3/12/13

A few bright moments to report amongst a boat load of action today. Foremost, in contrast to the difficult weather
experienced a few days prior, the seas were calm and conditions ideal. A beautiful day for fishing offshore in
every respect.

After relocating last night we found ourselves solo after daylight enjoying the sight of nothing but fish and life
all around. Incredibly, once again, the vast, vast majority of what we found showed little interest in biting; but
for our sake they cooperated at least little. That little, in the end, added up to plenty of action, and at least a
few in the hatch for everyone. Success - relatively speaking.

Still a marked lack of big fish hounds this effort. Whether at Clipperton, Clarion, or otherwise it seems that the
jumbos are either touring the deeps outside or simply cruising the shallows incognito. Whatever the case it has put
all of our experience and ingenuity to the test. In the end, though it has not quite arrived yet, we have been
definitively reminded of our place. But that is no revelation.

I did mention a few bright moments today during which at least some faith was restored. Bobby Yokoi and Bart Van
Der Heiden, both of whom have already graced the daily narrative with earlier images from Clipperton, boated the
fish they came for in the eleventh hour. Bart closed the day with a rotund 267 and Bobby, featured in today's photo
with Captain Brian Sims, picked off this beautiful 232 on the flylined caballito.

We also roped Bobby and Brian into the promo shot with our favorite Ballast Point "Sculpin" Ale. Many a spirit were
lifted this voyage by the five 'o clock "Grog call" when a round of Sculpin's was distributed. Huge gratitude again
to Ballast Point Brewery for sponsoring our Clipperton runs with the best of the best. On this voyage in particular
the Sculpin a day went a long way. We're obliged.

Now the last hurrah is actually upon us as the final option on the list, the absolute last chance, will be
exhausted by 0800 tomorrow. At that time we will know, with complete confidence in the effort, that we gave this
voyage every opportunity possible. Perhaps a little favor will shine upon us and we'll end this one on a strong
note. It wouldn't be the first time.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...