Just the right pace this morning picking away at the quality tuna and yellows before departing at high noon according to plan. A weather change provided quite a contrast to what we have enjoyed during the first few days but the nautical theme was nothing we didn't expect or prepare for. Perhaps the weather cycle affected the fishing a bit also as the bite appeared to slack off compared to the previous couple of days. Just when we were becoming entrenched in that notion however several of our colleagues who remained at the rocks put together solid late afternoon's and evening's on the bigger tuna.

Overall the sign of sixty five to seventy five pound yellowfin with a sprinkling of 100 - 140's is fantastic indicating tremendous potential for the next few rounds of voyages. It is the exact kind of fish sign that is ideal for sport fishing with scattered or "loose" fish breaking and jumping at times for miles around the rocks. In our experience when the fish fan out and shift into a surface foraging pattern we benefit big time. The present scenario at Alijos fits this exact description as all the guys fishing on the anchor receive consistent opportunities with singles and foraging groups of tuna continually passing by when the switch turns on.

Also this is the perfect scenario we all hope for. And for the most part, Alijos this season has produced this type of fishing. There is nothing worse than the dreaded one spot "position alpha" nightmare where the fish are held by a particular bottom feature accessible by only one or two closely positioned boats. Sure, it's fine if you are the chosen one, but even then the satisfaction is marginalized by the suffering of your friends attempting to make a catch. Of course there are a few exceptions. Regardless the present set up at Alijos is as perfect as I have seen in that four or five boats can be spread out all along one side separated by distances of a quarter mile or more and all be catching their share. It is exactly how we like it to be.

That said we are now in transit catching our full share of quality tuna in just over two days of Alijos fishing. As previously mentioned we are now fish rich in ideal position to target exotics and variety inside less the crushing pressure of the production crucible. Improving weather and high spirits promise a good time on the road ahead. Potential is high and the stage is set. Typically when we find ourselves in this position - loaded with fish and time, there seem to be fish everywhere one travels. We will see if tomorrow's results follow the traditional pattern. Whether they do or not however you won't hear us complaining.

Photos of the day feature the "Old Bull" Bruce Chisholm with Captain Gregg Tanji who has received plenty of friendly ribbing after I used the moniker to appropriately describe his fishing style, ability, and results on a trip last January. Bruce is the epitome of the old fable describing the old bull and young bulls surveying the field and strategizing on how best to approach the quarry. Bruce takes the slow and steady approach and always seems to wind up catching his share, and one or two standouts among the rest. As many times as I have now seen it happen I'm thinking it can't be a coincidence. Believe me I'm watching close and taking notes.

Our second photo features "Doc" Geyer and Capt. Sean Bickel with Doc's fifty three pound Alijos yellowtail that wins the award for the most proportionally perfect yellowtail one can imagine. This is a beautiful fish that gave Doc all he was worth. It was unbelievably gratifying for everyone when this beauty came on board as a jumbo yellowtail as opposed to what almost everyone thought would be a tuna.

Finally, I have to put the word out again that we have a handful of spots remaining on the upcoming seven day departing Saturday, October 16th returning Saturday October 23rd. At $1995 it is a fantastic bargain that will likely depart in near "ultra limited" load status regardless. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of the present fishing at Alijos and stock up the fridge or freezer with epic Royal Star RSW tuna. Give Tracy a call in the office if you have the time to squeeze in a quick trip. It is definitely on.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...