A quick turn and we are back at it pushing south as part of a calculating collective effort to get some biting offshore fish located. It appears that the weather is poised to cooperate backing off a notch or two beginning tonight. Although conditions have been plenty workable, less bump and roll will definitely make the effort more agreeable, and hopefully elicit some kind of change.

RSW tanks filled with perfect tuna and albacore. I can already see it. I can vividly recall the aroma of a tank full of albacore when the hatch is removed and we begin pitching fish off the boat. And I don't mean a bad aroma. When properly cared for albacore have a distinct aromatic signature that is almost sweet to the olfactory receptors. It is unmistakable.

I have been told, and have read plenty on the power of visualization. I'm game. Right now anything is worth a shot. The conventional approach is obviously in need of a supplement. Might as well augment the effort with the unconventional. There won't be any chanting, idol worship, or sorcery happening on the bridge; I am way too practical for such hi-jinks. But positive thinking, and visualization - why not?

All kidding aside we have another five days to get the job done with a eager group of anglers ready to do their part. The offshore scene is again looking difficult as the spots of albacore and tuna continue their hunger strike in protest of I don't know what. By far this is rapidly becoming the strangest summer for offshore conditions and results in my memory. Though I have mentioned it plenty I'll say it again - we are reminded daily, in small ways and large, of how much we really don't know out here. This year is the crown jewel of that notion.

Plugging this into the equation we fall back onto the only real option available. Wake up, set the jigs, climb the mast, and get to looking. Absolutely nothing more than effort is going to make it happen. The best days of fishing are those that produce in the face of challenge. In that respect the set up is flawless. Finding an area of biting fish right now would be akin to winning the lottery. I mean it too. That's how deep our sentiments about catching fish lie. It is that profound; an endless driving force that can only be satisfied by getting them. And then getting them again, and again, and again, etc.

Photos today feature Humboldt Fishin' Lumberjacks angler Jill Higgins who jumped in the action to settle her interest in gaffing a fish. We were more than game to let her give it a try. Fortunately, so was angler Zane Hinrichs, who went along with the effort all smiles. A couple of swings to get the feel of it, and the yellowtail was drilled and lifted on board - nothing to it. Offshore tomorrow - here we go.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...
Photo Here...