We'll our first attempt ended with a dull thud; no fish for the four hundred eighty nautical mile run. Nice. Throw in a sloppy sea state brought on by a steadily freshening breeze and the joy of the preliminary results was indescribable. Time to man up. As much as one could slip into pitiful despair or unleash a futile tirade at such injustice the results would be the same. It is a methodical endeavor rife with tests of will, wisdom, and endurance - especially endurance.

Not exactly starting off on the right foot we were left to make due with the setup; something along the lines of "when life serves you lemons, make lemonade". Actually it wasn't that bad. Good water temperature and color combined with favorable current direction and velocity provided plenty to work with, and reason for optimism. The same can't be said for the weather. Indifferent and relentless, it has a way of heading off even the staunchest enthusiasm. But, being an unchangeable force of nature, focused resolve, and simple acceptance goes a long way; which really is the only way.

And that way lead to a change of scenery that offered far more promise; not a barn burner, or trip making one stop shop, but a fair start. And, relative to the opening round, a resounding success. The day was saved ending on a high note, fixed to the bottom, minimizing the ill effects of disagreeable weather, all the while scratching steady at 20 - 35 pound class yellowtail. We'll take it.

Tomorrow will begin where today ended as we look to extend the action into day three and beyond. In addition to the blessed yellowtail we did see a smattering of 20 - 30# yellowfin tuna - though the wily devils preferred to tantalize us with the occasional surface showing rather than bite. As we did not get on to this zone until late in the day perhaps the morning will prompt a different result. We will certainly find out as we don't wish to relocate preferring to hunker down and settle in providing the fish cooperate. Plan B is crafted and ready to be set in motion, but we don't want to jump the gun. Presently time is still on our side.

And finally, my apology for the lack of photos today as the strain of focus, then overwhelming relief completely overshadowed the thought of immortalizing the action through images. We were living in the moment - all of us, making hay with purposeful fervor; exactly where you'd want us to be.

Tim Ekstrom