Another successful outing here on the big fish with 44 of the 100 - 190# Clarion yellowfin rejoining the ranks after being boomed on board, measured, tagged with sequentially numbered plastic "darts", then released. The morning setting was markedly different than the prior two days as the fish took their time to move into the shallows and we waited while barely scratching along. Actually, aside from a couple of go round's, the overall action today was best described as a scratch as the fish never really settled in and got with the program. Not that we are complaining. With all the outrageous fishing we have experienced on these Revillagigedo voyages, it is simply difficult not to elevate the measure of "good" fishing. The standard on these voyages is just higher. Regardless, by any standard, today's results were very good. When forty four tuna over 100 pounds come on the boat - any boat, in any arena, it is a good day of fishing.

With rapidly improving weather, abundant signs of exactly what we are looking for, two days remaining, plenty of bait, the whole island to ourselves, and a group of anglers highly motivated to catch as many of these big fish as possible, our plan is laid out before us. We will not be leaving this fishing paradise until the last possible moment on Monday. As much, or probably more than anybody, I am happy for it. As I stated a few days ago, I have a long distance love affair with Clarion island going back twenty four years. The time I have to spend here is cherished and savored. Especially when she is giving up her bounty.

Photos of the day feature one of the sport fishing industry's most respected icon's leading by example; as he has always done for the twenty four years I have known him. Cal Sheets, who in my opinion has made the most valuable contributions to the technical advancement of big game fish reels in the history of sport fishing, is featured solo with a "stock" grade one hundred fifty pounder coming on board in the scoop. In the second photo Cal is pictured with IATTC senior scientist Kurt Schaefer just prior to releasing a forty pound yellowfin tuna carrying a electronic "archival" tag with his name on it. Anyone who has fished with Cal can not help being affected by his contagious enthusiasm and jovial demeanor. I have tremendous respect for Cal and his unbelievable drive to improve and advance the equipment we depend on. And depend on him we do as he is a invaluable resource. When I have a question about reels, I call Cal and receive a lesson as well as a wealth of ideas that both enlighten and motivate further possibilities. In my book, he is the man. His contributions to long range fishermen's success stand alone.

One other thing I should mention about the photo of Cal and Kurt is the bottle of Ballast Point ale that is included with the yellowfin tuna. Since the beginning Ballast Point brewery has proudly sponsored the Revillagigedo tagging project each voyage providing ten to fifteen cases of it's incredible brews to the delight of project participants. Every day, at 1700 hrs, hot and heavy action or otherwise, all anglers receive a glass of the daily selection varying from "Sculpin" ale to "Bigeye" IPA, "Black Marlin" porter, and "Calico" ale. In addition to the valuable opportunity to survey a variety of select brews, the daily "grog" hour on these voyages has become a highly anticipated "bonding" ritual for just about every project participant. Our many thanks to Ballast Point for your support of the Revillagigedo tagging project that has complimented the atmosphere and palate of all participants' to date. Also, if you are among those who enjoy high quality ales and variety brews Ballast Point should be on your list of favorites. My fridge at home is rarely without at least a couple of bottles of "Bigeye" IPA.

Tim

Photo Here...
Photo Here...