Travel time is always useful for reflection and in the case of our latest Clipperton adventure there is certainly plenty to consider. I have to admit however that there is such a sense of elation and relief that most anglers have yet to descent from cloud nine following our final day of incredible yellowfin tuna action. Inevitably though we will return to earth and when we do it will be time to prepare for the next voyage using the knowledge gained on this voyage to our advantage.

One point I would like to emphasize is the necessity of maintaining your equipment regardless of fishing conditions during your voyage. It is imperative when targeting trophy yellowfin at a destination such as Clipperton to fish every outfit, every bait as though the next bite you receive will be that fish of a lifetime; your three hundred pounder. It is very common when fishing gets tough for anglers to lose their enthusiasm and get sloppy or forgetful in their rigging costing them opportunities at trophy yellowfin in the process. I saw this on several occasions during this voyage and on countless previous voyages. I know it is difficult to keep your focus when you hook ten sharks in a row, you haven't had a bite in three days, or the heavens have opened up dumping rain like the biblical flood, but this is exactly when opportunities at big fish occur. In addition, it is amazing how those big bruisers have an uncanny knack for picking the one or two outfits that are rigged marginally. The most important piece of advice I give to anglers targeting trophy yellowfin is this: every time you pick up an outfit or fish a bait ask yourself the question; is this rig ready to catch a three hundred pounder? Have you followed the advice of the captain and crew in your choice of outfits and your rigging methods? Is every aspect of your gear from the hook and line to the connections and rig itself perfect. Has it been maintained, drags checked, line changed, etc. All of these little factors become huge when you engage in battle with a trophy yellowfin. The one thing I can guarantee is that if you hook that fish of a lifetime and any one of these critical components has been forgotten or ignored it will cost you that fish. Of course we all make mistakes and I believe there is a popular saying that goes something like "*#@? happens" but it is no surprise that the most experienced anglers have very few of these moments compared to those less prudent.

It is a very sad moment for me and the crew to see our anglers miss opportunities at trophy yellowfin due to rigging failures; especially when the fishing is slow. It is ironic of course that when you need to be focused the most is when it is most difficult but that seems to be nature's way. The important thing is to remember this fact and get stubborn and tough when the conditions are challenging. Stay on your game and you will be rewarded.

We are presently traveling up enjoying a decent ride in fair weather. It looks like we will be arriving in Cabo San Lucas on time tomorrow and from there we continue up the coast towards San Diego.We are scheduled to arrive in San Diego on Sunday, May 15th for any of you who would like to make a trip to the dock to see our catch. I will continue with updates as we head up the line.