It was like deja vu around here today; fish crashing all around the boat, grease calm weather, struggling to hook one when anyone would believe from what they were seeing that they should be biting well. We have seen this so many times in the lower banks area, particularly during the past couple of years, that it felt like groundhog day.This was again an exercise in patience and dedication. It simply confounds reason to see all those fish delighting in our offerings while refusing our best efforts to welcome them onboard. Amazing. What was really amazing though were the real anglers at the rail all day putting forth every effort possible to hook the dream fish they came for. I saw genuine effort, perseverance, and fishing going on out there from before daylight through dark. A few anglers were rewarded. More were not. Great fishing; very tough catching.

It was one of those days. And, it is one of those junctures when the present set up does not offer plentiful options. In fact, for a trophy yellowfin tuna this is the only game in this town. It is a rare occasion in the world of long range fishing that were are boxed in by the available options. But, fishing is fishing. We are harboring sufficient optimism and drive to make it happen. If it is not in the cards, we will move on, up, our out as necessary. Whatever the outcome, it will not be from lack of big fish sign. Rest assured they are still here. We see them.

Nothing like a slice of humble pie to put things in perspective. Our photo today features one of our fortunate anglers who wasn't among those sharing the distasteful pastry. Willie Pennington, with a heart of gold, and positive attitude and optimism enough for the entire boat, landed his mid afternoon 179 in short order on the "big" gear. Using the 130# to quickly conquer his trophy, Willie is all smiles that he both won the contest, and had the right gear in hand when opportunity knocked. Congratulations to Willie who earned this catch all the way.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...