One would have to use a microscope to find anything wrong with this day of fishing. Overall, for caliber of action, grade of fish, weather, climate, and atmosphere on deck - every detail that forms the picture, I can't extract a flaw. And as most of you reading this daily narrative have likely noticed my habit of nitpicking, this was a rare day of perfection. My tireless observation and attention to detail kept receiving these steady boosts as 20 - 25# yellowtail came over the rail at the perfect pace and this group of incredibly collected anglers enjoyed and appreciated every aspect of the opportunity. Each moment easily flowed into the next and ultimately diffused even my unconquerable drive to grind it out and produce.

Between the tranquility of the ocean calm, and majesty of surroundings burgeoning with vibrant spectacles so live and real, the scenic component of the day, especially the morning, was profound to the point of producing sensory overload. Becoming a central figure in an episode of "Blue Planet" while pulling on an angry yellowtail in concert with ten or fifteen fellow anglers struggling to stay on top of their opponents has a way of requiring full attention to the task at hand. However attention to incredible events occurring in such amazing contrast can not be fully diverted. In the case of this morning the spectacles were so grand they might as well have jumped up and slapped us across the face - they demanded recognition.

In particular, the Pacific White Sided Dolphins were so confidently brazen in their pursuit of fleeing sardines they would charge the hull stopping within a few feet on numerous occasions. I could easily distinguish the fine, smiling lines of their countenance as they plowed through the corner shoulder to shoulder crunching their prey. Throw in a few hundred of their cohorts, a few hundred more common dolphins, naturally a few hundred dogs, and even a handful of blue whales and one may get a hint of the panorama. Between the cacophony of sounds and amazing sights it had potential to do wonders for the soul.

In the end, as we kicked the anchor over following a signature green flash sunset reverie, all settled into a heavenly flat calm mode, relished the comfort, and melted into their stateroom havens sore and satisfied. It was a fitting note to end the day. Photo of the morning features Royal Star angler Russell Wilson savoring the moment with a wealth of life in the background. It's a fine world we find ourselves in. Subtract cell phones, televisions, computers, video games, social media, and perpetual depressing news of current events and it actually feels like it. Such is the beauty of long range fishing - catharsis in so many ways.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...