About as fine a day of scratch type fishing as one could ask for though the yellowtail action probably exceeded the "scratch" definition by several notches. The larger tuna were again fickle despite a vigorous showing that kept the vast majority of anglers energized and committed at the rail eagerly applying their best fishing wiles to the challenging competition.

No doubt the scenic component, magnified ten times over by the continued mesmerizing calm spell, provided motivation far beyond common as every fish rising to the surface to annihilate sardines was obvious and dramatic in an unending variety of highly visible violent eruptions; nothing to kindle one's fishing drive like a eighty pound tuna flying out of the water fifteen feet in front you.

On edge, senses fine tuned, fully engaged, every genuine fisherman in this situation jumps into high overdrive applying every ounce of attention and skill acquired to the challenge at hand. There were no secrets kept today; no occasion for Randy or I to provide inspirational dialogue from the bridge to keep anglers in the game, the sign of fish around was too obvious. The same spark that is ignited in a jig fisherman throwing the long rod when a fish rises to the surface was a perpetual theme today. In fact on a comparison basis the showing was more akin to wild fire.

In the end an admirable effort from this group of highly capable anglers accounted for a fair total of the larger model yellowfin tuna - just over twenty to be exact. The blessed yellowtail, oh how we cherish and appreciate their sacrifice, again provided the bulk of the heavy action; combined with the tuna it made for another excellent fishing day.

The crew was advancing the cause like clockwork, the anglers were having a ball, beautiful fish were accumulating at a fine pace in the hatch, and we found ourselves wanting more - more tuna. With a wealth of yellowtail, and a relatively few tuna, though the ones we have are way worthy, the unending drive to exceed expectations pushes our effort beyond settling; just catching enough, or anything, doesn't always satisfy.

So we approach tomorrow ready and raring to continue the drive seeking yellowfin tuna, and everything else, to maintain momentum. Photo for the day features angler Brent Hirsch and his ninety pound class yellowfin landed among the glory of the grease calm I have been regaling clear in the background. This condition goes a long way toward achieving that perfection we seek. But, it is only half the battle. I'll share more on the topic before this voyage comes to an end.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...