A classic tortoise and the hare story as a few lathered up lads blew by us on the run south. Turbo's glowing, salt spray flying; exhilarated, triumphant - fervently seeking the glory known to be at position "X". The only obstacle to this strategy is that "X" is a shifting, dynamic, living, breathing entity. The fishing gospel warns against predetermined notions. Following one's instinct is consistently far better than chasing old dope (fishing information).

But, no one is immune to the malady of error in this arena. All in all it is fairly well distributed; I've certainly had my share, though in my advancing seniority I will say that there are more than a few hard learned lessons I regularly apply that narrow the luck curve. Admittedly it is very satisfying when some advantage, large or small, is attributable to experience. Twenty seven years out here is worth something.

Twice on the cruise south I referenced a calling from the grounds. I was not joking. I have been feeling it strong over the past three days. And - they are here; not in earth shattering numbers, not in drop everything and go proportions - yet. But we both saw and caught what we were looking for in quantity sufficient to instill considerable optimism for things far better to come. And they will.

Photos for the day feature two signature long range, big fish moments. Speaking of signatures, the silhouette of ultra veteran Leonard Cunningham is easily recognized as he pulls on a good one at day's end. Photo number two features the team one wishes for when the cards are down and professionals make the difference. Five and eight year veteran crewmen Blake Wasano and Steve Gregonis reach in unison for a one thirty that hit the deck almost immediately following this photo.

In closing I should mention again that we still have a few openings on the upcoming twelve day departing the day after Thanksgiving. Things are shaping up nicely down here. This is beginning to show signs of a classic lower banks set up extending through December and beyond. We are on the verge here. Give Tracy or Captain Sims a call.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...