3/5/13

Best said it was a grind today - plentiful fish that were reluctant to bite had us on the move trying everything
from A to Z from the pre-dawn hours through well after dark. In the process we stacked a few in the hatch, well,
perhaps more than a few, but not nearly as many as one would figure based on the amount of fish we had to work
with.

So goes another day at Clipperton. The tremendous beauty of the island could not hide today as radiant sunshine
exposed every detail from several close passes while searching for glory. The sight of this place alone is
invigorating - even more so when one is pulling on a spirited tuna drifting down an inshore line.

Admittedly we have our work cut out for us as these fish are presently fixated on their program and practically
ignoring ours. Between giving us the run around, and running around like wild banshees themselves, They have made
it known that they are not going to make it easy this time - at least not yet. This is not our first rodeo though;
we have plenty of time, unyielding determination, and fair amount of experience to prepare us for such
eventualities. This is fishing. Proportionally we do a lot more of this than catching, regardless of location.

Long time Royal Star and Clipperton veteran Dr. Stuart Exall got the ball rolling today with a mid day deuce that
came at the perfect time. It wasn't a surprise as we set up in one of our favorite big fish haunts looking for this
exact result. But it was motivating in every way reminding all of us that anytime, anywhere, even right up against
the breakers, a giant yellowfin can come knocking at Clipperton. Congrats to Stuart who is all smiles with this 209
pound Clipperton dandy.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...