7/17/12

Well it was as advertised, almost, as the morning was a one stop shop for incredible action and quality
on fat, highly spirited yellowtail. One anchor job in perfect conditions yielded enough of the delicious
"bread and butter" of long range for an entire voyage. About three hours is all it took as the 18 - 25#
fish were suicidal. In fact, if even possible, I believe they were biting better when we left than
halfway through the drubbing.

It was an ideal setup for an afternoon of offshore looking; although the straight "wood" on 18 - 40#
yellowfin tuna of last week was highly doubtful as the majority of that fish is now enroute to various
canneries. But, having fished in this zone for twenty five seasons, we know they don't get them all. And
today again we proved it. It was no blazing barn burner but we pieced a few fair stops together, sorted
through the smaller 8 - 10# models, enjoyed a budding variety of good grade dorado now in the mix, and
ended up with right at a hundred 15 - 30 pounders for the after/evening effort.

Needless to say by any standard the day was a tremendous success. Good weather complimented good fishing
and soaring spirits among these jubilant anglers were only contained by the marked weariness of yarding
on fish for hours on end. Feeling no pressing urge to depart our present corner of fishing success we'll
see what tomorrow brings again offshore.

As for the fishing above it appears that the Bluefin are still around in good numbers although the
majority have been reluctant to bite. That will certainly change though. Decent scores are being recorded
in both the near local and longer range areas 70 - 170 miles from S.D. That zone will almost certainly be
included in our itinerary as we chug back north on this run.

On a final admin note I want to announce that there is presently one spot available on the Humboldt
Fishin Lumberjacks six day voyage departing Saturday, August 4th returning Friday, August 10th. That
voyage boasts a fantastic core group of anglers who make a good time of every occasion. As for the
fishing potential the time frame speaks for itself. There is no way anglers could better position
themselves for success than a voyage of that length at that time of the year.

If it fits your schedule, and you have perhaps been waiting to pull the trigger, don't let any fishing
concern deter you. I suspect that the variety we are seeing down below will soon be available much closer
to home. Combined with the already fantastic sign of offshore Bluefin things are really looking
favorable.

Photos today feature a couple of action shots at the rail during the morning yellowtail slug fest. I
think these images do a pretty good job of relating the tale without any supporting statements. Ah yes -
fishing paradise.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...