11/07/14

Without a doubt the 2014 fall season thus far has been the best, most consistent fishing for classic, "ridge size" wahoo that we have seen in at least ten years. Today was no exception. As forty and fifty pounders steadily came over the rail, and even a few in the sixty to sixty five pound class, I was taken aback: a time warp suddenly occurred. We had three or four hooked, a handful or two had flown ten feet or more out of the water within yards of the boat, and as I soaked in the glorious moment, made that much more so by flat calm, beautiful conditions, a lightening fast wahoo consumed a bomb being retrieved about five feet from the hull.

It wasn't as if a carp had arisen to slurp a bread ball. This big bastard exploded on the lure with such ferocity, in such instantaneous surprise, that it actually made time stand still, for a moment. Then, in the next moment, the fury became desperation as the now hooked devil reversed and went out about twenty feet, then tore off up the side peeling line from the reel like it was out of gear. The age old wahoo trademark came next. The fish ran from mid ship to bow in about a quarter second then crossed the bow heading for open water. With the angler flying forward as fast as his feet would take him the line ripped through the water like a giant lethal scythe accompanied by that unmistakable audio signature that we all love to hear. There is nothing like it.

And I was immediately cognizant, as it was going down, of the same feeling of exhilaration I experienced the first time I lived such a moment. Twenty eight some odd years later it hasn't gotten old. It doesn't because such moments are so fleeting. They set a benchmark that one is willing to expend an awful lot of time, effort, and resources to relive; or said better live anew. It is never the same, there is always some twist in the experience separating it from all others; but that sensation, extracted from the primal well, spawns an addiction to be sure.

The plight of a fisherman - always another triumph, another defeat, another timeless memory unattainable anywhere else that calls. That, layman, land lubbers, and family and friends who wonder why and how the heck your loved ones and pals pursue this crazy passion known as long range fishing, is why we are here.

Memories were abundant today. Everyone on board shared in the full range of wahoo emotion. Beautiful weather, time aplenty, ideal conditions, and so much more; we're off on the right foot here. Now to keep the ball rolling. Photo today features Rhanny Hufalar with one of his four beautiful, fat "skinnies" he had the patience, skill, and good fortune to land today. A good start to be sure.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...