Being so familiar with the dynamics of this island something called yesterday when we were looking at a transformed setting on the obvious upswing. Though it appeared right, and the fishing results demonstrated such, it was a little too good to be true. This place is so adept at running one ragged through every form of condition change imaginable that there really is no unexpected surprise; on both ends of the spectrum.

Day two at the island began in the signature gorgeous conditions this gigantic haven is so well known for. Calm seas, beauty pronounced, perfect conditions following the usual morning slow start - all things were in order for the day to unfold in the positive. The morning came and went and we waited, and we waited, and we waited. Conditions were perfect, ideal - current, water color - absolutely classic Guadalupe; exactly what we were hoping for; with these conditions it was going to game on at any time. Right.

In true Guadalupe form it didn't happen. I can't even tell you how many times we have experienced this exact scenario. As it turned out the majority of the fish appeared to have moved - appeared to; there's really no telling. Regardless, it really didn't matter; they were not biting devils today; all show and no go. If we were counting individual fish crashing around the boat, or spots of jumpers, it would be limits all around. Despite the very good showing, and the tremendous effort this group of veterans dedicated at the rail the entire day, a meager amount of tuna were coaxed to their demise. For whatever reason, despite absolutely perfect conditions, they shifted into a completely different mode today; not biting.

Perhaps they were waiting for the evening to finally get with the program. If so we'll never know. One can endure such grief for only so long before the obvious overwhelms even the staunchest obstinacy. Regardless of the amount of fish we were seeing it was time to go. The encouraging aspect one can take to the bank is that there is a wealth of big tuna at Guadalupe that will come around to the biting mode again. The robust quantity of tuna around the island continues to expand. Rest assured that there are plenty of good surprises in store; timing is everything.

Photo for the day features long time Royal Star veteran Ted Gustin with a fine Guadalupe prize. One or two of these makes it all worth it; especially after being correctly handled and stored in our RSW tanks. This yellowfin weighed in at around seventy five pounds of swimming gold; in every respect.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...