02/20/15

A real day of fishing here. Yes sir. Right out of the gates a steady morning scratch on fish in the 120 - 180 pound range got the blood flowing. A mid morning respite from the easy paced action well prepared everyone for the main event yet to come. One and all were treated to a classic afternoon through evening show on tropical yellowfin best described as epic. Better even than the big spots of birds frantically pursuing vast areas of trophy yellowfin blowing out on flying fish and smaller, unfortunate forage everwhere was the fact that today this fish was in biting mode. If they got close, we got hammered.

Plenty of action was had between spots blasting through also. All afternoon the pace varied from hot and heavy to steady, never less; about three hours of pure fishing bliss. Ranging from 75 - 175 pounds, with at least a couple of big boys hooked we could not haul through the gauntlet, these anglers heaved and cranked to their hearts content for hours on end. It was one of those occasions when an angler did not want to make the mistake of dropping in the water unless they were fully prepared to get a bite and pull on a big tuna for awhile. Today these fish were biting like anglers dream of; like we wait for the vast majority of the time we spend out here. Memories are made, stories are told about these exceptional occasions. This is what we come for.

Two fishing days to go optimism is running high. Energized by a big day of success on so many levels everyone on board is eager to see what tomorrow will bring. We will be here, we will be ready, and we will make good on whatever is to be found. Recalling the fact that every day here thus far has produced signs and opportunities completely different, we're not taking anything to bank; but we will be prepared.

One admin note before signing off today is that two spots just became available on our upcoming fly down/fly back voyage departing San Diego on the 28th. Departing Cabo on March 3rd returning to Cabo on Sat. March 14th this run is coveted by esteemed anglers seeking to avoid the travel time up and down the coast on traditional SD to SD runs. Based on what we are seeing down here I'd safely venture that now is an exceptional time to go fishing if one can squeeze in a voyage.

Photo opportunities today were many but time to be handy with the camera was at a premium. Fortunately I snapped a quick morning image of long time Royal Star master angler Andy Pulido before things really got rolling. This beautiful 180 was the first of several today for Andy who was on a real tear. Good livin'.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...