4/21/13

There were some high moments today, finally, as we hopped into the saddle and wrangled some quality tuna well into
the night. It was a relief, but we are not over the hump yet; at least now we have a start. Present conditions can
only be described as excellent; both fishing and sea state; beautiful would be an understatement. Fish sign is
equally inspiring - an abundance of quality yellowfin one hundred times better than anything we have yet
encountered.

Getting them to bite is the challenge now. "It is always something" - one of our favorite sayings because it almost
invariably is. The litany of obstacles to our success would be comical, and is often in retrospect, if it were not
so offensive to one's progress. At this stage of the voyage though we are grateful to be even partially appeased.
From our travels we know the alternative is presently far worse.

So we camp awaiting them one, two, or any at a time. Day, night, morning, evening, sun light, midnight - when ever;
we are ready and willing, open for business. Last note of the day, and the high point for certain, is the
initiation of another angler to the coveted two hundred pound fraternity. "Southern California's Sport Fishing's
Voice", the one and only Pete Gray, landed his first deuce shortly following our arrival on the western edge.

A scrappy 203 provided Pete the full experience as he pulled for all he was worth, circled the boat several times,
and survived a nail biting, dramatic under the boat rescue after his trophy made an in the final seconds, panicked
last ditch dash that succeeded in prolonging the battle by another 15 harrowing minutes after being extracted from
the wheels. A sweet triumph it was and one that was well earned. I know Pete has been after this one for a long
time. Now, on to bigger and better things. Here is Pete with licensed Captain and Chief Engineer Paul Caramao
sharing in the moment.

Photo Here...

Tim Ekstrom