The theme of skill is present in the novel because of the great fishing skill that the old man possesses. He may not be able to show all of his skill and prowess because of his old age, but it is skill there within him and will always will be. Because of this, there are several quotes in the novel that show the importance of the theme of 'skill':
"..."But are you strong enough for a truly big fish?"..."I think so. And there are many tricks."..." -Day One
"I may not be as strong as I think." The old man said. "But I know many tricks and I have resolution." -Day One
When asked about his abilities, the old man knows that he is no longer as strong as he was back when he was known as the best fisherman around and the 'El Campeon'. But he no longer relies on the strength of his aging body- he choices to instead rely on the skill that he still has left.
"He was rowing steadily and it was no effort for him...he was letting the current do a third of the work and as it started to be light he saw that he was already further out than he had hoped to be at this hour." -Day Two
The old man knows many tricks of the sea, and uses these little tidbits of knowledge to give him small advantages. Instead of wearing himself out by just getting out to sea, he allows the current to carry him part of the way and manages to conserve some of the energy that he will need to fish.
"The old man held the line delicately, and softly, with his left hand, unleashed it from the stick." -Day Two
It is clear how at ease and comfortable the old man feels while he does his job, and the skills he has acquired over the years allow him to do this.
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