7/18/13

One of those occasions when we were grateful for the bird in hand, skinny as it was, rather than to be threshing in
the bush. It was raw on the outside today, the kind of conditions that really magnify the benefits of twenty miles
of rock between one and the elements. Though we did endure blustery conditions and wompass sea states when we
ventured any distance from lee haven the worst we encountered was still easily managed.

What was not easily managed, in particular for yours truly, was a ferocious, voracious pack of corpulent pinnipeds
hell bent on consuming any and all yellowtail we managed to hook. While they did not succeed - we ground out a
decent day on numbers scratching away ahead of the beasts - suffice to say that it could, it would have been a
whole lot better less the demons hounding our every move. It was simply another obstacle from the long list of
"always somethings" that lends such sublime satisfaction to the special occasions when everything is right.

Those fishing dreams do come true, actually most of the time when fishing long range, but there are times when each
and every prize landed is a product of serious effort and determination. This was one of them; no easy street for
these fishermen. And judging by the weather forecast the odds of finding that platinum paved lane are rapidly
diminishing.

However all measures of "good" are of course relative. The big bonus tomorrow is that we will be enjoying a fine
ride north in manufactured good weather. In contrast to the alternative it makes a big difference. Variety fishing
will be on the docket as we hop scotch our way up the line poised to take advantage of any break in the weather to
come.

Photo today features angler Tom Giddings with his day maker, trophy yellowtail extracted from the weeds in a
ultimately triumphant, epic struggle. Crewman Steve Gregonis does the lifting honors.


Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...