night, we sat at the window of the house with the shutters open and gazed at the sea and the land across, while the lights of Petra, Anaxos and Skoutaros gave life to the dark slopes that fall gently to the sea. The only sound came from the engines of the fishing boats leaving the harbour. The same sound was repeated in the morning when they returned with their fishing cages full of sardines, anchovies, collies, mackerel and whatever else the sea had to offer.

Long before Molivos became the center of tourism on the island of Lesvos fishing was the main source of income for most of its inhabitants.

Even today, many families make a living from fishing. Most residents own a boat and often go out to sea to cast their nets or longline fish, either for hobby or for livelihood reasons. The port of Molivos remains a fishing refuge and has now been modernized with a jetty to accommodate larger boats providing the required services.

Photo by George Seretis

When we were children and went to the port, the looks on the fishermen's faces that couldn't go out fishing due to the weather conditions, were unforgettable and heartbreaking. They had the same look as we did when our parents told us we are grounded and couldn't go outside to play. These people feel an eternal love for the sea, a love that tortures them, makes them sweat but at the same time it raises them, strengthens them, rewards them and generously feeds them with its gifts!