Quite the array of conditions today as dawn broke to reveal an arriving weather change. Far from extreme and/or cause for concern it did offer the promise of a dramatic shift from our heavenly flat calm that needless to say is very easy to get used to. Regardless we set to fulfilling the objective again and didn't take long to accomplish our production goals. By far the highlight of the morning occurred during a long drift when a marauding school of 20 - 25# yellows pushed a bait ball right into our drift track. Watching the whole set up that began with the typical precursor birds obviously tracking in our direction, it was one of those rare occasions of sweet suspense when the outcome of the fish erupting on us was inevitable; all we had to do was sit and wait for it to happen.

The best part about it was the complete lack of anxious anticipation as we were already loaded up on yellows; we were far more interested in enjoying the show than catching the mind boggling quantity of yellowtail plowing up the surface around us for at least a quarter mile in every direction. Again classic long range fishing. Twenty to twenty five pound yellows in an abundance believable only to the eye amidst a setting frozen in time - it could have been a hundred years ago and would probably have appeared the same. I never cease to be amazed by this fishery. There is nothing on the planet that compares.

So as we enjoyed another personal "Blue Planet" feature we found ourselves in the unique position of gaining a little extra time to adlib around the coast before heading west for the ultimate showdown. The enthusiasm for a shot at some real deal kelp bass fishing was prevalent enough among these anglers to warrant a classic butted up to the weeds anchor job that produced a scenic spectacle, and good lunker calico action, that was as memorable to many anglers as the yellowtail fishing itself. It was a perfect interlude before battening down the hatches and heading for the outside.

To our delight however the coming bumpy weather decreased rather than increased; the wind diminished, and by evening was close enough to calm to call it that; even I was surprised by how serene conditions became. I have to say there is nothing quite like bracing for an unpleasant ride, preparing for the worst, then having the ocean go calm instead. We'll take it; lord knows there have been plenty of times when the opposite occurred.

Tomorrow promises the big show down as "The Crucible" beckons with its vast potential for triumph and tears. We are prepared to serve up an irresistible banquet if the tuna are willing - and I reckon if the sharks are willing too. But, with a little good favor, we'll dodge the beasts and wind up with a winning hand. Photos today feature long range veterans Nona and Norin Grancell with crewman Blake Wasano and Nona's chunky Calico Bass, and Royal Star veteran Andrew Tang pulling on a mid morning yellow at home amidst the fray.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...