A steady jog up the line was punctuated by short yellowtail queries when we encountered signs; and encounter signs we did. Despite freshening wind and building seas we hit the brakes on several occasions to find smaller, 12 - 16 pound yellowtail eager and willing to join their far more robust brethren in the RSW tanks. Needless to say between the cranky sea state, skinny fish, and a general lack of enthusiasm for the whole program we played through seeking better quality and conditions to the north.

In the end I can't say that conditions north were much better - one had to possess that sometimes at least slightly questionable fisherman's drive to make good on the opportunity, but adherence to our second nature produced the obvious result. They were there, we couldn't, we wouldn't, resist, and trudged into sloppy conditions to enjoy a fantastic show while catching to our heart's content. And overall it didn't take much - we had plenty already and catching a few "extry's" was more a diversion than anything; but what a fine diversion it was. Acre's of swirling, churning 20# class yellowtail were scattered beneath thousands of opportunistic sea birds all of which were getting their share of the smaller fin bait being pushed to the surface by marauding yellowtail.

It was a fine sight and delightful way to end the game fishing portion of the adventure. Short of the crap weather it took place in, it was ideal - not too few to make it feel like a wasted effort, not too many to make it feel like fish going to waste. Tomorrow's goal is to satisfy the previously touted Chef Rivera tradition. Otherwise enjoy today's second photo of "The Legend" Jerry Kruse with his beefy, 218 coming over the rail. Better weather is soon to come.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...