8/8/14

Nothing like hanging it out there in calm conditions to see what a new stretch of ocean holds. It is how the big hits are made, how new areas are discovered. It is also the recipe for a smack down when there is nothing to be found, especially when venturing an all in move. Not that we had much of a choice on this occasion, the old long range adage "what goes down must come up" applied, but less adventurous options could have certainly produced more than zero; an easy strategy for the faint of heart.

Never accused of such virtue for good reason we struck out, far out, to see what this ocean was hiding well off the beaten path. In the end a strike out was the disappointing result. Not disappointing because we lamented the decision to head west looking, disappointing because the trek revealed a veritable desert devoid of life. Except for a couple of noteworthy herds of Baird's Beaked Whales bleak is a kind description of the present lower offshore zone.

Freighting a fine load of excellent variety, quantity, and quality in the RSW tanks already, today's lack of production did little, nothing actually, to diminish spirits of all on board. We took the beat down in stride knowing that the run north was inevitable anyway. Anything found would have been a bonus. In the process, at no one's real expense, we crossed a huge stretch of ocean off the question list. Now we know where not to hang our hat for quite some time; equally as important as knowing the opposite in fishing.

In closing I have to extend my respect and admiration to this epic group of individuals who are determined to make a good time of every occasion out here. Every day on the deep blue is a good day for the Humbodt Fishin' Lumberjacks. They see to it in every respect. Well acquainted with the inevitable ebb and flow of environment and fortune this group is all smiles enjoying the fine company of friends old and new regardless of fishing results. And in the end the positive nature of this annual outing always seems to have a way of manifesting above average results. This voyage was no exception. Many thanks extended to one and all but in particular to charter master Craig Heberer who has done a phenomenal job of keeping this stellar group together throughout the years.

Final voyage photos feature veteran angler Pete Dach with a nice yellowtail landed on the iron a couple of days prior, and a quick photo I snapped of the fathometer on day two of the voyage while fishing offshore. Image number two is about a good as it gets when it comes to seeing a school of tuna offshore. If anyone wonders how a very good school of tuna appears on the fathometer here it is; this is the Captain's eye view of a real dandy.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...