Judging by the almost continuous laughter on deck and easy going composure of every angler on board, we have definitely arrived at the turning point of a voyage. That turning point comes in a variety of forms, not all of which are good, but this kind is the most gratifying for a Captain and crew working toward the goal of producing a successful all around trip. Not that we are finished, or throwing the towel in yet, we still have two full days to saturate our mind and machines pulling on yellowfin tuna. But, the production goals have already been met by consistent good fishing that is well distributed among all. Everyone at the party is in on the fun.

As such anglers are now relishing the opportunity to practice their passion free of the gravity we all tend to shoulder on a fishing outing. Once a few fish are landed though the calming effect is palpable. Needless to say the numbers these anglers have accumulated up to this point far exceed a few. So now everyone is fishing in the mindset of pure enjoyment. This is the best recipe for even better things to unfold.

And we would certainly welcome a little, or a lot, of luck in the big fish department. As an example of how these fish move in, out, and around these islands I can not offer better than the present. With nothing short of phenomenal action on giants here less than one month past, we have yet to see a tuna over the deuce at Clarion this go around. There are plenty of 75 - 160's, and a few 170 - 190's, but no giants thus far. To add even more info to the equation a few boomer schools of 15 - 25# tuna arrived on scene today with zero indication of their presence the prior two. Certainly the giants were not all caught, they are simply somewhere else at present awaiting the right conditions to call. Luck in timing, especially on voyages that have set parameters to work within, is everything.

Regardless of my utilizing the fisherman's excuse list the fact is that we are destined to fall into some cows moving back into the island over the next two days; or not. And regardless of whether they do or don't it will not spoil the party. However, it will definitely sweeten the effort; big time. Come on cows; two more days.

Photo today features long time Royal Star veteran Dave Bookin who realized his goal of making a Revillagigedo tagging voyage in the nick of time. With a strong background in science and biology Dave recognizes the magic of this opportunity from an academic and well versed personal perspective. Talking with Dave on the top deck today we both shared our sentiments regarding this amazing project and what else may follow. Whatever it may be, and whenever it may happen Dave assured me he is on board.; another vote of confidence from a long time conventional angler who has just been enlightened. I was going to say born again, but that would be a little much. I hope these cows around here are born again tomorrow. Born again and hungry.


Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...