8/10/14

Gratitude to all those essential in resolving the bluefin tuna issue in Mexico. I know that all of us in the sport fishing community were unspeakably disappointed by the sudden, inexplicable mid July 2014 closure of the recreational bluefin tuna fishery in Mexico. The underlying reasons were addressed with logic by sound individuals skilled in diplomacy. The positive results, with ample time remaining in the 2014 summer season, speak for themselves. It is another example of how effective we all can be working together. When things like this happen it is critical that everyone remembers not to react, then act, from an emotional foundation: good things come to those who think. Again our most sincere gratitude and respect is extended to SAC president Ken Franke and the entire team on both sides of the border involved in settling this challenge in favor of the recreational fishing community.

One personal note I feel is relevant and important to add today: recognizing that North Pacific Bluefin Tuna are in the spot light, and facing significant management decisions to reduce overall take, every individual harvesting these incredible fish should commit to taking only what they need. It doesn't matter if the limit is five or ten per day. If an individual lands two or three in the 70 - 100 pound range, or whatever reasonable number is sufficient to achieve the common sense unit of measure known as "enough", be satisfied with such tremendous fortune and move to target something else. As sport fishermen we must be cognizant, responsible stewards of the resources that we depend on. Please do not succumb to the old school, weasel in a hen house mentality if the opportunity arises. Our respect for, and impact on, the resource is being scrutinized and evaluated. Please keep this in mind.

For us fishing today was no barn burner. Magnificent schools, no exaggeration necessary, were seen and tempted with our sardines throughout the day for limited results. Of course anyone fortunate enough to land even one of these beauties had the day made, but getting everyone in the drivers seat was a tall order. Of the thousands, more likely tens of thousands, of fish in the 70 - 120 pound class that we looked at today we coaxed only 16 aboard. But despite the finicky disposition of our quarry what a day it was. Pristine weather - flat calm - graced the effort throughout the day revealing school after school of these bruisers for miles. In calm seas the process of fishing for such remarkable specimens alone is something to behold. Seeing these jumbos blowing out on baits charging up to the stern, channeling that adrenaline surge into fishing, wishing harder for a bite than one could ever imagine, such is the essence of long range fishing; the real deal.

Photos today feature a couple of future stars living the dream. Young Nick Landon, taking a bus man's holiday from his blissful summer labor of love as "pin head" on San Diego's finest ? day vessel the "San Diego", landed his first big bluefin tuna, a 101.6 pound beauty, on the opening afternoon of this seven day adventure; quite an introduction to long range. Kyle Suezaki, no stranger to long range fishing, put the hurt on a couple of these eighty pound class dandy's during today's run.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...