11/01/13

Plentiful, twelve to sixteen pound yellowfin tuna again provided the bulk of today's action; and thank goodness for them
because the variety challenge is proving beyond our capacity so far this run. We threw everything we have at them spending
another ten hours on the hunt offshore in stunningly beautiful conditions - flat calm and balmy, grease. But the search again
proved near fruitless as the dearth of choice flotsam and associating apex game fish left us disappointed and frustrated,
maybe even a little bit grouchy, by the end of the day.

They are not coming easy this voyage, not that we expect them to, but more often than not dedicated effort is afforded at
least a little favor. These occasions serve as a stark reminder of our real position in the grand scheme, and how fortunate
we are when times are good.

Good times however is a rather broad assignation. Times are presently good - flat calm weather and high spirits where it
matters - on deck, are representative of proper perspective among anglers intent upon a relaxing, worthy vacation. Better
production on quality and variety would definitely augment overall satisfaction, but recognition of the obvious - that this
is fishing - tempers both veteran and novice expectation.

Shifting now to plan 'C' we advance the quest to include a day of stationary fishing still targeting the coveted quality
tuna, dorado, and wahoo maddeningly salient in their continuing absence. One thing certain is that there is going to be some
richly rewarding payback when the equation reverses, a reckoning to be sure; perhaps tomorrow.

Photo today features a bright moment snatched from a long, drawn out afternoon. Actually much longer than that for Royal Star
veteran and uber troller Art Hernandez who stuck with a marathon, more like Iron man, multi-day session at the stern rail to
finally be rewarded with this forty five pound class prize Wahoo. They are here, slinking around the deeps marshalling
reinforcements and courage for the next inshore assault, it is simply a matter of time.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...