In all the most noteworthy tale of the day features long time Royal Star angler Bob "Turbo" Ryan who schooled every angler on board with a demonstration of skill, experience, and knowledge learned over as many years of long range fishing as I can recall. No doubt also Bob was on one of those rolls that sometimes occur when one can do no wrong, but that is the exact point of his fishing results today worthy of emphasis - he did no wrong.

Recognizing the high stakes of Guadalupe, namely that on any average day out here, especially in 2011, that anglers are fishing all day for perhaps one or two chances at a big fish, Bob made the conservative choice of fishing with his fifty pound outfit freshly spooled with new Izorline. He figured that with the quality of bait we hauled from the inside, and the high stakes of the game, he wanted to position himself for the best possible outcome in the event he hooked the one. As it so happened, he did.

His gear performed flawlessly resulting in the fantastic triumph over a 125 pound Guadalupe yellowfin tuna. It was a great catch made by pure application of skill and knowledge - no luck involved. The best part however came next. Immediately following his victory over the biggest tuna we have seen this season at Guadalupe by a wide margin Bob made his way up top, stripped off the used line, and re-spooled with fresh Izor 50 pound. It took a relatively small amount of time to replace the top shot, and why not? Lightning has been known to strike the same place twice before. The line wasn't dinged or frayed, just used pulling on a big one. But again, in this arena why risk it?

Though I likely just gave away the story the point I want to emphasize is about the crucial importance of maintaining equipment in perfect order while fishing in zones that hold the potential of producing trophy class fish. With much experience fishing in the Revilla's and beyond Bob knew this and dutifully applied the golden rule. Fast forward a couple of hours and low and behold another big opportunity climbed on his line; he was well prepared. The result was a 128 pound yellowfin this time shattering any and all previous successes I have seen at Guadalupe this season. And again - no luck involved in this catch. He prepared for a big one, specifically targeted a big one setting up his tackle accordingly, and earned his success. These are my favorite type catches to observe. Of course I like all fish coming over the rail regardless of whether they jump in the boat or we haul them over the side, but I have a distinct appreciation for skill applied and rewarded. Bob's results today were a perfect example.

Fishing conditions were tough with howling wind challenging both Captain and anglers alike, but the results were well worth the exhausting effort. No big barn burner by any means, eleven yellowfin from 70 - 128#'s, with the majority over 80 did not set the day on a pedestal premier, but every angler had the shot at a trophy yellowfin we came for; the day's results definitely fulfilled that goal. And as such we now have the big three firmly chiseled into history. Quantity, quality, and variety now set this voyage in the coveted category of success we aspire for all.

The final day will feature one last shot at offshore bluefin before calling it and heading up the line. Photos today rightly feature long time Royal Star veteran Bob Ryan and his 128 caught against Guadalupe's famous Outer Rock, and first time Royal Star angler Gene Hobel pulling on what became his first, 80 pound class Guadalupe yellowfin.

Tim Ekstrom.


Photo Here...

Photo Here...