We finished the trip strong with steady morning action on school size yellowtail that turned out to be a good warm up for what the afternoon had in store. Very good fishing on twenty five to thirty five pound yellowtail highlighted the afternoon with a forty and fifty pound white sea bass thrown in for good measure. Fantastic weather, beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, and a finish to our day with another of Chef Drew Rivera and Cory Kelso's magnificent creations, ended the fishing portion of the voyage on a high note.

Now the northerly trek begins and with it preparations for our next eleven day voyage departing Saturday with Captain Randy Toussaint at the helm. In the meantime, we are traveling north in good weather with plenty of time to reflect on our fishing this voyage and how it stacks up now that all is said and done.

Let me begin by telling everyone that the catch of fish we have on board is excellent for a fall ten day, and during many previous year's, is typical of what anglers expected when signing up for such a voyage. The variety, quantity and quality of wahoo, dorado, and also yellowtail is very good while the only category lacking of significant quality is tuna. Obviously the reason I mention this is in reference to the giant yellowfin Fall ten day sensation of 2005 that I fear set a standard, or perhaps better said, level of expectation that is unrealistic for these voyages. I know I mentioned this on the last voyage I captained so I won't beat it into the ground, but I do want to pass on some advice as I would like every angler making these voyages to come away from the experience feeling more than satisfied.

First and most important is to enjoy each voyage as it's own entity as every long range trip is totally unique. Yes, there may be some similarities in destinations visited, species caught, or weather experienced, but every voyage offers different oceanic conditions, different strategies and techniques, and of course different methods and tackle improvements that keep anglers on the cutting edge in this arena. What it comes down to is the old "bird in the hand" saying. In order to make the most of your long range experience it is best to look at every day as something new rather than lament or long for something else, or something that was. Of course there is nothing negative about sharing the incredible past experiences one has had, especially with an audience of friends who actually believe you, just don't let the past overshadow the present as there are many forms of good fishing and good times on the water.

Second, and last for now, is my advice to recognize and enjoy your long range voyages as more than just fishing. Yes, fishing is the primary reason we are here, but there is much more to the overall experience that would be shameful to overlook. As the last frontier, the open ocean is a spectacular environment, rich with life and generous with it's spectacles. Everything from glorious sunrises and sunsets to whale sharks, dolphins and a myriad of magnificent aquatic life forms enrich a long range fishing voyage. If that doesn't do it for you, the time spent at sea with good friends, many of whom begin as acquaintances met on board, is as valuable to the soul as the adrenaline producing experience of conquering your dream fish. That combined with the time to unwind with friends and focus on your passion for fishing, unfettered by the demands of one's daily shore side routines, is what many consider the essence of long range fishing.

These two pieces of advice are likely agreed among my peer group to be the best foundation an angler can use when preparing for and taking a long range voyage. These principals, and as importantly, time on the water, will make for many cherished memories and successful fishing adventures.