Well it's better than what we left behind, I'll give it that, but by no means is it any barn burner. Simply stated this is boiling down to tough fishing – there just isn't much in the shallows to fish for. Which is normal of course; part of the natural cycle; fish move in and out away from the banks and islands. Timing is the key to success on any fishing voyage. Sure we make the most of what opportunities we find; but foremost something must be around to make good on. Without that our fate is sealed regardless of our skills, talents, methods, and equipment. Our long reach to the west did produce; and we're mighty thankful for it. Fair “skinnin'” and a fair afternoon scratch on 70 – 130 pound tuna did set the day into the category of success. A little is better than none; far better. So we took the gift with gratitude hoping that tomorrow will be at least as good if not better. An improving weather forecast promises upgraded conditions tomorrow and beyond. Perhaps that will be the trigger. At this point the cycle has been in the trough for so long a change for the better seems inevitable. In now for the penny and the pound we'll know soon enough; or we'll be gone. Photos today feature a couple of seasoned Royal Star fishing masters who stepped up today claiming their share of the spoils. Kevin Leong is first featured with a beautiful 120 landed mid day. Jeff Cox gets the job done for real loading a big tuna rod as it should be up on the bow. Big gear, big drag, pulling for real – an age old recipe for success demonstrated to perfection here. Nice.