08/04/13

Opportunity connected with the dream early as a boomer school of 50 - 65 pound class bluefin was engaged with our full
arsenal flying. The adrenaline meter was pegged both on deck and the bridge as the spot swung around and appeared as though
it wanted to get down to business. For about ten or fifteen minutes, oh were they sweet, the maddeningly fickle bluefin
dropped their guard a little bit. Not so much that our full ability was necessary to maintain control - we certainly could,
and would have preferred to handle a whole lot more, but a couple of handfuls remained on the line and gave us all a good
taste of the potential.

When the first of the better size bluefin came over the rail a palpable change in the on deck atmosphere occurred. Suffused
with that sense of "we are finally here and this is really happening" the tenor of excitement and satisfaction was a perfect
reminder of what we come for; of how special this fishing really is. And while only a glimpse - the real production we savor
tapered off all too quickly, I/we did not miss the moment. Sometimes life must be measured, and evaluated, in such
increments. Cherished memories lasting seconds, minutes, or hours are all good. Such truth can really be used to one's
advantage.

We were/are under no illusions though - twenty five bluefin offshore does not a six day voyage make - but it was a good
beginning in many ways. With a refreshing number of anglers new to this fishery the opportunity to remain at the rail and
apply and practice some unfamiliar fishing skills was perfect during the long drift following our initial hit. Many kinks
were worked out well preparing everyone for good things to come. Additionally the extended drift served as a perfect meet and
greet as anglers fished in unison working together to keep lines clear.

As for the rest of day I can only repeat an old familiar story consistent with the pursuit of bluefin tuna since the
beginning of modern day sport fishing. We saw plenty, we tried plenty, and we got a proportional share of snubbing as the
vast majority of what everyone fished for was not interested in being caught. Typical bluefin. Their day will come.

Offshore is again on the docket but a relocation was definitely in order. There is something better to be found. Whether or
not we find it remains to be seen. Photos today first feature the "hot stick" of the day Edrei Rios, with one of his four 60
pound class bluefin landed during our first go around, and young, first time long range angler Cade Dalton rightly ebullient
as his sixty pound class bluefin comes over the rail.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...


Photo Here...