12/12/13

At our first albeit small intentioned destination we were greeted by a prescient image. The Mexican flag proudly waving high atop south Alijos rock since at least early October finally succumbed to the elements. Previously symbolic of the amazing virility Alijos has proven this season, now in tatters, riding barely half way up the staff, the spent "bandera" convincingly suggested that the wahoo party of 2013 had come to an end; or at least that a significant change had occurred. Water temperatures indeed had plummeted and the feel of the place was tepid compared to previous visits this season.

And that was it, today anyway; it was over. No wahoo from a quick drag around the edge, and no time to spare found us at full cruise again in short order preferring to invest our fishing time in more productive zones. The big fish are beckoning, and we are heeding their entreaties. Smooth sailing was again the theme as fine weather with minimal seas made for a happy go of it. All's well on the ride south, as it should be.

Photo today features another selection from fisheries scientist David Itano taken aboard a Western Pacific, ISSF funded, purse seine research cruise. This is one of my many favorites that Dave shared featuring skipjack, yellowfin, and bigeye tunas inside the purse seine net as the noose begins to tighten. I have spent more than a few minutes studying this mesmerizing image picking out the different species and enjoying the beauty of an attraction I have harbored since my youth. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder". To me this is it. A simpleton I am.

Tim Ekstrom
Photo Here...