3/14/13

A couple of photos to share today of Thai master angler "Ming" who once again demonstrated with relative ease that using Southern California style giant yellowfin tuna tackle isn't the only way to "get 'er done". The trusted, bullet proof Shimano Talica 25 is the reel of choice for the majority of the Thai giant yellowfin tuna anglers and the rods are of a brand I recall as 7 Seas; but there are several other brands in this style as well.

While I have no intention of promoting this equipment as the best, or most efficient way of tackling giant yellowfin it is noteworthy for all of us participating in this fishery to realize that it not only can be done with this gear, it is done - regularly, and with style.

Ming hooked his trophy on the final morning and made a few tours around the boat in the process of pulling on the beast. It came down to the wire and Ming was the last angler engaged in an epic battle in which every angler and crewman on the boat was invested. We all wanted this one bad. First because Ming is such an exceptional guy that everyone sincerely liked, and second because of all the aforementioned challenges in making this voyage a fishing success. This one mattered a lot; to those of us who made the 2012 Clipperton voyage especially as Ming battled a gigantic beast on that run in a near two hour epic struggle that ended in the agony of defeat.

The photo I took of Ming's 242 coming through the gate captures the exuberance of the moment perhaps better than any other I have ever seen. While hanging over the side extending my arm as far as possible I couldn't help but notice the pure joy on everyone's face in the frame. Believe me I was beaming a grin just as contagious, just as wide. This was one of those fishing moments that cannot be replicated anywhere. This was an achievement for Ming at the apex of his fishing career; all the time and effort he dedicated to developing his skills culminated in this moment.

And such moments are what we live for. If I had my way every angler would feel this way at least once on every Royal Star long range voyage. It is a lofty goal, but one that is highly motivational. The first of two photos today features Ming during the battle pouring the coals to task at hand.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...