Another busy day of fishing in the lower precincts with marginal production despite an incredible showing of big fish; to say they're not in a biting mode is an understatement. It was exciting though; there were spots to run on all day long as we locked on and headed for any number of choices, but the excitement was doled out sparingly at whatever destination we chose.

The general consensus at day's end fairly matches yesterday's evaluation. We want, we hope, to be here when this area shifts into a biting mode. The potential is unlimited. Like yesterday just before sundown that potential was obvious to everyone. Spots were up and jumping as far as the eye could see. The maddening fact that one could hardly draw a strike was temporarily overshadowed by the sheer quantity of fish visible.

How is it possible for so many actively feeding tuna in our immediate vicinity to virtually ignore our offerings? It is a question I have advanced about a million times over the past twenty seven years. It defies reason. The standard response among offshore fisherman is "that's why nets were invented". It hard to argue against that perspective after participating in a showing like the past three days. For us rod and reeler's however these occasions make the good times that much more poignant. It is the old carrot and the stick theory. And no doubt that is a great example - we have all been made to look like the donkey in the equation more than a few times by tuna out here. But that is what keeps up coming back; to exact vengeance, to settle the score, or to simply catch a few rather than only try.

And fortunately for us victory today was not completely elusive. We did manage to coax our share of bites from the wily rascals. Well, "share" is a relative term in the case of today's results for there were only a few handfuls of opportunities created. But, that is a few handfuls more than most. And, to my unending satisfaction, good luck was not the determining factor. I absolutely abhor fishing days when dumb luck usurps experience and ability; unless I am the lucky one.

Though it wasn't much on the whole it was to those in the category of success. The good thing about these fish is that it only takes one. Today's photos feature a couple of champions who now rest easy with one chilled in the hatch. "The Legend" Jerry Kruse earned his 218 the hard way; this was one tough old bastard (the fish) in every respect. And Jerry, at seventy nine years young, was no slouch himself. It was nip and tuck for a few tense moments at the end, but the results obviously favored "The Legend's" tenacity. Photo number two features co-charter master Tommy Walker with a chunky 185 that will grace many a friend's sushi table upon return. Beautiful weather will grace the effort tomorrow. Time will tell.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...