Following a productive morning that had us feeling we were all lined up and well on our way to the day we have been aiming for, along came one of those curve balls I was referencing a few days back. If you follow these reports on a regular basis you have likely determined the pattern of fishing that is, has been, and always will be what identifies the real fishermen, the high liners, from those who are ill equipped, less adept, or don't apply the effort necessary to reach the top of their game. It is not easy. Oh there are certainly times when it is a slam dunk - just head for the boats and stop when the sonar lights up one of the numerous schools around. Or, drive to the island or bank, kick the anchor over the side, and start loading up. But, the vast majority of the time there are significant, even enormous, obstacles to navigate or obscure indications to read before success is wrested from the grip of a shrewd Mother Nature who guards her wares with amazing ingenuity.

So just when we were thinking we had it licked, the whole picture changed. Fortunately, we were quick adjust maneuvering into a different position that yielded a very good hit on 50 - 75# yellowfin. They put on one heck of a show for just over an hour as anglers reefed and pulled to their hearts content on the big tuna that were exploding on surface presentations, free swimming around the boat, and tearing the kite baits to pieces. Relative to the amount of light in the day the bite encompassed a short period of time, but our anglers kicked into high gear and made the most of the opportunity crushing the eager tuna that were a complete opposite of their fickle brethren found on the other side. It was exactly what we needed to satisfy the catching instinct. A good time was had by all. Satisfaction.

After the big push we were back to scratch mode seeing plenty but achieving little as the squirrelly devils gave us the slip time and again. We picked off a few more but eventually opted for another move searching throughout the evening for no more reward. At day's end, we took off for the offshore zones seeking glory, and anything else, on the grounds tomorrow. Wholly satisfied and grateful for our good fortune at Guadalupe we are taking a shot in the dark in hopes of encountering the missing albacore and bluefin tuna that I feel must still be around. It is a tall order for one of us heading out in search mode. But, with a good catch of pure quality in the hatch, and a beautiful weather forecast for offshore above, the time to venture out is now. Boom or bust is how it promises to shake out. We will see. As I usually say, everything we can muster is presently in our favor. Now all we need is to find the fish. Tomorrow's report will reveal.

Tim