So yesterday I revealed my love at first sight reaction to the new Shimano Trinidad 14A. Between the perfect dimensions for any hand size, and flawless balance of torque and precision, my instinct was triggered the instant I saw it. Of course I didn't know completely about the torque component. Precision yes; Shimano has never introduced a product that doesn't feature precision as an inherent quality, but, based on everything I know about previous Shimano reels, I took a guess that the new Trinidad 14A would not let me down when it came to cranking power.

As I put my rear end on the line by offering my glowing recommendation out of the gates. I felt obligated to run the new Trinidad 14A through the Tim Ekstrom test mill today. After subjecting the little devil to extreme standards while pulling on a number of fish my opinion is even stronger about this reel. It is even better than I imagined. The thing is not only sweet and smooth - it is a little tractor. It's like one of those little Bobcat's that are so versatile and tough they are capable of performing almost any feat imaginable. What a reel. As a final example of just how highly I think of the new Trinidad 14A I will offer this. It made me want to fish with it. Master angler Greg Phillips, who along with his brother Todd brought along tons of fantastic Shimano reels and products for anglers to use this trip, was using the 14A as well. I kept a close eye on him always ready to take advantage of every opportunity to grab the rig and fish when he set it down. I even went as far as bugging him to let me give it a try after he caught a few on it a couple of times. Every fish I caught with the thing made me want to use it again to catch another. I am rarely this appreciative of a new product. Shimano has nailed it with this one. Along with the entire Talica and Trinidad series, as well as the old faithful Tiagra's, it is impossible to not recognize how consistently Shimano is on the cutting edge. Their reputation is well earned.

On the fishing front we had a great day. Yellowtail, yellowtail, and more yellowtail was the theme in flat calm, scenic conditions that the "Yellowtail Triangle" has become so famous for. Fifteen to twenty two pound fish were prolific and cooperative entertaining anglers with a morning and early afternoon of great fishing before we moved on to target trophy yellows, or "premiums", as we like to call them. I can't say the hunt for "premiums" was all that spectacular, but the scenery was. Grease calm, blue water, island background - cocktails and malt beverages were the evening call as the sun settled into the Pacific and we made fast for the night in heavenly conditions. Yellowtail and offshore will be the call tomorrow as we forge ahead on day three of the adventure.

Photos for the day feature angler Rob Duby who was on fire with the butterfly jigs and "wax wings" using the Shimano "Stella" spinning reels with great success. Though I probably won't be the one using it, I have to say that the butterfly method is very successful - especially for yellowtail both offshore around kelps and in the shallows. It's not just when they are biting nails that I base my opinion on. I have seen numerous occasions when the butterflyer's nail a yellowtail, or two, three, or four when the live bait and standard west coast jigs aren't getting the job done. Today's shots do the system, and Rob, who definitely put forth the effort, some justice. Look for reports to continue.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...