It was back to pot luck today with our specific focus on any available tuna. That idea was easier expressed that executed however as a lack of conditions and overly eager yellowtail made us earn every tuna that came on board through sheer perseverance. Time at the rail, and plenty of catch and releasing yellowtail, was the winning strategy, though other than a sole twenty five pound bluefin the reward of smaller, ten to fifteen pound yellowfin tuna was only marginally satisfying.

Such was the day however as somewhat raunchy sea conditions, an already worthy load of fish in the RSW tanks, and an exhausted set of options in the lower zone dictated that we make the most of what we had to work with. And in proper perspective things could be a lot worse. The day any of us advance more than a good natured gripe about a full day of catching yellowtail, small tuna, and ton of other variety "shakers" is the day to re evaluate our passion for fishing.

Shimano man Robbie Gant provided a perfect example of what advantage a day of fishing opportunity such as today represents. As an angler who spends plenty of time in local, Southern California waters Robbie was the proverbial kid in the candy store throughout the day tossing what seemed like half the Shimano tackle line of Wax Wings and various surface chuggers for tons of action. He never slowed down or wound down right to the final stop where we were struggling to scratch smaller yellowfin amidst overbearing skippies of both stripes.

Fishing for the sheer joy of it is a concept I have advanced on plenty of occasions. Rest assured on any given long range voyage the ability to adapt and make the most of whatever opportunity that comes along will serve you well. Whether it be serious as a hardcore competition or simply for the sake of a few laughs the catharsis of fishing is in the act.

So the closing note on the lower end lacked luster but definitely did little to affect the good spirits and satisfaction arising from a good catch already on board. Though the weather was sloppy it was a day passed in relative leisure as zero pressure accompanied the fishing effort. Hunkered down on the anchor most of the day almost magically upon departure the wind abated, seas diminished, and we cruised up the line less any of the dark expectations fomented earlier by the unfavorable sea state. It was a nice ride that got better and better as the evening progresses.

Tomorrow will be spent somewhere up the road focusing on perhaps a handful or two of hog yellowtail and definitely a few handfuls of tasty kelp bass. Due to the amazing talents of Chef Drew Rivera the final day bass lunch has almost become a tradition. Without a doubt anyone who has enjoyed the fruits of Drew's efforts readily supports the objective. Needless to say with the incredible cache of Shimano gear on board we are backed by the best equipment imaginable to execute our strategy. Look for tomorrow's report with the details.

Tim Ekstrom