This was one of those days that we enjoyed plenty of beautiful scenery but had to kick, claw, and scratch for every single fish that we put aboard. It's not that we didn't see plenty - several areas we visited were absolutely loaded with yellowtail visible to all as they crashed around and passed through in steady waves. But for whatever reason they were reluctant to join our party snubbing their noses at the vast majority of our offerings.

The first piece of good news is that they are here - biting or not today at least we can see the potential and believe it is simply a matter of time. The second is that we have another full day to invest in the challenge that right now appears to be the only secret to wrenching a catch out of this area - plenty of time and dedicated effort at the rail.

So we will see what tomorrow's island fishing produces before we head back to the offshore grounds for our final day. As reported we are in an ideal position to take advantage of whatever we find. It is now up to the fish gods to send a little more good fortune in our direction.

As a final note I have to report an incredible, once in a lifetime catch for long time Royal Star angler Phil Wade. Phil's seventy three pound White Sea Bass, landed while the sole angler fishing on the anchor after dinner proved that it is always worth soaking a bait or two in the night time hours. Congratulations to Phil who earned his noteworthy catch through perseverance, dedication, and experience. Of course there was at least a little luck in the equation but full credit to Phil for his effort.