Well we took the long shot and came up empty handed on the trophy bluefin although we did see one school that in typical form for this season ran for their lives at the sound of our approach. We were not to be left with a losing hand however as we charged north head on into a ravenous school of jumbo albacore that topped off our limits and gave all those who saved room the first day a chance to put a few longfin in the premium fresh tank. So ends another summer long range voyage that is off the scale for quality, variety, and quantity.

These reports from the past several weeks are probably beginning to sound like a broken record with day after day of incredible fishing, beautiful weather, and fantastic fortune. I can only assure everyone that no embellishment is needed when describing this remarkable stretch of fishing that will no doubt be talked about for many years to come and is certainly logged in my memory as one of the finest ever. I know it is clich? but it just does not get any better from an angler's perspective. Even more amazing is the fact that just when we think it can't get any better it often does and with that in mind I can't wait to get back out here and see what tomorrow and next week, and next month will bring. As I can not make every trip however, it creates quite a dilemma for me but it is high time "old lucky" Toussaint get back out here so look for his reports to commence tomorrow (maybe). If not, I will be back out in five days so don't despair if the reports are slow in coming and scant in detail.

Last but not least I have to pass on a little recent wisdom about the use of fluorocarbon on long range trips that may save future anglers a bit of trouble and much despair. Here it is plain and simple - When the fish are biting, you DO NOT want or NEED to use fluorocarbon. I'll give you all the scenario to make the point. The albacore were biting wide open, as good as it gets, and at least two thirds of our anglers were using fluorocarbon leaders. This is a waste of time and money. Save the fluorocarbon for when it is scratch fishing. I was amazed to see numerous occasions over the past couple of weeks where anglers in the middle of wide open frenzy's were taking the extra time to painstakingly secure fluorocarbon leaders to their gear. The second piece of advice is don't despair if your fluorocarbon supply runs short and there is fishing time remaining. I have witnessed several anglers over the past couple of weeks absolutely crushed, devastated to the point of losing their enthusiasm to fish because their fluorocarbon supply ran out. I suppose they were of the belief that without fluorocarbon it is not worth fishing but I want everyone to harken back to previous years or trips when they caught tons of fish without using fluorocarbon and keep fishing with confidence. I don't want to knock the use of fluorocarbon either because I have witnessed the unquestionable advantage it represents at times. Just remember in all fishing to adjust your techniques to the present conditions to maximize your efficiency and effort. The ultimate advice I can give if you are not certain is to ask a crewman on board your favorite long ranger as to when and when not to use your fluorocarbon leaders and make sure to stock up!