A strong finish with steady action on beautiful grade yellowfin tuna throughout the day. Just over a handful of bona fide trophies upped the ante mid day with the largest weighing in at 145. Several others in that size range escaped and a handful of “smaller” 100 – 125's made a strong impression on angler's unaccustomed to tussling with tuna in that size class. No fishin' party at all, if one chooses to step into the ring with something in that size range they better be prepared in all respects. As much as we try to gear up and remove any doubt it seems that no matter what every angler must learn for themselves, at least once the hard way, that fighting tuna in that size range is a whole different program. Fortuntely it's a lesson that sinks in rather quickly. Once an angler invests all the time, resources, and effort into such an endeavor, then gets his/her ass handed to them by a fish that makes comedy of their gear of choice, it's pretty clear that the big leagues require something better. It's a rite of passage in the world of big tuna fishing. And as much as I reflexively cringe when it happens I can't help but recall my own tough lesson, learned the hard way of course, thirty some years prior. Anyway the day ended on a high note as we headed north with the fondest memories possible receding in the distance. Perhaps these anglers shall be lucky enough to live this experience again in upcoming seasons. To be certain this coveted opportunity will be limited to an extremely fortunate few. Photos today feature long time Royal Star angler's John Schoeder and Fred Lee sharing their moment of triumph with Captain Blake Wasano.