2/27/12

True to form Clipperton atoll today delivered on its reputation for extreme
change. Every day is different here; well beyond the exhausted cliche. The
rapid, night and day variances in fish sign, weather conditions, and overall
feel are built in. And this works both ways; sometimes to the advantage of our
effort to put catch on board, and sometimes to our distinct disadvantage.

Day two at the atoll began with that distinct uh oh feeling as the wind and sea
were up big time and the sign of fish was decidedly down - almost non-existent
better said, aside from a few small spots of miniature models. And so began a
long, worrisome morning as conditions were off to say the least and did not
appear to be improving anytime soon.

Then, like magic, the wind abated, the rugged, very sloppy sea state diminished,
and the fish began to show. What followed was a banner afternoon/early evening
of yellowfin tuna action that fulfilled many anglers vision of the Clipperton
dream.

Big fish were far more abundant today with the afternoon average 110 - 195, and
plenty of those in the 140 - 180 pound class. There was some real deal pulling
going on as these anglers were intimately acquainted with the fact that the
Clipperton yellowfin tuna is of a completely different caliber that its brethren
to the north. Highly spirited is an understatement when describing these
warriors - super charged and bad to the bone. No kidding, I would confidently
venture that an average Clipperton yellowfin is a third again as strong as a
yellowfin in the Revilla's and above; of course every rule has its exceptions,
and I don't seek to start a cat fight among the champions of the northern
climes. It is what it is. To a man everyone on board Royal Star at present now
ardently believes. Seeing is believing. Simple as that.

Photos for the day feature first time long range angler "Ming" all the way from
Thailand. Prior to this journey Ming's largest tuna was around forty pounds. He
handily dispatched this 181 to make his voyage early. Photo number two features
the man himself Corbett Wright whose joy depicted earlier in the voyage in no
way meant that he is not hard core when it comes to "the show". If I had to
guess who among this group of anglers would break the ice with the first deuce
Corbett would have been at the top of the list. Here he is with his late in the
day 225 and a dazzling sun and Clipperton isle in the near background. There is
no place like it - entirely unique.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...


Photo Here...