2/24/12

By travel standards an exceptional day occupied by a little rigging and a lot of
leisure. Though, even after a full prior evening of grappling bait fish, it no
longer relaxation we seek; in particular those of us who began the journey in
San Diego. If nothing else however this protracted boat ride serves to remind
one of the exceptional state of this incredibly remote destination. It is on the
edge of earth, actually over the edge, which is really a fine description of the
Clipperton adventure in and of itself.

Extreme fishing would be an understatement when describing a Clipperton voyage
in its entirety. Between the effort, resources, and precious allocation of time
anglers really hang it out there on this one. But the one reason, the solid
justification for such a worthy investment can only be found in the waters
surrounding this mystical haven.

Proportionally, visually, nothing any of us have experienced in the regions
north of Clipperton compare. The scale of life competing, the fury with which
all things pursue nutriment, the violent tenor of survival is astonishing. When
the place is in its full glory one cannot help but marvel. Existence down here
is a fierce battle. And the behavior of all critters, above and below the
surface, reflects the cost of living in every respect.

Needless to say we continue to cruise south with soaring hopes of finding the
atoll in "on" mode. Final preparations will be made today, patience will be
exercised, and burgeoning anticipation will be checked until our morning arrival
on the 26th. One shot, one vision of the so many indescribable experiences I
have lived here, will drive the point home. Nineteen anglers await the magical
beneficence of Clipperton; and one Captain more than everyone combined.

Photo today is more for fun than anything serious. My long time friend Corbett
Wright, whom I first met on a Royal Star Clipperton voyage in the early 2000's,
was captured in a lighter moment a couple of nights back. At the rail living the
dream, Corbett couldn't help but express his overwhelming joy while pulling on
one of his numerous warm up yellowfin during our evening ripper. As an
expression of the pure bliss a fisherman experiences while practicing the
coveted form this image does wonders. But to get it one almost has to revert
back to their childhood and recollect the simple joy of having fun. I sincerely
hope that there is at least some of this left in everyone.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...