And so swings the perpetual pendulum inevitably balancing the equation of big fish success. No matter how proficient we become, no matter how advanced our rigging and tactics, some of them will always escape to fight another day. Until this morning we had been defying the natural order making good on every single opportunity at known jumbos we tied into; today not so much. And it wasn't that we, crew and anglers alike, were doing anything wrong. It was simply the inevitable catching up to our extraordinary run of favorable outcomes in showdowns with giants.

Do not gather that I am assigning the entire success ratio in giant yellowfin tuna fishing to pure luck though - far from it. In fact expert rigging and preparation, and savvy application of techniques will tilt the odds far in favor of anglers. But, even the best of the best, that we most certainly have on board Royal Star during this annual voyage, must endure the 20 percent luck factor that in part determines the outcome of big fish battles for or against. Although it's not a science I'd say that is about correct - 80 percent good 20 percent not so good, or the dreaded 20 percent good 80 percent pure bad; the disastrous latter is a day wrecker for any dedicated long range skipper.

Regardless of the exact ratio suffice to say that when the dark cloud descends and the time to pay penance arrives it must be understood as such, and rationally overcome. While I am sure we all (Captains) do our share of pissing and moaning when misfortune strikes (Randy and I most certainly have our moments) at the very least the ire must be correctly focused on the proper source - the fish gods, the heavens, the ocean, the sun, the sky, the stars, the moon, etc. The trademark of inexperience is the blame game. Valueless tirades and finger pointing serve to engender hurt feelings and ill will and almost always advances the downhill slide - as the quote "The beatings will continue until morale improves" ironically suggests.

Understanding the source, addressing any gear deficiencies, and restoring a positive footing is the only hope when that black cloud descends. This was our exact strategy today employed after enduring a couple of real heartbreakers right out of the gates. I have to admit though that after losing the first two bona fide giants to a hook pull and getting smoked while deploying the backup Randy and I both knew we were in for a "correction". And sure enough, despite our best efforts to remain positive, then went another, then another, then another. Oh what pain and suffering. The exact ones we were targeting kept drawing the winning cards and handing us our lunch. Mysterious line breaks, leaders failing, hooks pulling, spectra digging in the spool and snapping - you name it; the heavens opened up and rained down a proverbial "shit storm". For awhile even the mid rangers had our number. It was ugly; made worse by the high stakes competition with our colleagues close by. It was their day, simple as that.

Mind you it is always worse for the guy on the bridge by a long shot. We make a big to do about it while everyone on deck is still having a great time. A Captain that isn't wrought up when things are going in the wrong direction is the one to worry about. In the end we restored our favorable groove putting twenty five good ones aboard before our eastward departure. We had a good, successful day of fishing and catching. No giants though; they won today; by the ones we really desired we got our asses handed to us. As such we (Randy and I) departed with our rear end smarting. It happens.

But (no pun intended), with ten over 200 pounds in the hatch, and a literal boat load of 100 - 180# beauties all in perfect condition, spiked, bled, dressed, and held at 30 degrees Fahrenheit in the RSW tanks we depart as winners on the whole incredibly stoked with our overall results. There was no melancholy or moping down below. In fact, quite the opposite. Festivities were in order as our departure coincided perfectly with the awaited break in the weather that transformed the tempestuous ocean of late into another state of flat calm. Ahhh. Following our departure spirits and "nectar of the gods" were flowing as anglers settled back, unwound, and relaxed in the comfort of tranquility and reverie of success.

Photo of the day features another long range veteran Andy Smith who is incredibly well practiced in his low key approach. Always in the game, Andy put this beautiful two seventeen on board, in addition to numerous other dandies, a couple of days prior. Now we shift back into travel mode heading toward our drop off point in Cabo San Lucas on Saturday morning. Reports, and perhaps a bit more philosophical waxing, will continue as we head up the line. Read and absorb, or ignore, as you see fit. Have a fine day!

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...