By now I figure just about everyone following my narrative is aware of how much stock I place in instinct when it comes to fishing. Certainly there is a mathematical element to it, for the most part there is no magic to catching fish; luck certainly; timing of course, but it would be a stretch to credit too much fishing success to more than mechanics. In this line of thought I am referencing the actual process of catching the fish, such as setting up a drift, calculating current direction and anchoring accordingly, reading a sea temperature thermometer to find and follow a break, or evaluating high tech information such as thermal satellite images to determine the strongest potential areas holding fish. All of these are fine examples of the mechanical component of making a catch.

This said there is an element of instinct, a sixth sense if you will, that on occasion can very well guide one beyond the use of the above stated tools; some individuals have it, some don't. All the genuine fisherman I know do. They instinctively know when things are right. How they know can not be explained or described - try to effectively relate a feeling in words, but it is as real as the sun rising daily; that I know for sure.

Upon arriving at Socorro today we worked our way around to the previous visit's most productive zone. Even as we approached from a couple of miles away the sense was palpable - they were here. We didn't see them with our eyes, on the machines, or catch them out of the gates. In fact, for the initial couple of hours of work it was lack luster. But, there were plenty of little indicators, and ideal conditions. Three times during the opening rounds I related to our group of anglers that the fish were here and it was just a matter of time.

As strong as I felt the exact opposite about Clarion yesterday I felt positive about Socorro today; especially after we arrived and set to looking. In the end it worked out even better than I hoped. One brief signal led us to a four hour drift lasting into the dark that yielded exactly fifty yellowfin tuna from 90 - 201 pounds with over half 130 pounds and above. It was the real deal with big fish blowing out all around the boat and six to ten anglers tied into spirited yellowfin tuna the majority of the time; exceptional fishing in every respect. I was, I am grateful to no end; but not surprised in any way. This, in some form, was coming. The call was resonating crisp and sure.

Don't take this wrong either. I'm not claiming clairvoyant abilities or supernatural powers of perception. In fact it's exactly the opposite. Whatever extra sensory perception there may be I perceive as completely natural. The reality check is the fact that there have been plenty of times on my part when the sixth sense didn't play a role in our success or failure; and I've had my share of both. But I don't discredit the sentiment when it calls; and it does call often; and more often than not when acknowledged it does prove out. I do rely on it, and believe it - old school.

Our final full day pending is presented with a seemingly sound set of options we will pursue to the full extent of our ability. If they want to bite we have plenty of energy, drive, and jewelry to contribute. Between these surroundings, and this fishing we are in paradise - fishing paradise.

Photo today features Instituto Nacional de Pesca scientist Gabriel Aldana who heads up the Revillagigedo tagging project in Mexico. In addition to being an accomplished scientist, Gabriel has become a valued friend and partner throughout this project. As well Gabriel has gone from barely handling a rod and reel during our first voyage in 2006 to becoming fully capable and quite adept at hooking and landing big yellowfin tuna. Gabriel is featured today with one of several specimens captured and tagged today by his own hand. This beauty was around one hundred sixty pounds and full of vitality. What a project.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...