We had an unbelievable finish to our trip following a relaxing, flat calm day of travel heading up from Cedros. With a fine catch of yellowtail from Cedros we elected to make the run up as the weather forecast indicated "primo" conditions and the coveted, four days before the full moon period had arrived. Traditionally, if there are albacore in the area, this set up could not be bested by any other conditions. If there is anything we have learned in our many years of offshore fishing, it is not to miss such an opportunity. This combination of conditions does not come often, and one who knows the score does not take that lightly.

As such, the day's results were not a complete surprise, but don't let that comment lead you to believe we take it for granted. The showing of albacore on the 23rd was on par with any of the most amazing days of offshore fishing I have witnessed in my twenty four years of offshore experience. It was one of those days when one simply has a difficult time believing that there could possibly be that much fish in the ocean. As the day progressed into the late afternoon, areas of crashing albacore and bluefin stretched for as many miles as one could see in every direction, and with flat calm weather, a crystal clear atmosphere, and a good pair of stabilized binoculars, the sight was one to behold.

Although the fish were not in a bound for glory, suicidal biting mode, the action was perfect for sport fishing, with a good bait fished on forty or fifty pound line producing a thirty to forty pound albacore almost every time. This action combined with the amazing visual spectacle of acres of crashing albacore and bluefin surrounding the boat made for fishing memories that will last a lifetime. I can say with certainty that I will never forget the sight. No matter how many times we are blessed to witness such incredible spectacles, it never gets old. I have to imagine it is the same for every genuine fisherman out there.

In the end we finished our final day with full limits of albacore and mixed in half a dozen of the wily thirty pound bluefin for good measure. As we motored home easy enjoying the flat calm conditions, we reveled in the satisfaction of knowing that we were among the lucky ones to experience such a fantastic day of offshore action.

Now Captain Toussaint resumes command and rest assured that "old lucky" will continue the trend as the weather is forecast to remain calm, the moon is right, and we know the fish are there; to say the least. I will continue Randy's daily reports so look for the details throughout the week. In the meantime, if you can get away for a one and one half or two day local trip, jump on as the odds of success will never be better that the next two or three days on the local albacore grounds.

Tim