Overall our final day of working north amounted to little more than a scenic tour. Though we tried numerous zones over thirty miles of coast zero current plagued us at every turn. As a result even the kelp bass effort was a struggle at best. We threw everything we had at them, wax wings, plastics, live bait, you name it, and only one or two bass jumped on here and there before we were forced to move on.

That said the day was far from a bust. Foremost was flat calm conditions that always make for a pleasant time. Second was the scenic exposure somewhat lacking during this voyage as the majority of our adventures were had beyond sight of land. Today made up for the deficit as our passage was rarely more than a half mile from the rugged Baja landscape. There is some grounding component to the near sight of land that intrigues and pacifies. The constantly unfolding seascape, complimented by seemingly endless beach dunes, tranquil pueblos, and wind swept islands festooned with life, urges interest and appreciation as slumbered receptors are engaged and gratified.

As many times over the past twenty five years that I have run this stretch I still embrace the chance every time it arises. Foremost of course is the fishing, but even when the catching falls flat the scenery still captures interest and perhaps even sparks a slight longing in some. To see that the world can be, still is, that simple provides at least some perspective to most observant individuals. Otherwise it is just a bunch of sand, rocks, and sea life there to be plundered.

As I mentioned our attempts to plunder were sadly unsatisfactory - although our intentions were to release the vast majority of the spoils anyway. Through struggle and strain however we barely managed to scrape enough for sustenance promising to shore up Chef Drew Rivera's final day lunch menu with the highly touted reward. One thing I can say is that the colossal buildup obviously whetted appetites as everyone seriously invested in the effort engaging every trick in the book with the best Shimano gear available.

Of course I was slave driving to some extent but to see every angler on deck wielding a Shimano Curado, Trinidad, Talica, Stella, Thunnus, and/or Sustain, all on different models of Terez rods, was a real testament to their commitment to the overstated goal. Weeding through hoards of barracuda, sweating in the hot sun, on the brink of collapse from pure exhaustion, to the final moments this group of warriors gave it all they were worth. I'm joking of course; we had a good time with plenty of laughs enjoying the day as we chewed up the miles passing through Eden. It was a day of palpable connection to elements. The beauty was so thick one could see, hear, feel, and taste it. The by-product was the fishing.

Flat calm seas are forecast for the ride north that will undoubtedly be appreciated accordingly. Photo today features the Shimano bass gear queued up and ready to go. Every rig in this shot was used in one way or another shortly thereafter. What a treat for these anglers. Look for tomorrow's final trip report.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...