I have to admit that although we are always happy to complete our fishing on a high note and begin the trek towards home, departing Isla Clarion, at least for this author, is not without a twinge of longing; and even sadness. As I have mentioned now on numerous occasions - I suffer torrid sentiments for this incredible island that has shown anglers and I incredible favor over the past twenty four years we have been fishing her waters.

To our delight conditions for the first leg of our northerly journey were agreeable with calm seas buffeted by fair winds of fifteen knots or less. We adjusted to a few bumps and rolls, especially after dark as we approached the final one hundred miles from Cape San Lucas, but by any standard it was a fine passage. As we trekked northeast, anglers enjoyed the day soaking in the opportunity to relax and reminisce, reveling in the aftermath of a stellar fishing experience. Eight days of unlimited access to the Revillagigedo reserve, all of which produced good action on yellowfin tuna in the shadow of these magnificent islands, is a fisherman's fantasy come true.

Combined with an ideal atmosphere on board, created by an extraordinary group of angling individuals, this voyage stands among the select few that I would deem near perfect. No question the level of experience among this group had a tremendous impact on the overall tenor as every level of fishing encountered was maximized, and anglers enjoyed pursuing their ardent passion for catching tuna in like company. With five hundred forty eight tags deployed in yellowfin tuna, at least two hundred of which exceeded one hundred pounds, fulfilling would certainly describe the results, and caliber of action encountered. From past experience however we have learned that a successful voyage is about much more than just fishing. It is a combination of anglers, crew, weather, service, and environment meshing, and then exceptional fishing that propel a voyage into the category of success. As an example of all these attributes, the latest Revillagigedo tagging voyage stands among the triumphant.

Speaking of standing among the triumphant, and what it takes to build a successful voyage, we were joined this voyage by southland Captain Gary Adams of the "Rail Time". An extraordinary angler himself, Gary was a welcome addition to this voyage with his vast experience and calm, warm demeanor apparent in every occasion. New to the use of tackle specific for giant yellowfin tuna, it didn't take long for Gary to adjust and keep pace with everyone at the rail. As a captain of his own vessel, Gary has engendered tremendous respect among colleagues and anglers alike establishing his reputation through strong character and a flawless work ethic evident in every detail of his operation. It was a real pleasure to share perspectives with Gary who is a visionary and positive influence in the Southern California sport fishing community. In today's photo's Gary is featured with one his several one hundred sixty pound class yellowfin tuna as well as a yellowfin tuna he landed that was carrying a tag deployed on a prior Revillagigedo tagging project. That makes two this voyage. Both recoveries were made at Clarion. Both tags were deployed at Clarion; one in April 2008, one in April 2009. Both recoveries are very significant as accurate measurements taken at time of deployment and recapture will be extremely useful in age and growth models specific to the Revillagigedo islands. Enjoy today's photo's and look for plenty more as we head up the line.

Tim

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Photo Here...