The big fish tested our morning patience with fickle behavior and lackluster results motivating a change of approach. Shifting gears we headed outside where we enjoyed three hours of stop and go action on 18 - 40# yellowfin tuna that added up to a worthy total in short order. It was exactly what the doctor called for to improve spirits. While we all love the pursuit of trophy yellowfin, the pace can sometimes challenge even the staunchest angler to keep their head in the game. As such, the morning bailout was therapeutic in the highest degree. Those whose number had yet to come up in the lottery were rewarded with plenty of bites and fish on the deck as the frantic school tuna were in no mood mince words. It was straight catching on several stops - exactly what we were looking for.

With spirits rejuvenated and confidence restored we returned to the big fish zone for the late afternoon and hit it perfect. The fish came up almost simultaneous with our arrival and we had good go around that added up to ten trophies. Two breached the 200 pound barrier, a handful were 180 - 190's and the remainder were in the 150 - 170 pound class. The boys had a fantastic opportunity to shine when the majority of what we landed all climbed on the hooks within about twenty minutes of each other. For about an hour it was real deal fishing on jumbos.

I was proud beyond word to watch my guys leap into action. Their coordinated skills are so honed that the transition to biting trophy yellowfin is perfectly seamless. Everyone knows exactly what to do, exactly how to maximize the opportunity, and exactly how to maintain professional order in the most challenging situations. The results of years on deck working with one another, and their insatiable drive to elevate the standard is especially apparent in these situations.

One example today was a situation that Capt. Gregg Tanji and crewman Blake Wasano handled with such practiced ability and ease that I couldn't help but smile in admiration from my perch on the tank at the time. About a 160 pound yellowfin tuna was ready for gaff. Both Gregg and Blake were standing by. As the fish darted out from under the chine both crewmen in unison drilled the beast right in the skull. The fishes' reaction was as if it had been struck by twin high voltage cattle prods. The bruiser lunged forward and catapulted it's entire body out of the water while simultaneously rotating like an alligator or crocodile. The boys were instantly stretched out their gaffs twisted around one another like braided rubber bands. In a split second Gregg and Blake released their gaffs handing them over and under one another while maintaining a firm grip between each lightning quick exchange. With the twists resolved the fish was lifted over the rail by both men, laid out on deck, and spiked by Gregg all in one fluid motion. It never had time to flap or kick once.

This whole insanely dramatic episode was over and done in maybe three or four seconds. It happened so fast, and was resolved with such composed fluidity, that it didn't even register as extraordinary to those close enough to observe. The potential for a dog and pony show featuring splintered lost gaffs, bloody knuckles, pinched fingers, someone coming unglued, and a mortally wounded fish busted off headed to the bottom as sea lice fodder, was a high as I have ever seen. Neither Gregg nor Blake spoke a word or reacted to the challenge as anything other than what they have trained to do. After so much time out here working together it is second nature to them. In all honesty though, I think more than anything the guys are energized by these sporty events. They live for it; nothing like a 160 pound tuna going berserk on the end of your gaff to get the adrenaline flowing.

I made the reference yesterday to luck and timing relative to indiscriminate catching results in this fishery. While this is true I offer with equal certainty that consistent results on trophy yellowfin are not by accident or due to the better half of luck. When fishing for giant yellowfin tuna good luck always runs out. It accounts for a few, but never a lot. Tackle preparation, crew performance, and experience behind the helm combine to make these catches happen with regularity. These bruisers expose any deficiency with remarkable ability. I have fallen victim to insufficient preparation or lack of modern equipment too many times in the distant past to understand and appreciate the lessons earned.

With the fantastic day of well rounded fishing settling in anglers below are on cloud nine. They have definitely earned the satisfaction pulling on fish like mad men (and women) all day. To top off an already perfect day the weather is flat calm; spectacular, and promises to maintain the trend at least through tomorrow. Taking all this into account we are staying put seeking to continue this trend tomorrow. We are presently all smiles and gratitude for a great day of fishing among many good friends. All of us are living right. We aim to keep it that way.

Our photo today features angler Jason Foster who had two personal bests this afternoon with a 160 and 204 he is pictured with here. Jason found a direct line to my heart when he asked me to snap and send a photo for his little girls Mckinely and Sierra to see their dad while he is out here. So girls I can tell you that your dad loves you more than anything, can't wait to see you, and is having a fun time catching big tuna. Here he is with his 204 pound giant yellowfin tuna he caught this afternoon.

Tim


Photo Here...