03/06/12

Another day of flat calm, even calmer than the previous two in that the long
interval swell diminished, to cement the glowing success and positive atmosphere
encompassing this entire voyage. Across the board we all feel the same. We
experienced the distinct magic of Clipperton as a result of strong planning and
preparation, and even stronger divine intervention.

No matter how one slices it when it comes to fishing the luck factor in timing
cannot be denied. We nailed this one to perfection with Providence obviously far
in our favor. Perhaps my incredible affinity for the Clipperton region played
into the equation; I have certainly had more than my share of positive outcomes
on voyages to the distant atoll, but I'll leave that question open. I have the
answer in my mind.

Photos for today feature yet another amazing feat accomplished using equipment
so incongruous with the idea of targeting giant yellowfin tuna I need not say
more. What I will say is that with the anglers from Thailand embracing giant
yellowfin tuna fishing on Royal Star I have learned a great deal about what is
possible in the world of fishing beyond our noses.

I won't say that this is the right way to do it, or encourage anglers to run
down to the Fred Hall Long Beach show and rig up like this for giant yellowfin,
but one has to marvel about several aspects of this catch. Royal Star veteran
"Jew" has already made some incredible catches on the butterfly lures with this
exact outfit, including a yellowfin about 175 that he absolutely whooped. Such
was not the case this time.

However the total time in which this battle was settled was around 1 1/2 hrs.
And the whole time we were pulling on other fish drifting along collecting even
more. "Jew" tosses out the Shimano "Jigger", that is a reel specific for
butterfly type jigging I am not certain is even available in the states, loaded
with 130 spectra and mono. He next ties into a real giant and absolutely reefs
on the beast like he is trying to break the rod. Fifty pounds of drag pressure,
air tight rigging, and brute strength applied from beginning to end resulted in
this monster, 274 ultimately giving in. If I hadn't been there to witness the
event I would have been skeptical of the claim myself.

The first shot is of "Jew" pouring the coals to this beast about an hour into
the battle. The second shot features "Jew" and Captain Brian Sims with the rig
of the moment in hand and the vanquished behemoth dead center.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...



Photo Here...