3/01/12

We were dealt the inclement weather hand to say the least this morning as 22 -
30 stiff knots of breeze, and a bounty of 4 - 8' seas and swell from just about
every direction of the compass, made for a sporty time of it. Needless to say
the fun of that brand of adventure wears thin in short order; especially when
the sign of fish is marginal at best, and what is to be found is not biting.

But, feeling a bit squeezed by yesterdays results, the fact that time is at a
premium down here, and the simple truth that it takes more than a little weather
to quell our drive to produce, we gave it the full effort. The full effort
however did nothing to improve the state of conditions. It was hideous and
arduous - no fun at all.

Finally, after an admirable attempt to ignore the obvious, I made the call at
1130 to give it a rest. Into the lee we motored intent upon setting up with
plenty of scope and riding out the blow while fishing in comfort. Catching was
another story, but the sea state was calm, we were secure, and the scenery was
breath taking to the point of being difficult to divert ones eyes.

Keeping a close eye on conditions while indulging in sight seeing, a mid
afternoon break in the wind was immediately recognized, and we quickly pulled
anchor to take advantage of the good fortune. And I am very pleased to report
that the good fortune did not end there.

As we rounded the atoll pushing out into the weather we locked on to a spot
almost immediately while enjoying a markedly smoother ride. The spot had a
familiar Clipperton signature that I have witnessed here probably a dozen or
more times. It had the look of a floating log that drifted in carrying bait that
was discovered with delight by all the island's resident apex predators. As we
approached I couldn't quite make out the object, but I certainly knew what the
sonar was reading. It was a good school of tuna that were ready to bite; they
were not fickle.

It was just what the doctor ordered to remind this fine group of anglers again
of just what Clipperton is about. I have offered many times that this
destination has the most amazing ability to change in short order; far more
consistently than anywhere I have fished. Today was yet another example of the
fascinating nature of Clipperton; expect the unexpected. A couple more handfuls
of 90 - 140's, about the same number of 50 - 70's, and a chunky 203 for long
time Royal Star veteran Mike McHatton were the total for our day. In light of
the ominous beginning we could not have asked for better fortune.

Photos for the day feature the ultimate gentleman and scholar Andre De Botton
whom I had the pleasure of meeting on the May tagging voyage last year. I'll
present more about the gracious character of Mr. De Botton perhaps on the run
north. For now here is Andre in action on the bow with Blake standing by to
assist.

Also featured today, all the way from Thailand, is Ek with a hearty 203 coming
over the rail. Like his good friend Stan, Ek is an extraordinary fisherman of a
caliber very few will ever achieve. Anyone familiar with Royal Star may remember
the video on our Facebook page of Ek landing a absolute giant at Socorro on a
rod and reel combo that defied reason. Through sheer strength and determination
Ek has shattered just about every idea of what isn't possible in the way of gear
for targeting giant yellowfin tuna. He easily subdued this 203 proving, along
with Stan, that their combinations can be lethal in the able hands of a master.
And believe me "Master" is more than appropriate when describing Ek's fishing
ability. He is an incredible angler.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...


Photo Here...