As one can imagine expectations are soaring following Capt. Toussaint's extraordinary catch of twenty four yellowfin over two hundred pounds in addition to fourteen others in the one hundred sixty to one hundred ninety pound class. Even more exceptional is the fact that all of the long range vessels on scene during the past week have experienced similar action establishing a new standard in fall ten day fishing that any of us will be lucky to repeat in our lifetimes. I know that is a significant statement to make, but it is a small measure of how incredible this giant yellowfin tuna fishing has been for the long range fleet during the past two weeks. Historical, unprecedented, landmark: however one wishes to describe it, the 2005 fall season will be recorded as the best action on giant yellowfin tuna EVER in long range fishing (to date). This statement even takes in to account all of the unbelievable action at Hurricane Bank last year, the Baja coastal fishing in 2003, the land of the giants - Clipperton island in all the year's past, and even our tragically lost, cherished Revillagigedo islands. Never in the history of all those world renowned giant yellowfin haunts do I recall a catch to match Randy's twenty four over two hundred pounds in just over twenty four hours. Yes, there have been several voyages that have returned with greater numbers of two hundred pound fish aboard, but what separates the catches among the long range fleet during the past week from those fantastic catches in recent year's past is the time frame in which the boats have to work. The guys at present are making catches equivalent to the historical hauls of giants in one third the amount of time.
I have to say that our success percentages on yellowfin over two hundred pounds have improved dramatically over the past five years, mainly due to advances in tackle - specifically wind - on leaders, and techniques, but this in no way minimizes the significance of what these boats and crews are producing. The long range fleet is presently demonstrating that there is no fishery in the world that matches the potential of the area we fish and the experience we have in our profession. It is not luck that is putting these unbelievable catches of giant yellowfin on board; it is what we do.

That said we certainly have our work cut out for us as we are again heading down the line hoping and praying through sleepless nights, for me beginning about five days ago, that the weather remains favorable and the fish remain present and hungry. In our profession we call the scenario "running on the blood" when a trip departs following an extraordinary period of good catching. It is the most difficult setting to leave in because as fishermen, who have been through many different cycles, we know that good fishing, especially extraordinary fishing, does not last forever.

So off we go loaded for bear with a great group of anglers and beautiful load of bait ready for whatever the ocean metes out to us this voyage. As previously mentioned hopes are immeasurable so we will see if we can't pull a few rabbits out of a hat of our own.