No sign of our tormentors today but little sign of fish either; one might think they go hand in hand; and one would be correct. Often the opportunistic denizens trail schools and groups of tuna along waiting for chance or Providence to favor their patience. It works for them. But today the omnipresent sharks were the least of our concern as scant sign of the bigger tuna accompanied an almost one hundred eighty degree change in conditions. A freshened breeze and building sea state was assisted by a moderate current driving opposite prevailing sea conditions. Although far from rugged, or even uncomfortable, it was a considerable deviation from yesterday's tranquility.

In all the outside has been plagued for some time by a simple lack of fish that has translated into paltry results for just about everyone visiting the desolate outcrop over the past two months. It appears that one or two small groups of bigger tuna are skulking around, as well as a few small clutches of wahoo, but no significant quantity of either species has filled in. So we wait, and continue to poke and prod, while at least providing anglers the shot at larger yellowfin they came for. In this respect we accomplished our initial goal; though admittedly I am far from elated with our results; slightly placated would probably best describe my present perspective.

One thing certain is that the sight of even a few of these larger class yellowfin only serves to create a strong yearning for more. And from long experience I know I am among the majority in this sentiment. Before we stretch our legs in pursuit of glory however it is time to settle in to the task of putting some fish aboard. To meet this rapidly becoming urgent objective we push east in search of the hungry masses to rejuvenate spirits and quench the hunter's appetite.

The run across promises some exercise for those standing but rates low overall in the category of offshore excitement. Fifteen knots of breeze with two to three foot seas is augmented by an occasional fair sized, long interval northwest roller that stacks up with the chop to remind us that we are far offshore playing a small role in a much grander production. As we tack east conditions are forecast to improve setting us in fine shape tomorrow when our fishing begins anew. There's a nice little jingle to end on. Needless to say we are ready to get this program in motion.

Photo of the day features Royal Star veteran Lohn Storms who ended his day at Alijos in fine style with this seventy five pound yellowfin that he immediately backed up with a fat, forty pound class wahoo on his next cast.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...