11/05/12

Trophy yellowfin tuna fishing as we know it most of the time in these regions; full days at
the rail working like a mad man for one or two bites that have the potential of creating a
life long memory. In today's case the one or two bites(apiece)part of the equation was
whittled down to far less. They made us earn it - the hard way.

By far the most difficult challenge presented by such conditions is to maintain enthusiasm
and focus on the prize. Two things we see almost every time in these circumstances are
anglers that are itching to drop down in their gear size, because of the handful or two
smaller fish in the mix visibly crashing around and occasionally climbing on a line, and
anglers that drop their guard after a few long hours half heartedly presenting baits with
an air of hopelessness.

A few giants hitting the deck has the tendency to snap the atmosphere back to the level
required to succeed. But what if you have lost faith and are among that first round that
hits following a five or six hour lull? The answer to that question is my worst nightmare,
and biggest heartbreak. To see an angler miss on that one opportunity after a grueling full
day at the rail due to an avoidable error - loose line balled up on the reel that leads to
a "bird's nest" seconds into the initial run followed by a report akin to high powered
rifle as the 130# line breaks, a free spool level only half engaged that results in half a
hook set leading to the hook pulling the first time tension is changed.

There are so many different ways to flub an opportunity that I could spend hours listing
them. The point I make is the importance of recognizing the stakes when we are in big fish
mode. It is not something to take lightly. When or if anglers do forget, or ignore their
better judgment in favor of loose standards, the results are brutal, and predictable.
That's how it is in these regions. The rules are dictated by the giant yellowfin tuna;
definitely not by us.

Of course we do everything in our ability to affect the outcome, preparation is the key to
success, but it all boils down to the individual angler when the bite actually comes; such
is the beauty, and attraction, of our style of sport fishing. It's somewhat akin to an
individual going hunting with a guide. The guide assists with the set up, but when it comes
time to squeeze the trigger the entire outcome rests in the hunter's hands. It's a good
point of reference for anglers on upcoming voyages to rely on.

I usually try not to feature the same angler twice in the daily photos during any given
voyage; but there are always exceptions. Mark Rhodes was king for a day with his new
personal best that came in at 244. This beast was hard earned for Mark in every respect. He
has waited a long time, and weeded through more than a few just under two hundred in
preparation for this dandy. When opportunity did knock it was plainly obvious that he was
ready. Photo number two features Ralph Wilson with his 155 picked off on the flyline
sardine during an afternoon round.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...

Photo Here...