And that was the end of it. The end of another fine outing fishing for the sheer pleasure of the sport while contributing significantly to the advancement of understanding these tuna we are all so enamored with. It was the end of an era for most of the anglers/supporters of the Revillagigedo tagging project during this voyage - all of whom have far more invested in this idea than simply time and resources.

It is safe to say that the majority of Revilla tagging supporters initially ventured a huge leap of faith knowing full well that nothing of this type had ever been attempted. The idea of releasing large tuna being repugnant to the super majority of anglers participating in this fishery at the time this project was introduced, the minimal few original supporters forged into the unknown with visionary principals as a guide. In doing so they literally changed the entire idea of what is possible, and what is necessary to quantify success. The idea that somehow the only measure of success was a conquered tuna dead in the hold was definitively shattered by these visionaries stepping up to the plate and embracing something new. Many of these anglers just made their final run.

Once the idea was proven, traction carried it well into the sport fishing community. Even the most stalwart diehards viewed the images, absorbed the stories, and began offering positive comments about what we were doing. In addition to some of the most spectacular fishing for yellowfin tuna that I have ever seen, the process of lifting big tuna on board, tagging, then releasing them has provided the richest, most gratifying experiences of my fishing tenure; nothing can compare. Between the initial challenges we overcame through trial and error, and the practiced, efficient process we now employ, I have to admit a building melancholy as the rapidly approaching end of this vision creeps ever nearer.

While we enjoyed a great trip, featuring many days of fine fishing, there was a palpable air of sorrow among the veterans and anglers new to the project alike about the study coming to an end. I suppose the old saying 'all good things must come to an end' applies. But, it is more than that to the majority of those who have seen and lived this idea put into practice. This was so original, so unique that it was a degree of special unimaginable. I hate to say you had to be there to grasp the significance but it is true. Much as I try to convey the sentiment I recognize more than anyone that it is pure blather to the vast majority looking in.

To assign credit to the individuals, and the success of the vision itself, I will offer a handful of photos at full resolution upon return speaking volumes for the idea. I was speaking with anglers prior to our final feast on Friday about a particular photo I kept trying to capture during the trip. The coveted release photo, of the exact moment when the angler slides the tuna back into the deeps, captures far more than just a fish going into the water. Originally that was the idea, I was drawn to see the tuna flying through the air, tag in it's back, just about to hit the ocean surface. Then I snapped a shot that captured not only the tuna but the angler as well. Studying the image afterwards I fell upon a look on the triumphant angler's face that I had never recognized before.

Over the years thousands of photos of angler's and their conquered prize, hanging upside down, or broadside on the deck have been the signature of this fishery. The unmistakable expression of 'yeah, I killed that so and so' is worn by every victor in their moment of glory and triumph. It is understandable too. I've been that guy plenty of times. No doubt after struggling to the verge of complete exhaustion, being dragged over the coals and put through the ringer by one of these tenacious fighters, I can't say sympathy is the prevailing sentiment when the battle is said and done. But, when tagging the brute the battle is not said and done; it is not a completed success until that prize is released; is upright and swimming; alive to see another day.

What a concept. It is one that engenders a completely different sentiment focused on the exact opposite of status quo. And the difference is clear in the expression of those anglers poised and exuberant at the moment of another brand of triumph. You be the judge. Maybe I am just getting carried away in my mystic tendencies reading too much into something so simple. Maybe I am the only one considering this while everyone else is just fishing. Maybe...

Tagging veteran Mike Shannon has the honor today. I'll never forget the epic battle Mike fought and lost a few years ago only to recover and accomplish a fantastic comeback with another giant landed and released. While no giants were in the cards this adventure plenty of great fishing and good laughs were. In fact, although at present I don't even recall what it was that we were laughing about, the best, heartfelt, most rejuvenating laugh of the trip was with Mike and the guys one morning on deck. Here he is with a beautiful, stock 130 - 140 that he appears happy to be releasing. Imagination?

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...