With yesterdays sentimental report of the voyage out of the way, today the main focus returns to pure fishing. Really about the only element that could have made this fishing better was a higher percentage of big fish as this group of anglers has attained hero status for the amount of pulling they have done on fifty to ninety pound class yellowfin tuna. In fact, with yesterday's total, we are well over six hundred yellowfin tagged so far, incredible. Anyway though these guys are pulling machines and seem to be pleased as long as there is a bend in their rod while waiting for their shot at a big one, we all have definitely been hoping that a bigger size average would move in so we could focus our efforts on a few more trophies and more fish over one hundred pounds. Today it happened. Just like that, almost everything that came over the rail was in the one hundred to one hundred fifty pound class with a couple of handfuls of standout 160 - 190's and a few opportunities at big cows. Once again the fish gods have smiled bright and we enjoyed a very good day as a result. Flat calm conditions with just enough breeze to keep things cool put the finishing touch on a great day. That said, naturally we have no plans to go anywhere satisfied to finish our fishing time here at Clarion.

A couple of anglers today made us very pleased that the process of lifting these fish on board with the big scoops or brailers has evolved. I haven't mentioned it yet but when I send in the photos following this voyage you will not see straining faces, bulging muscles, and ungainly lifting angles as on previous tagging voyages. I have to admit that in modifying our scooping technique to include the boom and winch I simultaneously feel like the smartest and dumbest person around; the smartest for finally figuring it out, and the dumbest for not thinking of it in the first place. Regardless we are now in the twenty first, mechanized century using the boom and winch to easily handle whatever big fish, and at times even multiple smaller fish, that come our way. Not only is this method a vast improvement for our general condition, it is vastly better for the fish as the process is quick, smooth, and gentle.

Back to the most important part however. I am ecstatic to report that long time Royal Star anglers Bill Grimsley and Tom Cahillane both capitalized on opportunities today that they have earned by fishing hard for and putting in their time at the rail for many years. The early afternoon super giants came through at almost exact the same time with one slurping down a fly lined mackerel and the other hammering a couple of mackerel fished below the kite. Both were epic battles that ended with shouts and cheers as these incredible catches and huge beasts were admired before being sent back to continue their doings. Bill Grimsley - 337 or 77.5" x 59". Tom Cahillane - 321 or 76.5" x 58". No "tape stretching" and no exaggeration necessary, when you see the photos, you will see what I mean. Both fish were extraordinary and huge in proportions. Both men did a fantastic, exemplary job during the extended battles. At seventy six years young I have to assign special credit to Mr. Cahillane who in addition to being a dedicated angler is one of the finest gentlemen any of us have had the pleasure to share the rail with. Bill's battle was not without its share of drama culminating in the canny beast switch backing into the propellers requiring some quick action by the crew and me going over the side to free the line and save the battle from ending in certain disaster. Huge congratulations to both men as these incredible catches certainly qualify as fish of a lifetime.

We all had a great day. Sixty three was the total number of yellowfin tuna tagged with the majority of those over one hundred pounds. Although we cannot ask for anything more, with our final day upon us we would treasure the opportunity to end this voyage on a high note. Regardless of the outcome however, this is already another one for the books. We are immensely grateful.

Tim