9/3/13

We had our game plan all mapped out arriving in our zone of choice ready for a day of spot fishing fun; a little time
stationary rather than on the move was really in order following two prior days on the offshore grounds. After only one hour
of fishing at destination one we were on the move again; no big love was coming our way and my patience for it was mighty
thin.

So the scenic tour commenced and a lovely one it was. Patchy fog opened to reveal portions of coast ghostly beneath the heavy
veil then crystal clear openings would illuminate the magnificent hidden world. When the fog lifted for good the sunshine and
spectacular view beckoned all to enjoy drinking in the signs of life stunning in abundance. Huge shoals of bait fish, massive
amounts of franticly diving birds, whales, dolphins, seal lions - the whole ocean was bursting in the perpetual resplendent
dance of life.

Satisfying to the soul the magnificence of vision did not go so far as to assuage the escalating urge to put some fish on
board; day three dawned with the majority of anglers still hungry to settle into some steady catching action. The spot we
choose required an investment in running time, but the potential reward of real deal, good old fashioned clobbering was well
worth shouldering the anxiety for a few long hours - we hoped.

We dropped the anchor an hour after lunch and pulled it an hour before dinner completely satisfied, fully sated, entirely
spent from pulling on spirited 18 - 25# yellowtail for five straight hours. We left them biting and eager. There will be
another day, another voyage - no reason to get too carried away and exceed the decency standard. But boy we easily could
have; they were really in the mood.

Heading back north tomorrow we stop to smell the roses intent upon at least one day of leisurely fishing enjoying the ride
and scenery while targeting a few "premium" yellows and the ever pleasing Calico Bass. The offshore grounds still beckon from
above - the fishing for both bluefin and yellowfin again went off today, but we have some more soul feeding to do before
resuming the search for tuna. A full load of bait, clear conscience, rapidly improving weather, and plenty of time should
position us for success when the time comes.

Photos today feature a couple more big fish grabs. I was far too wound up to snap any yellowtail action images. First time
Royal Star angler, but no stranger to long range, Paul Acklin scored big on day one with his 128 pound bluefin, and long time
Royal Star veteran Bob "Turbo" Ryan continues his big fish roll with this 131# dandy.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...