We took off on a search mission today seeking to expand our big fish options and perhaps round out our catch with some colorful, tasty dorado. Instead of rounding out our catch however we ran straight into a round house right that knocked us down and took us out of the game. This was one of those painful but necessary times when the strategy was sound and the execution perfect, but the results reflected none of it. Needless to say the dorado option is no longer a "lead pipe cinch".

Far from meaning it is over on the colorful leapers, or that the big tuna search below is futile, we just missed today; nothing more, nothing less. In fact, referring to the majority of productive offshore years around the lower banks, the best of the action occurred past mid November and lasted well into January. There were even a couple of different years when the trophy tuna didn't show until the second week of December. I mention this because water conditions are favoring just such a set up. Still in the 78 - 81 degree Fahrenheit range with an abundance of feed one could easily believe that good things are in the works.

Not that good things didn't happen regardless of our bust as our colleague put together another solid day on the big fish below our grid. They are around in good numbers awaiting the next cycle; and the next. With this in mind I again want to remind potential anglers that our upcoming November 25th - December 7th 12 day has plenty of availability. If you still need convincing observe today's photos and take my word for it. As everyone has learned over my many years of dispensing advice and sharing opinion I would not steer anglers in the wrong direction. Conditions favor a continuation of the present big fish action, and an expansion of opportunities as the season advances into December and beyond. Give Tracy a call if you can make the voyage. You will not be disappointed.

The first of today's photos features angler Ron Miyakawa, crewman Steve Gregonis, and yours truly with Ron's 204 coming over the rail. I'm usually the photographer but this time succumbed to a moment of vanity asking Captain Brian "Gerbie" Sims to do the honors. This fat boy (the fish) fell for a well presented squid on the "big gear". Photo number two features one of those odd/humorous fishing moments I relish the opportunity to share. If anglers reading today's narrative were fishing in the vicinity of Los Cabos lately and lost a battle with a big tuna, perhaps even in the W.O.N. tournament, take a close look at the trolling lure in the photo and determine if it is yours. After being unable to resist the temptation of a big, surface presented squid, this one hundred fifty five pound tuna came over the rail with our gear and this rig in it's mouth trailing about twenty yards of 40# monofilament. Obviously the fish was none too concerned by the inconvenience; though he did look a little skinny.

Anyway if you or any of your fishing friends were out around Los Cabos during the past week or so please pass this tale along. The gear was near brand new without a shred of growth or any sign of wear on it. While insignificant in the big picture it would make for a great story if we could reunite the defeated angler/team with their lost equipment.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...