04/23/12

The stage was set and we most certainly made good with another nine over the two hundred mark in addition
to a handful of 185 - 197's. Throw in a couple more handfuls of 100 - 150's, and nice shot of "skin", and
a picture perfect day of this style fishing was the result. It most certainly was; especially for this
group of anglers whom are particularly well suited to this exact scenario.

But such would be the case for any and everyone venturing a giant yellowfin tuna voyage at this time of
year. By no means is this fishery limited to those "in the know", or exclusive to anglers boasting
extensive angling experience. In fact we find that novice anglers perform exceptionally well in these
zones, and almost always end up catching their share; or at least realizing a proportional number of
opportunities. Once the giant is on the line the rest is easy - relatively speaking.

Case in point would be first time long trip angler Brian Sherman making this voyage with his good friend
Doug Taylor, whom many will recognize from many previous Royal Star voyages. Though an experienced angler
on the local front Brian awaited this voyage with a mix of massive excitement and at least minor
trepidation. The thought of battling a giant yellowfin, of being driven to one's knees by the spirited
bruisers, elicits the same reaction in almost everyone entering "The Show" their first time.

Brian's results today spoke a familiar story, and advanced the narrative I share with so many tentative
anglers considering their first giant yellowfin voyage - he book ended his day with two hundred thirty
pounders; two thirty four and two thirty three if I remember correctly. And while achieving this coveted
long range feat Brian performed with valor - like an old pro. He put his back into it, used the rail to
his advantage, cranked down the drag, and reefed on the beasts with authority. The results speak for
themselves.

Today's photos first feature Brian and Doug with a pair of deuces landed side by each. Of all the long
range moments this has to be among the finest. Two good friends venturing a long range trip together then
realizing the moment they came for simultaneously. To borrow the ridiculously over used old cliche - "it
doesn't get any better than this". Photo number two features an anglers eye view seconds before crewman
Blake Wasano drives the gaff home in a two hundred twenty two pound giant.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...


Photo Here...