2/28/12

There was some real deal exhaustion evident by mid afternoon today. Not
mentioning all the 50 - 100 pound yellowfin we landed and released, we went from
throttling 130 - 203's, with the majority 150 - 170, to being consistently
throttled ouselves. Fatigue both physically, and in the form of tired equipment,
began costing us a disproportionate number compared to earlier in the day. Mind
you we were still winning, by a long shot, but the duration of the epic battles
was obviously increasing, and the number of unexplained line breaks and gear
failures pointed to something other than luck. It was a call for action we have
witnessed at Clipperton many times before.

So at just after four p.m., with plenty of daylight remaining to squeeze in
another round, we threw in the towell, headed for the lee side to anchor and
enjoy the calm, and, most importantly, service our very tired gear. Complete
line changes were in order, new top shots, new splices - the works; we needed a
break from from the relentless pace of this fishing to complete the job
correctly.

And I have to report that the extreme decision to leave biting big tuna was met
with zero resistance. In fact, I am certain that everyone was grateful to be
liberated from the compulsion to keep fishing. The sense of relief, the sanctity
of such pure, gratifying, hard earned relaxation carried a brand of satisfaction
known among few. These anglers worked for it today; an awful lot of H2O was
cycled through their pores.

A heavenly sundown was passed in rigging and reveling then anglers collapsed
into their air conditioned havens to dream of victories had and what more is to
come. Photos today feature the unmistakable profile of Bruce Posthumus in
classic form on the bow, and a group shot of anglers at work on the stern. From
front left to right are James Moran, Doug Taylor, and Ming visible in the
background. Otherwise it is a collage of bent rods; stock Clipperton - when it
is on. And it is definitely on, here and now.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...


Photo Here...