7/2/14

A study in contrast today; a stark reminder that opportunity is often fleeting on the high seas. Equally poignant now is importance of making good on the chances one has. There are no guarantees in fishing, especially offshore. In perfect conditions, the right water, the right place, at the right time today we saw and caught nothing. So much for those beautiful wahoo on this run.

It was one of those occasions when fishermen simply shake their heads in begrudging admiration for the ocean and her ability to put us square in our place. Even our night and early morning berth, where the action angling over the past couple of days was consistently productive, went stone cold as the sun rose. That was the first indication. Something under the surface went sour, and the only recourse was to head out looking, over the horizon, as the day moved on.

Other than a brief morning shot at variety fish and a couple of handfuls of nice yellowtail the day was logged as a bust. Extraordinary weather - flat calm - took the sting out of it, and made for beautiful passage as we plied the waters in vain, but fishing production was pretty raw. So be it.

Taking the obvious into account we took full advantage of perhaps the most attractive aspect of long range fishing - mobility. Moving on when conditions or fishing goes bunk is an advantage than can not be overstated. The beauty of time, information, mobility and experience is what distinguishes this fishery from many others.

Tomorrow's tune will surely be different as we relocate to what may be greener pastures above. Photo today features Royal Star veteran Randall Yee who makes a good time of any and every opportunity that comes his way. A model individual to spend time at sea with Randall squared up on this thirty pound class wahoo with a trusty, old school casting lure.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...