There appears to be something of a pattern developed as we again enjoyed very good morning action, this time on 70 - 120's, with a significantly higher percentage of fish over 100 than tagged at Socorro. Also like Socorro there were a few 160 - 180's in the mix, but again the percentage here was noticeably higher. Needless to say all this effort toward comparing indicates good fishing; and it was.

But back to the pattern mentioned, like the fishing at Socorro when the clock struck noon it was over. We went from three to five good tuna hooked at just about all times to zero over the course of a half hour. The fish simply shut off. So the afternoon was passed in leisure mode as we took advantage of the lull to service hard used equipment, check in with the local military garrison, and scout out any other surprises Clarion had to offer.

And while we did not encounter the mother lode on the opposite side from where we were fishing, we did see enough to encourage us about the potential for this fishing to last, and perhaps even improve. The obvious missing link is the lack of jumbos. Where they are is anyone's guess. But, they move in and away from these shallows with predictable regularity. Too bad we haven't a clue as to when. What we do know is where to look, and how to make good on the opportunity when it arises. Suffice to say that this group of extremely experienced anglers backs up this assertion in every way.

So we head into day two at Clarion very pleased with our results today, and much looking forward to the next four days ahead. It goes without saying that time will prove this optimistic outlook worthy or not. Regardless the setting is well fit for the cause with decent working weather and fishing conditions. The perfection we enjoyed the first two days on the inside is long past, but we are far from expecting, or feeling entitled to perfect. Good is good enough; especially when experience has intimately acquainted one with the opposite.

Photo today features veteran Royal Star angler Warren Sakamoto reaffirming his dedication to the Revillagigedo tagging project with a final voyage in 2011. Warren's angling skills are on par with any of the best I have ever fished with. He did an admirable job of demonstrating this again today as tuna after tuna came on board to be measured, tagged, and released. While this 150# class yellowfin is dwarfed by the 304 Warren is featured with on the 2011-2012 Royal Star brochure cover, the satisfaction Warren derives from participating in this project is clearly broadcast in his expression. The second photo, taken moments after the first, is another one of those I almost captured to perfection. Almost in this case is still good however as this shot is so unique that it calls for a second glance. Can you imagine having this shot at full resolution on your mantle? What a conversation piece.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...