5/27/12

It is definitely no slam dunk, and conditions are less than ideal, but after an unsettling
beginning we straightened up our act landing on a cooperating bunch of yellowtail.
Uncharacteristic of this place a fair amount of "sorting" was necessary at first but then
the bigger, 20 - 35# models took over pushing the "shrimps" back to the shallows from which
they came.

As for the tuna I can not offer tangible evidence to ignite big enthusiasm. The occasional
30 - 50 pounder crashes around way back, and a few much closer, but none climbed on the
lines that we know of yielding to the voracious yellowtail that ultimately stole the show.
Based on what we feel is the main factor - that being 64.2 degree Fahrenheit sea surface
temperature, a significant hit on yellowfin tuna is not expected. Though we have made some
incredible catches here in that temperature and less those few times were the exception.
Our sentiment is that this place needs to warm up a bit before good tuna fishing is likely
to happen; at least another couple of degrees.

Ironically the water forty five miles to the north of Alijos was 67.5 and primo blue. All
it will take is a slight shift and the picture here is certain to change. For now though we
are plenty satisfied with the excellent fishing we enjoyed throughout the afternoon that
provided consistent action, production, and fun. As this is an official Shimano sponsored
voyage the incredible selection of equipment provided made good on the opportunity. From
the "Terez" rods to "Curado" reels, "Talica's, "Trinidad's", "Stella's", and "Thunnus'"
anglers yanked and cranked on all Shimano's latest and greatest test driving the best of
the best in the ultimate environment.

For this reason alone these Shimano sponsored voyages stand alone among our scheduled list
of long range excursions. I have offered the opinion before, and I gladly reaffirm, that no
other tackle/equipment manufacturer does it better. The quantity and variety of equipment,
that includes a vast selection of lures and terminal tackle as well (the wax wings slayed
'em today),is astounding in comparison to any and all previous sponsored charters I have
seen. And the Shimano representatives that join these excursions are sincere, experienced,
helpful, and enthusiastic about fishing with all the Shimano gear. Angler/Shimano
representative John Kuch was like the kid in a candy store today demonstrating and
encouraging everyone to try this rig and that one as the heated action opened the door for
all gear types and sizes.

Closing out the day pleased with the results we stayed put hoping for a break in the
weather forecast to come. Affixed to the bottom the ride was plenty civil but it certainly
could be better. We'll give it another shot here tomorrow secure in the knowledge that
there are at least some better grade yellowfin, and mucho yellowtail, to be targeted in
this zone.

Photo today features long time Royal Star veteran Kerry Krueger who master several chunky
Alijos yellows today using the Terez/Curado/Wax Wing combo. A gruff looking dude in these
images Kerry is actually the exact opposite; his boisterous enthusiasm for fishing adds a
lot of color on deck and inevitably draws fellow anglers into the fun.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...


Photo Here...