Well I can report that departing spirits soared upon reports of an almost grease calm holiday weekend forecast. Such weather bodes well in a broad variety of advantages, foremost being our obvious comfort, but there is far more to it than that; especially relative to offshore varieties. Between our enhanced ability to scan the surface for signs, and the irresistible draw of calm conditions that calls game fish to rise in such conditions, a good period of flat seas has a way of revealing the true potential below; and the larger narrative is still about potential.

What really is coming is the lingering, unanswered question at the core of just about every conversation out here and along the waterfront. Bringing all expertise to bear, and drawing upon any inkling within, the outlook is still blurred by an array of variables that tell of much more fish that we are seeing and catching, and much historically productive territory yet to be explored. And, though it seems like we have been at it now for some time, it is still early in the season. Taking this into account, and the fact that so much scattered sign has been seen, rest assured that we are in store for more than a few surprises; and likely an offshore season that extends well into August and September.

That is about the best I can come up with based on what I know so far. In our case we are positioned for the long haul as we depart on our annual "Barking Spiders" eight day voyage with a group of highly experienced, highly motivated anglers ready to pit their skills against whatever gamesters present themselves willing and worthy. We certainly are ready and willing ourselves as Captain Toussaint and I are again in sync applying our collective best to the task at hand.

As the daily narrative continues take heed of the offshore signs already foretelling better things to come. In closing for the day I want to again mention that the age old Pfishcadora four day charter in the prime time of Wed - Sun, August 10th - August 14th has been changed to an open trip presently offering the opportunity for anglers to jump on an ideal voyage positioned for opportunistic offshore fishing. Four days in the middle of August, combined with the perfect Wednesday through Sunday time frame, is as good as it gets.

Also, while I am in the promotional mode, we do have a few availabilities on the five day at the end of this month as well as the first six day in early August. Both of those voyages also offer tremendous promise and again are aligned with primo, weekend inclusive, days of the week. Take a look at our schedule on line for exact dates. Tracy and Capt. Sims will be in the office throughout the week to answer any questions about fishing in general (Brian) and/or upcoming voyages. More than anything however do not fall victim to any doomsday notions about the 2011 offshore prospects just yet. It is far too early to start signing the blues.

Tim Ekstrom