01/10/14

On this passage south I am again reminded of the value of our colleagues in the arena below. What they share in the way of information goes a long way toward formulating a strategy for success. As much as the information itself what strikes me now are the advances in communications - namely the broadband/wireless system we recently installed - that has refined communications between vessels in ways we could only imagine fifteen years prior.

Convenient is an understatement in description. As long as the signal strength and reliability of the equipment is sound it is difficult to envision a better result. Friendships, and history of working together for common success, go a long way also. The bonds between most long range Captains presently out here are as strong as I have experienced in my twenty six years as a participant in this fishery. That is real value. One's communications are only as good as the voice on the other end of the line. That is a fact we all appreciate.

And those voices convey the facts, the conditions, the instincts, something that reading a post or blog can not, and will not, do. I mention this relative again to the wireless systems that most long range vessels now offer. While all of us are keeping social media and websites updated those posts are a fraction of the big picture; in some cases hardly even that. I have heard plenty already from my colleagues about a few overzealous anglers following the exploits of others on social media during a voyage then offering commentary to Captains, anglers, and crewmen about their production, or lack thereof, or strategy relative to.

Allow me to suggest to one and all long range anglers that this is a bad idea. The purpose of installing internet and e-mail access on long range vessels was not to fabricate a faux helm station at every table in the galley. I abhor the thought of anglers focusing so much attention on the other guys that they miss out on the fun taking place right under their noses. And I can assure everyone that all my colleagues feel the same. "You've got to live in the moment"; and for us that moment is not, never will be, over there.

Enjoy today's photo featuring one of Chef Drew Rivera's many lunch spectaculars. "Jicama Baja Street Tacos" with fixin's sublime.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...