12/06/14

Grinding it out accumulating them one at a time until again the late afternoon/early evening hit provided the steady action we were looking for. Biggest fish of the day came in at 188 while the remainder of the tuna, aside from a few 60 - 80 pounders, came in well over the one hundred pound mark. Very tough fishing conditions - absolutely zero current and moderate breeze required a big sense of humor and incredible patience at the rail.

I've seen a lot of fishing conditions over the years none of which were more difficult than those anglers are presently contending with. Getting any kind of bait away from the boat is a monumental challenge. Between the boat swinging around and no flow whatsoever even the most proficient anglers are spending a wealth of time repositioning, starting over, and switching sides as hooked tuna and other critters run the gauntlet wreaking complete havoc. Success in these conditions requires incredible determination; nothing else overcomes the inevitable.

"It is what it is", an old favorite we draw upon when factors beyond our ability to affect test our mettle. The obvious positive side is that we are blessed to have something to work with; the fish are here and we are catching them. Present conditions simply stand in stark contrast to those opposite periods when fishing goes by the numbers; easy living with everything right. Truth be told these are the kind of conditions that make fishermen out of anglers. No accomplishments worthy of note, no honor, accompanies a cake walk.

Photo today features long time Royal Star veteran Russ Ung who is no stranger to the endless variety this ocean serves up in the way of fishing and conditions. Russ had one good opportunity today that he fortunately converted into a freezer filling achievement. This dandy 188 received the big fish of the day title.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...