8/5/12

You know the fishing has been good, too good of late, when the day yields a fine catch of mixed 30 - 40#
yellowfin and 15 - 30# Bluefin and there is lamenting from various bridges about it being a "down day".
It was, and I was one of those lamenting, but simply because our standard has been elevated by what can
only be described as extraordinary offshore fishing over the previous few days. "The grass is always
greener" as the saying goes.

Truthfully though no complaints from here. We saw good fish, caught good fish, have decent working
weather, and plenty of time. The day was enjoyed and the action appreciated as the quality of the
yellowfin tuna in particular made the capture of even one a relative day maker. The occasional offshore
yellowtail and regular colorful exotics(dorado)sweetened the pot that much more. This was long range
quality and quantity today that is getting much closer to home.

Now well within 1 1/2 day range this sign of fish, that is most certainly headed further north, is the
tip of the iceberg. The real goods, the beef if you will, is still a little further. Rest assured that it
is coming, and that good local fishing for school size yellowfin and Bluefin is in store. The sooner the
better as everyone fishing inside of about 100 miles has been waiting long enough.

One day at a time however and we will again ply the offshore waters hoping that the fish will be "up" and
biting for real. Photo today features Royal Star veteran Jill Higgins stoked that her luck finally turned
good after a couple of early fishless hours at the rail. As I mentioned above the size class of this
offshore yellowfin makes the capture of even one a bona fide day maker. Jill's countenance attests to
this notion as assistant chief, and soon to be licensed 100 ton master, Paul Caramao hefts her 40 pound
class prize.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...