We began our first seven day of the 2004 summer season brimming with enthusiasm and adventurous spirit on a prospecting mission to find a new area of albacore offshore for the long range fleet. I can honestly say that by noon however with zero fish in the bag and somewhat sloppy weather, our enthusiasm was beginning to wane. Our intentions were noble but passed unrewarded and we continued south at day's end heading for what we hope will be greener pastures on our bow. It is hard to say what the big picture relates as we were one boat covering a relatively tiny stretch of potentially good area. We are certainly not planning on throwing in the towel yet and feel that once our entire group of boats mobilizes and begins searching offshore that there is plenty of good fishing to be found. Until then we will continue the search and hope the fish and weather gods smile upon us.