After a tumultuous couple of days at Guadalupe due to the short lived, but towering south swell from Hurricane Eugene, the island was back on track today. Remnants of the green water plumes and abundant bits of sea grass and kelp floating were the only indications of the fishless mess this place represented only one day prior. Fortunately for us timing favored our arrival that we postponed for a day after receiving news of the jacked up conditions from our unfortunate colleague on the grounds. More fortunate however is that the island cleaned itself up in such short order; it could just have easily gone the opposite direction.

On the fishing front it was a game of odds. The good news is that there were fish to catch. The bad news was the mine field through which every tuna had to run blindfolded and hamstrung. Whitey was on it today; and when they are coming at a pace of one or two at a time, the pain of attrition is exacerbated tenfold. Thankfully it wasn't hopeless, we have lived that nightmare enough times to know the difference, but the gauntlet was always harrowing, and too often heartbreaking for anglers fortunate enough to hook these tuna, as the behemoths indifferently meted out injustice with impunity.

It is an unavoidable feature at this island when the fish are in the shallows that is only overcome by sheer numbers; and also by tilting the odd in one's favor by using correct tackle for the occasion. Needless to say when the big man is around it is no time to be pitting one's ability against one of these tuna with ultra light equipment - that is a equation with an outcome guaranteed. But even when everything is perfect, no matter what angler on the upper end of the line is using or doing, the odds are equally certain to administer some punishment. The only way to overcome is to overcome; or overwhelm. No amount of moping or self pity will affect the inevitable. It is simply a matter of hooking enough to get your share.

So we traded blows with the calculating beasts coming out slightly ahead with our twenty nice tuna and ten yellows for the day. As the day progressed conditions steadily improved with the absolutely relentless breeze of the past ten days finally abating, the current flowing, and much of the tuna missing during the past week finally showing themselves again. It made for some promising thoughts about the potential tomorrow and beyond; but only thoughts, not expectations. I have fished this island too many times and had the rug pulled from under me to know better. One day at a time. Conditions are right, signs are around, time is still somewhat in our favor, and these anglers are filled with enthusiasm for targeting 50 - 90# yellowfin tuna. We are hoping they still feel the same following tomorrow.

Photos for the day feature master anglers Nanette Smith and Jack Bair each with one of their several Guadalupe yellowfin landed today. Both being long time long range veterans Nanette and Jack are making their first Royal Star voyage to our delight. The opportunity to demonstrate the difference in our fish handling to veteran anglers, the resulting quality of our product, and the overall differences in our operation is a benefit we always appreciate.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...