Yet another antagonist, or in today's case several antagonists, did their best to satisfy their appetite at our expense really raining on our parade at times. Fortunately, by what felt like a slim margin, we pulled the majority through accumulating a fine score on the bigger yellowfin tuna by day's end. I can't help but pine a little, actually a lot, however about the many opportunities on these quality yellowtail and yellowfin tuna that were sacrificed at the altar of Carcharodon Carcharias, better known as the Great White Shark. These behemoth crooks ruthlessly executed their birth right throughout the day patrolling between vessels to take what they chose flaunting their dominance between assaults with regular drive by's at close range. While the sight of these monster predators is still awe inspiring and magnificent the systematic efficiency with which they execute their business completely erases the novelty of their presence from my perspective.

Mind you I have been dealing with the offense of these bastards ruining potentially fantastic days for about ten years now. I have a very different perspective about what is to come when one arrives and sets up shop around us. But I find that even anglers who are thrilled to see the beasts, commonly anticipating their arrival in the hope of experiencing their aura, quickly adjust their view when the tables turn and they are victimized. There is nothing quite like engaging in an ultimate challenge battle against a one hundred pound yellowfin tuna on forty pound test, fighting the trophy tuna for over an hour, then watching in horror at the final minute as a huge brute glides by, cocks his head, gives you a wink, and slices your prize in two with an effortless bite. Yeah, the novelty quickly fizzles and is replaced by a multitude of sentiments - none of which are flattering toward the shark.

I will reveal that comic relief is the only way to effectively deal with the inevitability of this occasional occurrence here at Guadalupe. Fortunately it does not happen everywhere and is generally limited to the shallower zones where the giant terrorists forage along the edge. It just so happened today that the majority of the biting fish were in the shallows so we had to take our medicine and sacrifice a significant percentage of what we hooked to be in the game. Such is fishing at Guadalupe. I have to remind everyone again, because I am obviously on the snivel train, that the pain is magnified times ten in my case. As the Captain my standards and expectations are massively elevated in comparison to everyone else. If we lose even one fish to a predator it is one too many to me.

In the end we had a fine score in line with both days we spent out here last voyage. In addition, the big yellows were hitting after dark putting the finishing touch on an already good day of fishing. Again, calm weather, spectacular scenery and surface visuals, and full, productive fishing days at anchor on beautiful quality yellowfin tuna and yellowtail. Time at the rail - just how we like it. Yes we had to deal with the usual Guadalupe shark grief, but we came out far ahead clearly ending the day in the winners circle. As such, we will be dedicating at least one more day to the big island before considering the offshore option for our final day. Although I gripe, I believe the cup is always half full. In total it certainly was today. Look for reports to continue.

Tim