There are those junctures when all things positive align and seem to fall in their correct place. Of course the opposite is also true making the plus side of the equation that much more poignant and appreciated. We are presently on that coveted winning side savoring every moment with appropriate attention to detail. Because when things are so right why not stop and take in the full picture? In today's case it is almost impossible to imagine anyone missing the raving beauty of a three hundred sixty degree panorama burgeoning with raw, earthy flavor galaxies beyond the average urban frame of mind. And while the sublime conditions bludgeoned our senses, the fishing for twenty to twenty five pound yellowtail took anglers to the mat with most tapping out by mid morning sated and satisfied.

Taking full advantage of our strategic position, we seized the moment, stopped the world, and focused an effort more familiar to half day vessels than long range; the exception being the average size class of the target species. Calico bass initially played hard to get but finally dropped their guard for about an hour providing anglers the chance to prove their ability in an arena completely different than our meat and potatoes.

Now that the quantity and variety categories are thoroughly satisfied, the last leg to the west beckons. A few trophy yellowfin, or perhaps even more than a few, will launch this voyage into the ultimate realm of long range success. We are focused and ready for the challenge bringing along with us a few tricks and new offerings. At the very least we'll see if we can't fool some of these wily devils with our idea of what is good.

To close the day as we steamed west into a late afternoon blazing sun an errant kelp put the finishing touch on the variety category with a fifteen minute ripper on "ball slapper" grade dorado that rousted plenty of anglers from an exhausted slumber with an abundance of color and mayhem. The bewildered countenance of quite a few anglers was priceless as they mustered from below, rubbed their eyes, grabbed their nearest rod, dropped in a bait, and were instantly attached to one of the spirited colorful leapers. Between the numerous fish jumping around us, and the plentiful vanquished flapping on deck, mayhem is a perfect description for the overall setting that thankfully did not endure for too long. The best of it was overcome and organized within a few hectic minutes then we settled in, clobbered a few, cleaned up, and moved on; a classic fire drill in every respect.

Photos for the day reveal another scenic moment I could not resist featuring angler Ernie Quijada Jr. pulling on a big yellowtail with a celestial backdrop, and a group shot of our final yellowtail stop during the height of the action - good times.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...