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My take following day one on the offshore grounds is simple: I sure hope I/we are here on the next big
float. No doubt, one hundred percent certain, there will be some real bludgeoning going on down here; it
is only a matter of time. Meanwhile we had plenty of catching to be satisfied with only one or two lulls
lasting more than an hour.

Yellowfin from 12 to 45 pounds and a few nice Bluefin supplied the action with most anglers preferring to
release the smaller models in favor of the bigger fish in the mix - a prudent strategy in light of the
fact that we are sitting pretty with a wealth of time and zero intention of leaving this general zone for
a long distance haul.

Mucho fishing time is just how we like it, especially when there are fish to fish for, and as I already
mentioned this zone is ripe with potential in all three of my favorite categories. I would venture that
perhaps a little better working conditions might precipitate the results we are after, or at least make
for a more comfortable time of it; the nearly two weeks straight of flat calm conditions has definitely
come to an end. But it's not even close to rough or terrible; just little bump and roll to remind us that
the better times at sea come with dues.

Our first day closed with a sea anchor deployed and the inevitable revelry that follows when the bow
comes around and the pitch and roll of a full day in the slop offshore magically comes to an end. The
night long respite will recharge the batteries for what we hope will be a good round tomorrow. Photo
today features long time Royal Star veteran Ed Nowacki with one of the better grade yellowfin favored
today.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...