We enjoyed a fine ride north and a relaxing day of beach prospecting less the gravity and intensity of giant yellowfin tuna angling. While there is nothing like it, and we are drawn to perform at peak levels by the incredible rewards, there is an air of relief after such an extended period of elevated output. More than anything I am speaking of our anlgers. Needless to say fishing for a few "goats", a bunch of "turd rollers", and a handful of yellowtail has much lighter implications than targeting giant yellowfin tuna.
The mere prospect of setting the hook on one of those big cows has a way of creating intensity. To succeed one has to be on their best game at all times in the big arena down below; not so much on the beach.

So the final day, with a meager amount of fish landed for the effort, wasn't anti climatic in the slightest. It was embraced and thoroughly enjoyed with plenty of laughs and camaraderie. Fishing simply for the sake of fishing has a way of allowing all of us to unwind, decompress, and enjoy the entire surrounding setting. In today's case the surrounding setting was the spectacular Baja coast featuring a landscape as it was 100 years past. Between the flat calm conditions, light hearted atmosphere on deck, and confidence stemming from a huge catch of trophy yellowfin in the hatch we were all in the mood to make good of whatever came our way. It is a good position to be in. One we covet, appreciate, and understand the significance of.

The closing note was near ideal with a good albiet short lived showing on premium yellowtail in one of our favorite "secret" spots lost to most in the past fifteen years. With the rugged coast mere yards away, flat calm seas, and an ocean abounding with life in all directions, the memory was complimented by a handful of thirty pound yellowtail that engaged anglers at the rail for one final round. Perhaps a few more fish would have benefitted the effort to a greater end, but I doubt it. Wih the amount of premium quality tuna, and a sprinkling of wahoo and dorado already safe and cold in the tanks, more fish would have been just that - more fish. As such we called it on a high note beginning the final leg of the journey north in preparation for our 0645 arrival at Fisherman's Landing on Saturday the 13th.

If any of you would like to roust the kids and come down to see this load of magnificent giant yellowfin tuna you are welcome. The kids are free to poke and prod to their heart's content. And, the sight of these monsters just might encourage you to pull the trigger and jump on a trip. I hope so.

Our photo today features first time Royal Star angler Art Nolan who came all the way from Maryland by way of Alaska through a referral from Royal Star angler and friend Bruce Lozakar. This is the highest form of compliment we can ask for. Our sincere gratitude to Bruce whom we will be fishing with again come January. And also to Bruce if you are following the daily narrative, needless to say Art has had a fantastic time. For an introduction to long range this was a banner experience. He is pictured here with one of his several 175# class yellowfin landed during the course of three days and a morning of targeting giant yellowfin. I'd venture that we will be enjoying Art's lively company on future voyages as his perspective on sport fishing has certainly been altered by the spectcles he witnessed during this voyage. We look forward to it.

Look for tomorrow's final report before Capt. Toussaint returns to pilot the next run.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...