12/05/14

Somewhat of a text book, old school day on the lower grounds. The prolific, huge bunches of fish were less abundant - to the eye anyway, but we were able to maintain a pace on something throughout the day. Fortunately wahoo picked up the slack for their tuna buddies that were less than eager to get with the program. A marked lack of current - completely slack, straight up and down, was easy to blame for the stagnant production. It's not too often that we contend with that foe in these parts, but the past has provided some pretty convincing results when we have; none of them good.

So we waited and ground it out putting in time at the rail and logging miles in search of where we wanted to hang our hat for the final push. As it turned out, in classic form dating back way before my time, the fish moved in on cue about a half hour before sundown. And a sweet hour and a half of real deal, down and dirty, trophy yellowfin tuna action ensued.

There are a number of anglers on board new to this brand of sport fishing. And despite adequate preparation for exactly what occurred this evening, and expectations such fun, no one can really imagine how incredible the scene is when yellowfin tuna in the one hundred twenty to two hundred pound class get with it and bite. Throw in the usual, un-inivited suspects - a full cadre of offensive guests ranging from small nuisance fish to big sharks, and the challenges and amazing twists at the rail double, triple in proportion. Hot and heavy as a description barely does the setting justice; exactly how we like it.

When the action settled and the smoke cleared satisfaction for a catch hard earned was shared by all. Now to keep the ball rolling. Easier said than done we definitely have our work cut out for us. Present conditions and a wily, moving target are testing our wit and mettle. The good side of the coin is that we have enough time for at least a few more shots if we find ourselves in the right place at the right time. Rest assured that we are well prepared in the event lightning strikes twice.

Photo today features a grab from the previous when master angler Ethan Dahlkamp got us started with this fine 177. Today's setting was far too hectic for any kind of camera work. Thankfully Ethan had our back beforehand. He did his part again this afternoon with a couple more slightly lighter than the featured trophy.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...