Not a bad ride up to Cabo San Lucas from Isla Clarion but not a good ride either. That area in between consists of plenty of rockin' and rollin' but no bone jarring free falls or table clearing pitches that we identify with bad weather. So in the end we paid some moderate dues for all the epic weather we enjoyed when it mattered most - while fishing. I have stated many times in the past that on any voyage I will gladly suffer through poor weather when traveling to pay dues for good fishing weather. Of course it doesn't always work out that way, but one can always ask. Thankfully in the case of the Revillagigedo tagging voyages, we are typically able to create our own flat calm conditions by using the lee side of the islands to our advantage while both fishing and anchoring at night. As I have advanced in years I have come to understand that the flat calm conditions of a protected night anchorage are a slice of heaven with therapeutic benefits that transcend mere physical comfort; especially in a location of spectacular beauty.

A perfect example of this idea would be three nights prior at Isla Clarion. While sitting in sea conditions that were so calm it was difficult to determine that one was on board a boat at sea, there were hoards of mackerel, flying fish and myriads of other miniature bait fish and marine organisms gathered under the lights around Royal Star. Of course along with the bait fish came the apex predators that were cruising the perimeter making occasional dashes through the lights to terrorize and consume the gathered bait fish. The big predators were bottlenose dolphins, sharks, a variety of jacks, needle fish, and even an occasional tuna all visible as they crashed through the surface or lazily cruised by to survey for forage. While this show was occurring, a threesome of Humpback whales was carrying on just outside the lights thunderously lob tailing and smacking their huge pectoral flippers on the sea surface while blowing in concert to add to the cacophony of sounds produced by all the gathered creatures producing the show. Welcome to a night on the anchor at Isla Clarion. There is definitely more to these voyages than just fishing.

Fishing though is the main attraction. On that note this is the traditional day I share statistics so here it goes:

Yellowfin Tuna - 634
Yellowfin Tuna 100#"s and over - 125
Yellowfin Tuna over 300# - 4
Yellowfin Tuna over 200# - 14
Yellowfin Tuna 50 - 95#' - 509
Wahoo - 124

With this incredibly successful Revillagigedo tagging voyage a new record has been established. As I reported earlier the enthusiasm and tenacity this group of anglers pursued these brutally tough tropical yellowfin with engendered pure admiration and even amazement among my crewmen and I. These anglers demonstrated a passion for their sport and this project, obviously reflected in the phenomenal numbers of specimens tagged and released, that is genuinely material of legends. My hat goes off to these inspirational anglers who in working toward the success of this project were rewarded with the finest fishing of their lives. Thank you men for a job well done.

I will continue to report as we complete the final leg of the voyage while traveling up the line. It promises to be an exciting ride as the weather forecast is not too good. However, we are prepared to face the inevitable with the poise and grit expected of those who make their living at sea. Also, thank you again to all participants of the Revillagigedo tagging voyages as you are the ones who make these voyages a reality.

Bill Grimsley
Mike McHatton
Rick Walsh
Tom Cahillane
Warren Sakamoto
Dave Hall
Len Cunningham
Gordon Phillips
Stuart Exall
Mike Shannon
Bruce Posthumous
Tim Shields
Murray Low
Jim Ruch
Chris Lomax
Bill Fuller
Phil Bruce