We're off to a damn fine start with a full day of scratch action, and a few decent flurries, adding up to a very respectable score at day's end. Yellowfin in the 90 - 140# class dominated the action with a few standout 170's and 180's, and one at 207. It was a good day of fishing that found veteran and novice anglers in high spirits alike eager to continue the trend.

Though not flat calm the weather was plenty civil with little need for shorts or sunscreen for a sky obscured by clouds. Consistent with just about every other attribute this cold water season has exhibited, the air temperature is almost too cool with steady trades moderating this subtropical latitude into a more temperate arena. I can say however that I recall much colder conditions more than once here in the past. What we see now though is ideal for anglers putting in a full day at the rail reefing on big tuna. Water conditions for what we are targeting are primo. We are feeling good about the potential around.

And that sums it up as we are in full production mode content to settle in if the fishing allows it. Photo today features angler Mark Lennon who sweated out a long dry spell early to ultimately recover in fine style with a pair of dandies in the late afternoon/evening. Mark is doing some business here applying full pressure on the big gear.

One final aside is that we are pleased to be testing a prototype Shimano Talica 50 class reel that so far is consistent with every other Shimano reel that I have raved about. Between the incredibly light weight of the unit itself, and a design that is very comfortable in hand while fishing, I have high expectations that this reel will be a new must when the R and D phase is complete. I am not entirely certain if yesterday's 130 pound class yellowfin landed using the newest of the Talica line is the first, but I am certain it won't be the last. Naturally the reel, even in it's most rudimentary form, performed flawlessly. We have explicit instructions to use this new beauty hard and see how it holds up so I'll reserve final judgment until we complete our fishing time. One fish does not a reel make; though so far so good.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...