7/26/12

The photo today tells the story; at least the best part anyway. We made a full day of
variety/goof off fishing mainly targeting halibut and kelp bass, but coming up with a whole
lot more. Captain Randy Toussaint, famous for his countless amazing fishing feats, did not
disappoint today. In addition to the halibut and kelp bass targeted, numerous soupfin
sharks were captured and released, three dandy thresher sharks, at least one fat bat ray,
and a dozen or more unwanted yellowtail. Needless to say the entertainment value of the
day's bycatch, far from the standard long range fare, was appreciated in good humor.

By far though the high light action was the kelp bass fishing; or catching better said. It was
a real treat, and likely the best every angler on board has ever been party to. One zone in
particular assigned new value to the term wide open as hoards of bass chased, swatted, and
hammered every form of topwater lure presented for nearly an hour straight. With nearly
every bass landed in the two to five pound range, and a few jumbo standouts, the action,
the spectacle of so many nice bass coming over the rail and buzzing around in the kelp, was
epic; all time.

And in the perfect setting - no pressure as a tremendous load of premium Bluefin tuna and
yellowtail rest easy in the tanks, a better occasion to fish and enjoy the beautiful
scenery and weather could not be scripted. And these seasoned veterans most certainly did;
right to the very end.

Photo for the day features master angler Eric Masuda who was quick to identify the top
water potential of the insane bass action. Tossing this plug into the melee he not only
entertained himself but every angler observing around the stern. I have to say that
watching the antics of the bass madly, desperately, furiously attacking this plug time and
again was easily as good as the fishing itself. Simply stated it was all time; by far the
best topwater Calico Bass fishing I have seen. The photo presented is as it was when it
came over the rail - untouched, unchanged. This "double" is a one of a kind in my
recollection. This was a classic fishing moment/accomplishment; definitely not one seen
every day.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...