02/19/15

Steady progress late morning through early afternoon with a couple of bona fide long range opportunities that we are in the market for. Pretty well distributed among the group a couple of go -arounds actually ramped up to a pace that had the boys hopping. And they loved it; nothing like breaking a sweat while 120 - 170's come over the rail two and three at a time. With every fish receiving the professional handling that we are well known for the satisfaction of unleashing our talents is universally coveted around here.

But the afternoon was a different story. Languid, balmy, a three hour fruitless search, and rapidly developing festivities below, suggested that the time had come for a distinct change of pace. A scenic interlude, along with a classic Royal Star swim call, fit the bill to perfection. Sometimes stepping beyond the confnes of strict fishing edicts is a breath of fresh air. It doesn't doesn't happen too often, considering the gravity of our principal objective, but there's an occasional break from protocol that refreshes the mind and body in ways profound. This was one of those occasions.

Back to fishing though the quest continues tomorrow amid significantly improved prospects. Primo weather is locked in for at least a couple more days and we are in position to take full advantage. But the obvious unknown remains. Regardless of how good things appear it is still up to the fish. Tomorrow is a new day. Photos today feature master anglers Dale Kurata, with a dandy 125, and -The Legend- Jerry Kruse with his hard earned, mid day 228 that is a story in itself.

Though we are true believers in Black Water flurocarbon, that has been proven over the long run incomparable in strength and performance to all others, I have to laud incredibly impressive results witnessed today. -The Legend-, using 100 pound Yo-Zuri flurocarbon, tail wrapped his insanely spirited prize that gave it's all over the course of a hard fought hour and thiry minute battle. There is no way that one could have applied more drag pressure, for a long time, than we had Jerry set up for. It was the only way that mean bastard was going to yield.

When it was finally boated, after a series of harrowing, jerky runs with strange scraping, rubbing, and vibration, the flurocarbon about three and a half feet above the hook was dramatically chafed and worn at least halfway through. It is nothing short of amazing that that line did not break under that much pressure. Lucky to be sure but also a convincing testament to quality product. In this domain such advantages are the difference.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...