After a full day in search mode, with three fellow adventurers fanned out over fifty some odd miles, we are now well acquainted with roughly one thousand square miles of ocean; the combined result of which was one fish. It was a long day. Although, I have to relate that after the extended search, I am not discouraged by what we found. As hard as it is to believe, I actually survived the day in good spirits with a much better idea of the present set up. In particular, we came across conditions at day's end that showed genuine promise, including a couple of schools of tuna that raised our adrenaline levels, but unfortunately continued to chafe by not biting. Well, one did anyway. And, with that lone twenty two pound yellowfin tuna bled, dressed, and deposited in the hatch, we highlined among those of us looking today. At the least, the joke made for a good laugh among us at day's end.

So tomorrow is albacore day that appears will transpire in continued good weather. Reports from the grounds indicate a fair spread of fish and good distribution among vessels. As such we plan to dedicate a full day to the effort and claim our share recognizing however that every day offshore is different and ripe for surprise - good and bad. Regardless, after what feels like an eternity of travel, we are ready to resume fishing. Better said, we are ready to resume catching. We have been fishing like mad men to no avail.

I missed the shot of yesterday's outstanding catch so I am pulling one from a few days prior. Charter Master John Kashiki is a long range legend. Earning the title by fishing these boats since I don't even know when, John sets the bar at a level most of us can only hope to achieve. At somewhere around ninety years young, John is still at the rail catching his share, still enjoying every aspect of the voyage, and still entertaining us to no end with his keen sense of humor, and incredible vigor. I admire Mr. Kashiki tremendously. As an example of what is possible, we are all fortunate to know him.

Have a fine day and look for tomorrow's report with final trip details.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...