4/21/12

Funny how the standards float from season to season - with this year's being particularly
high. At the end of the day I marveled at my, and probably my only, lack of complete
satisfaction with our results. The last run to Clipperton, and many previous voyages to the
Revilla region this season were simply too good. And, the catching presently taking place a
few more miles to the west most certainly plays into the equation - a classic "grass is
always greener" scenario.

But any day one seriously considers over one hundred Wahoo, a couple of handfuls of 120 -
170# yellowfin tuna, and plenty more than a couple of handfuls of 60 - 90# tuna as mediocre
requires some serious self introspection. This was a good day of fishing. In heavenly calm
seas, distributed from before dawn to after dusk, we remained engaged and busy working an
ocean burgeoning with opportunity.

However, there was a distinct lack of bigger tuna sign, and the majority of the tuna we did
locate were reluctant to bite. As most of what we did encounter was in the 50 - 80 pound
range this was somewhat of a blessing in disguise, but it spoke to a bigger theme. Colder
water, unusually cold for this time of year, is presently dominant, and is at least
suggestive of why this zone is a little off kilter.

Going back to our results however one may wonder what I could possibly be thinking. A good
day of fishing and I present the area as off kilter? Yes that is the fishermans dilemma. It
is a rare occasion, relative to the overall time we spend out here, when all things align
to perfection. And it is this perpetual reach for the gold ring, the ceaseless neck
stretching for the dangling carrot, that produces the best of the best. Okay is Okay, but
it is far from spectacular. If we viewed it any other way, if we settled for mediocrity or
just good enough, we'd be among the easily forgotten of the past - and present.

Taking this into account tomorrow will undoubtedly call on the highest degree of vigilance
and awareness. I feel a strong pull from the west, almost magnetic, but heaven forbid hasty
judgment leaves something worthy behind.

Photo today features angler Mike Hein, Capt. Brian Sims, and Crewman Steve Gregonis with
Mike's mid day one hundred seventy pound "sardine eater".

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...