“There was some real deal exhaustion evident by mid afternoon today,” remarked Royal Star skipper Tim Ekstrom February 28. Not mentioning all the 50 to 100-pound yellowfin we landed and released, we went from throttling 130 to 203's, with the majority 150 to 170, to being consistently throttled ourselves. Fatigue both physically, and in the form of tired equipment, began costing us a disproportionate number compared to earlier in the day. Mind you we were still winning, by a long shot, but the duration of the epic battles was obviously increasing, and the number of unexplained line breaks and gear failures pointed to something other than luck. It was a call for action we have witnessed at Clipperton many times before.

“So at just after four p.m., with plenty of daylight remaining to squeeze in another round, we threw in the towel, headed for the lee side to anchor and enjoy the calm, and, most importantly, service our very tired gear. Complete line changes were in order, new top shots, new splices, the works; we needed a break from the relentless pace of this fishing to complete the job correctly.

“And I have to report that the extreme decision to leave biting big tuna was met with zero resistance. In fact, I am certain that everyone was grateful to be liberated from the compulsion to keep fishing. The sense of relief, the sanctity of such pure, gratifying, hard-earned relaxation carried a brand of satisfaction known among few. These anglers worked for it today; an awful lot of H2O was cycled through their pores.

“A heavenly sundown was passed in rigging and reveling then anglers collapsed into their air conditioned havens to dream of victories had and what more is to come. Photos today feature the unmistakable profile of Bruce Posthumus in classic form on the bow, and a group shot of anglers at work on the stern. From front left to right are James Moran, Doug Taylor, and Ming visible in the background. Otherwise it is a collage of bent rods; stock Clipperton, when it is on. And it is definitely on, here and now.”



Sweet Tropical Night

“A night in Acapulco,” wrote Intrepid skipper Kevin Osborne February 28, “that included a very nice dinner and then a trip to the cliff diving area on the north side of town under lights at night from 150 feet above the ocean was an experience we are still talking about! Those guys were truly amazing, pulling off perfect back-flips and gainers off the side of cliffs with flaming wands in each hand. Today we have made our way south along the coast another 200 miles and the highlight of our day has been crewman Deron Kochis hooking and landing his first ever Sailfish. We did not get a photo of the beauty as she was full of energy and wanted to be free so we released her immediately. The 100% release of all billfish on this adventure will be practiced throughout and our first two sails swam away unharmed. The Intrepid Team would like to give a huge thanks to the authorities and port Captains of Acapulco for their outstanding work and organization for our stay along with their hospitality that goes unmatched anywhere we have been and welcomed us with open arms.”



On The Dock

“Bill: You’re awesome, I saw how hard you work today! Hats off! That picture of the opah in the calendar is my favorite! Keep up the good work!”
Todd S. (Facebook Posting February 26, 2012)