Once again the ride west paid big dividends reaffirming my well known romance with this primal fish haven. In addition, our strategy of seeking shelter from the oncoming weather change was sound as the wind got to huffing and puffing today and the flat calm sea state we enjoyed during the previous four went by the wayside. The whole day, in every respect, was exactly what we were hoping for.

The action began even before our arrival at the island itself as incredible signs of fish and life erupted as far as ten miles from the island on our way in. To say the spectacle was astounding is an understatement. I will send photos, but even then the sheer scope of the spots of fish crashing on the surface could not be accurately captured or conveyed. Amazingly however, despite a volume of fish that was difficult to imagine, they didn't bite. Or didn't bite well enough to warrant any amount of effort in that area. In addition, the size average was small to medium. After our stint on the inside over the past few days, we are not in the market for smaller class tuna unless there are no other options.

So after a couple of hours, a couple of stops, and a handful of archival tags deployed on the way in, we continued the search after paying proper respects to the local military garrison on Clarion. The day had progressed into late afternoon, conditions had deteriorated significantly, and the lower side of the island was showing zero signs of life. Then, one little indication turned into a four hour drift that ended the day on the note we were hoping for - a huge afternoon hit that combined for a total of fifty yellowfin from 100 - 160#'s with one standout around 240 - 250. It was very good fishing. Between the fish crashing around, anglers getting dragged around by highly motivated yellowfin tuna, and demands of scooping and tagging everything landed, the boys were on the ropes for some time blissfully working up a good sweat while doing a fantastic job of maintaining order and holding the line. This is what we came for. This afternoon and evening hit definitely met the descriptions of wild big fish action so consistent with these Revillagigedo tagging voyages. Now we will see how it holds up.

We have four full days remaining to stay with the program and keep the ball rolling. After today's indications, I am feeling optimistic about our chances here at Clarion. We will see. As we all have discovered in the past fishing is rife with unpredictable highs and lows. Just when one thinks they have it licked, the fish have an uncanny knack for throwing a wrench in the works. Let's hope that is not the case this time. One other high note I should mention was the lack of significant grief from our toothy tormentors. They were around, they stole a couple of fish, and a fair share of hooks, but by Revillagigedo standards they were hardly worth mentioning. Thank goodness as we had our fill, and then some, yesterday at Partida.

For today's photos I am sending one of a big foamer we hit coming into the island as well as a shot of extraordinary angler Todd Phillips in action. Todd was the big fish champ of the day with an estimated 240 - 250 that came off while high and dry on the surface right next to the boat. To date, and my best recollection, the process of scooping the tuna rather than gaffing them has only prevented two or three big ones from making on board. Todd's fish today was one of those two or three. The action was hot and heavy, the fish was hot and motivated, and I was scrambling to get the scoop lined up when the hooked pulled free as the beast was flopping on the surface right next to the hull. Once in a while, whether landing fish with scoops or gaffs, such things occur. In this case, Todd receives full credit as he unquestionably subdued the beast before a slightly premature release. Congratulations to Todd on his fantastic catch made among extreme deck conditions to say the least. Job well done. And, more to come.

Tim


Photo Here...
Photo Here...