9/20/12

Pretty much a repeat performance of yesterday - and that is a good thing, leading to peaked satisfaction,
and anglers ebullient, charged with the zest of living. It was worthy. Between the generous portions of
mollusks to fish with, grease calm seas, and idyllic, tropical conditions one could not ask for more. I
suppose the ripping action on 22 - 25 pound yellowtail was the topper though.

But perhaps not, in a way, as we bowed out of the yellowtail game with enough and then some by 0900.
Afterward, with time on our hands and beautiful fishing conditions, we figured to scout about and seek
some big magic at best, or at least some good bassin' before heading out in an afternoon offshore effort.

Having a group of hardcore Calico Bass enthusiasts certainly paved the way as we poked and prodded some
old haunts where a few legendary hits on seabass and exceptional kelp bass action was found in like
conditions. Needless to say the vast quantity of squid in our possession played a key role as we "salted
down" the area plenty good prior to setting up and settling in.

What followed was among the finest fishing for bass that I have experienced; and very well the most
consistent production on bass in the 3 - 5 pound range, with regular 6 pounders, that I have seen.
Admittedly I could have forgotten another equitable occasion, my 26 years of long range fishing along
this coast affords me some leeway in the memory department, but certainly , regardless of my questionable
recollection, I could not have seen better; because better fishing for this size bass doesn't exist.

One after another big old grumpy bass were lifted, admired, then released. And I'm sure most anglers
agree that this kind of fishing just doesn't get old. No matter how many one catches it is almost
impossible to not stop, recognize, and appreciate how special each individual is. And in doing so it
drives one to catch another.

The finest example of this notion was the scene upon departure as we packed it in to head up the line.
After catching and releasing hundreds of big bass over the course of two and a half hours anglers lined
the rail at departure making one or two last casts while the anchor was being pulled. Even after the
anchor was on board being secured, while I was motoring up the kelp line, the last zealous few were still
casting surface jigs with the long rods into gaps in the weeds. I was beaming at the sight; those are
fishermen I can relate to.

In tribute to the exceptional bass action described photos for the day feature long time Royal Star
veterans Mark Mayeda and Charter master Tim Marshall demonstrating the upper end of the average calico
landed today and perfect gear for the occasion.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...