3/8/13

Little contemplation today about what was in anticipation of what is to be. The first leg of the passage across was
smooth and quiet as a light tropical breeze buffeted calm seas. It looks like tomorrow will be markedly different
as stiffer trade winds are forecast. Either way the ride north, and weather, was inevitable. Keeping this in mind
we make progress to the northwest satisfied with the notion of good things to come.

Photo for the day features accomplished angler and Royal Star veteran Greg De Felice who is now also among the
fraternity of Clipperton alumni to have their rear ends handed to them by an unreasonably mean spirited,
ridiculously tenacious Clipperton tuna. Using the big Shimano "Stella" and 130 fluorocarbon leader material Greg's
outfit was adequately prepared for casting the popper, but perhaps bereft of the combined features necessary to man
handle a 150# class Clipperton yellowfin tuna; at least one of the mean ones.

As luck would have it Greg made a perfect presentation when a giant bird school approached, and entertained
everyone within eyesight and earshot as an epic, huge blow out consumed the vision of his popper chugging across
the surface, and an uncontrollable victory yelp drew attention to the spectacular event. Then the hard part began.

An hour later, not much closer than half an hour before, the merits of using such equipment for large Clipperton
yellowfin tuna were seriously in question. And fifteen minutes later, when the post attaching the reel to the rod
sheared in half, and a crushing report from the 130# fluoro snapping in two quickly followed, the was little left
to doubt. By TKO this battle was convincingly decided in favor of the estimated 160# Clipperton tuna.

In closing for the day I want all to be certain that this is not an indictment of the Shimano "Stella" reel. Quite
the opposite. It's a perfect example of the heroic composition of trophy Clipperton tuna. If they can make
mincemeat out of a Shimano "Stella", and Greg De Felice, that's saying something. All in good fun though. It made
for yet another great fish story, and added to lore of Clipperton. I like that.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...