11/07/12

A few more shots at trophies today; some successful, some not so successful. But even I
have to admit being driven to the brink today as not one minute of daylight passed when we
were stationary that there were not big fish visible around or under the boat. They were
not biting, and deserving of a litany of unflattering titles as they boiled around the boat
carelessly taking full advantage of the buffet we served up.

Fortunately a few more than a handful got more than they bargained for, including the
highlight of the day when one big slob helped himself right to the chunk bucket reminding
me of the late John Belushi as he famously plundered the cafeteria line in the timeless
classic Animal House. When the glutton made it to the source everyone was jolted from their
languor as the massive apparition appeared from nowhere demanding more from the sheer
audacity of his unabashed presence right beneath their feet.

It was an incredible vision for those who have not experienced such an thrilling spectacle.
And kudos to the quick thinkers who surmised in short order that the time was right to
accommodate such insistence no questions asked. 130# fluorocarbon with the 9/0 Eagle Claw
2005BPU was the rig of choice and Fred Lee, with some friendly urging from master crewman
Blake Wasano, was the first to place a chunk within easy reach of the corpulent contender.

When an offering is so gratuitously presented the shared satisfaction when such generosity
is received illuminates even the most dour of countenances. Right there, in front of God
and everybody, the indulgent hog slurped down Fred's Chunk and the game was on. From the
unrestrained cheer that arose from about fifteen anglers and crew at the rail "game" is a
perfect description of the moment. It sounded like some sporting event such as football
when a touch down pass connects in the home team stadium. The applause just exploded from
everyone in an instinctive impulse; it couldn't be helped.

After such an amazing build up suffice to say that everyone was invested in the outcome.
Between the genuine, affable personality of Fred, who is a friend to all, and the
camaraderie of this group in general, we all wanted him to meet the challenge with a win. I
am happy to say that with some supportive coaxing from good friends, and a short breather
provided by Fred's good buddy Gary Ishii who spelled him at the height of the mid day,
tropical heat, the battle was won. A obscenely rotund 223 hit the deck to another deafening
round of applause. This is what long range fishing is about. This is its purest form.

There were a few more highlights to be sure, one shot right at the end for a couple more
fatties did wonders for the cause, but without question the conclusion of this day was met
with a shared sentiment: we were glad to have been here, but equally glad to be going.
Tomorrow will be spent in search mode seeking flotsam and any form of action catching on
offshore variety. Some big, ballslappers, school size yellowfin, and Wahoo would fit the
bill perfectly about now. Good weather appears to be in our future again so the most
difficult part of the battle is already won. Now for some fish...

Photos for the day feature the man himself Fred Lee with his trophy of legend, and first
time Royal Star angler, but no stranger to fishing, Gregg Cagle, who successfully tested
his timeless experience working on the local boats at Seaforth in his youth with this 153.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...