Boy I laid it out to perfection in yesterday's report - less frantic, more consistent, and more fulfilling, all these descriptions fit the fishing today to the letter. The change of pace was complimented by stunning contrast in scenery as well with the ocean displaying a staggering abundance of life in the form of miles of dolphins, whales, herds of sea lions, and, most important to our objective, miles and miles of 15 - 22# yellowtail. Fortunately the majority of the mammals were focused on sustenance apart from our efforts but naturally a few pinnipeds latched on to irritate with their thievery. It comes with the territory, and is tolerable in minor percentages such as today.

A nice steady pace was the theme; perfect even by our standards as one to five scrappy yellows seemed to remain hooked the majority of the morning aside from the occasional rush when a wave of ten or fifteen would come through. At this pace they accumulated well while providing anglers the opportunity to switch it up tying different methods to draw a strike and employ the full compliment of gear they brought for this exact purpose. Surface irons on the bow, fly lined baits all around, one to four ounce sliding sinkers, and/or yo-yo jigs were all effective at times. Honestly the yo-yo jigs were probably most consistently effective but the laborious requirement of furiously winding again and again sapped enthusiasm for the method beyond the first hour. And, it really didn't matter as there were plenty of bites to be had otherwise.

After the noon hour however it was a different story. The abundance of yellowtail we took advantage of early on moved out, down, or up leaving all the additional life behind mopping up an almost unbelievable amount of bait that seemed to multiply in spite of every critter out there shamelessly gorging. Beyond noon we poked, kicked, and scratched our way along finally throwing in the towel in increasing wind and seas after tea time. The overall score was just enough to fully satisfy and initiate the final leg of travel to the grand destination - we hope.

The big island west has been a difficult prospect at best during the past week to ten days. A few here, and a few there would best describe the picture with the real quantity of tuna no showing in the shallows now for quite some time. It has been dismal and difficult. So much so that we are under no illusions about the prospects. However we have three things in our favor that can not be overlooked: one is our indefatigable optimism inherent in all true fishermen, two is our knowledge of change in ocean conditions and how fast they often occur, three is the Captain Toussaint factor never to be ignored - the man's timing and uncanny fish sense could wring rain from a sunny Sahara sky in the middle of summer. This will be a true test. I'm already a believer but this time the Shaman really needs to show up for the party.

But, with the quantity goal mostly fulfilled, time to make the crossing, and a pressing need to place our anglers in position to target an exceptional catch, we are all in. Even if the pattern holds, and we wind up with only a few trophy class Guadalupe tuna, it is the right thing to do. We've made a lot from a little many times in the past. Don't be surprised if we do it again.

On the photo front I have been floundering taking perhaps the worst shots of my career during the past couple of days. The perfectionist in me just won't allow anything less than good to grace this narrative. I'm hoping it will come around tomorrow. I'll try shutting one eye or something.

Tim Ekstrom