SMOOTH SAILING (121010)!!! I wish when I worked I would have had it this good. After just one day on the job they gave me yesterday off! I'm back today and of course there is really nothing to report in the way of actual fishing as we are still traveling as we have been since we left and there is still one more day of it ahead. If you've ever read a trip report you know this is where they say "passengers spent the day readying tackle, watching movies, etc." For me the trip down always reminds me of veal. Other than burning off nervous energy there is not much doing in the way of physical activity, and it seems you're being force fed around the clock. Ok, technically nobody is forcing you to eat, but with food this good and this plentiful it can sure seem that way. Tonight is Ahi so we can become one with the fish. I am always fascinated if not a little intimidated by the various techniques different guys have for preparation. Several of these guys are into it on a whole different level, having devoted hundreds of hours over the years to testing top shots, sleevings, best type of swivels, line and every other function of long range fishing even going so far as to test the different types of glue used to hold spectra in place. And best not to even start comparing rods and reels. Basically almost any thing done correctly will work most of the time, and nothing, no matter how well it's done will work all of the time. But, as shown last week when the first 400 plus pound Yellowfin EVER was weighed in at the docks, when you fish the area we are heading for, on any trip,at any time, you can hook a fish that will literally change angling history. The best you can hope for is that all of you gear is the best it can be, and at least increase your odds of landing it if you are lucky enough to have it bite you in the first place. When I did the report the first day, this computer and I weren't seeing quite eye to eye. The first two attempts I was down to the last few key strokes when it all permanently disappeared. It was kind of like fighting a big tuna within inches of the gaff only to have it break off. Nah, it was nothing like that but it was frustrating and each successive attempt at that report got a little shorter. I mention this only because I had originally (but not the final time) mentioned that Howard Hada who is the Izorline rep. aboard had some great give aways the first afternoon including a crimp kit, leader spools, and T-shirts all around (and yes Micheal Ballard, there's one for you too). He is also making available 3 service spools of the heavier line for every one through out the trip. Thanks, Howard and Izorline. Couldn't ask for nicer traveling weather so far. Sunny and warm and at least for me nothing like home. POEM FOR THE DAY: We thought we'd score big in the Buffer But it looks like it's going to be tougher Just one fish so far Who bit a cigar That's right all we got was a Puffer!