A fitting end that managed to change the overall tone completely. Prior to this morning the occasional jumbos were randomly mixed in the majority catch of 90 - 140's with no rhyme or reason as to why or when. Today was a different story. Show time. We began with a classic pre sun up hit that saw at least ten of twenty one anglers engaged in battle with big fish. As to how many were behemoth, 200 - 300 pound class tuna I would definitely venture more than half. The "small" fish adding to the excitement were stock 130 - 175's.

Needless to say the boys had their hands full maintaining order in the face of more than a few extreme challenges. Between difficult visual conditions of the pre dawn hour, fish that were exceptionally spirited, and desperate anglers in tow behind some real deal cows it was excitement of a brand completely different than previously experienced during this adventure. Welcome to the show.

It's a great opportunity to make the point of how exceptional the difference between a tuna in the 120 - 170 pound class, and a tuna in the 200 pound or larger class really is. Other than the fact that they are of the same species there really is no comparison. On so many occasions anglers with a good feel for catching mid grade tuna, and vast quantities of confidence in their knowledge and ability, are blown away by the pulling force, and incredible strain on their equipment, when they battle with their first "giant" yellowfin tuna. It is a different game when the giants arrive. There is a reason we constantly emphasize the need for the big gear - 130 pound mono and correctly matched hook sizes, when targeting giants. Eighty pound monofilament, or even one hundred pound is plenty sufficient, perhaps even overkill, when catching yellowfin tuna in the 100 - 170 pound class. It is like thread when pulling on a yellowfin tuna in the high two hundreds or three hundred pound class.

The margin for error, or better said heart breaking disaster, increases one hundredfold when huge ones are in the mix, or arrive on scene to shatter angler's novice to fishing for these beast's idea of fair play. This is exactly what occurred in the early morning today. We went from a leisurely time of easily subduing mid range class tuna on sardine tackle during the prior four days to getting ruined by tenacious monsters devoted to making a point of their superiority. And their job was well done. There are a couple of handful of anglers harboring new found respect for yellowfin tuna fishing. When all was said and done, and the victors and the vanquished were gathered around the stern deck watching their trophies get weighed or lamenting their misfortune, I was beaming a grin unique to the satisfaction of understanding that several of these anglers just lived the transformational moment in long range fishing. "Welcome to the show boys" is how I put it. "Welcome to the show".

While we came out a little behind in the averages during this round, a disproportionate number of hook pulls accounted for the majority of it; nothing to do about that. Correct gear and drag settings are all one can do to position themselves for success. If the hook pulls it is pure unfavorable fortune. Regardless of the few defeats we had a heck of a morning hit yielding eleven good ones total with three over the deuce mark and one 305 for long time veteran angler Len Cunningham.

Though I have gone a little too long today already Len is a story in himself. He is another example of time at the rail, dedication to the pursuit of a real giant, and always using perfectly maintained, perfectly matched gear for the occasion, producing the fish he was looking for. When opportunity knocked, Len was ready, and the result was a beautiful 305 pound yellowfin that bested Len's fishing buddy Warren Sakamoto who graces the Royal Star brochure cover this year with his 304. Len got an extra little pang of satisfaction knowing that he eked it out by one pound. Classic. Otherwise the final testament to Len's accomplishment is that he did it at 78 years young. I hope to be like him when I grow up. What a fisherman.

After our morning hit we passed the remainder of our day successfully practicing "run and gun" type fishing on the outside for steady action on 120 - 199 pound class yellowfin. It was a great, action packed end to an already fine voyage. As we steamed north at sundown all were riding high down below supremely content to be heading home with stories to share and a wealth of premium RSW yellowfin tuna in the hatch. Reports will continue as we work our way north in forecast glorious conditions. So far so good.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...