1/16/15

Another character builder here amidst cruddy, but plenty workable (thank goodness), weather. It started off with a bang, a couple of big ones and a few handfuls of smaller fish had us feeling good about the potential, then it took a nose dive. Not inconsistent with the old school standard down here of fish in the morning, a long mid day lull, then again fish in the afternoon, such conditions still make for a long day of anticipation. All too familiar with the age old pattern we set our goal - to remain as comfortable as possible with lines in the water and a chance to get one, then got down to it.

In that respect the day was a success. And, true to form, the long dreary morning faded, afternoon arrived, and so did a few fish. We managed to pick away at quality yellowfin through dark ending the day on a positive note. Adding a few to the hatch here and there does add up; the day's tally reflected this notion.

So goes the battle; and thus far a battle it is. Nothing easy about this set of working conditions and options. I was speaking with my son Duke yesterday via sat phone and he asked me about the fishing and conditions. I explained what we had to work with and he immediately stated what we need to do. He said "sounds like you need to double down". "Exactly" was my answer. Those familiar with Royal Star history know the significance of this reference. "When the going gets tough the tough double down"; a go to philosophy I live by perfectly articulated by my old friend Jim Wood.

It not Armageddon yet, we have plenty of time and resources to get the job done and then some if the fish decide to bite. But now, on the official back side of our time in the Coliseum, the sense of urgency on the bridge is admittedly swelling. At the very least it appears that our weather tomorrow will be in a more cooperative mood. That should help.

Photo of the day features a warrior in his own right, Dave S. Wounded during the ruckus with this 215 when his rod and reel slipped, jumped up, and caught him in the jaw, he battle through the slight mishap to prevail. Sporting a fat, bloodied lip following his successful bout the prize was definitely worth the pain. Congrats to Dave who is no stranger to triumph in the trophy yellowfin arena.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...