Boom or bust was the set up, and bust it was.  Flat calm conditions - no wind at all - made for an easy time of it as we plowed north turning over every stone in our path. The stretch of ocean we traversed is nothing more than a conduit so far this season channeling transient schools to the promised land north. There is little in the way of forage or conditions to stop them. We verified that truth again in our journey today. For the local fleet in particular that is fine, and will begin to reflect in more robust catches fairly soon.

The first significant hurricane pushing up into the outer northern zone signals a change that we have all been waiting for. We’ll see how quickly the change these events elicit arrives. At the very least it is good to see something in the grand scheme with the power to impact a pattern that hasn't been all that favorable to the local fleet for some time. And for the long range guys pushing into the southern zones fortunately that bomber storm is on a track well to the west of their arena. Just like the local guys that storm should ultimately have a positive impact on the fishing overall.

Though our final day was a bust in production the lack thereof did nothing to diminish the success of the voyage overall. Between this fantastic group of individuals and excellent fishing for both yellowtail and yellowfin tuna down below anything found yesterday would simply have served as a proverbial “cherry on top”. Our gratitude to the entire group of anglers who made this run successful through the right approach from day one. Intent on making a good time of their vacation everyone enjoyed the weather, the fishing, and made of great time of every opportunity. Tomorrow we begin a new voyage heading back into the mix to do our part and claim our share. Look for reports to continue as Captain Brian “Gerbie” Sims assumes command.

Tim Ekstrom