Author: Capt. Tim Ekstrom

Of all the things that lead to consistent angling success and results on the deck, the most important component is tackle preparation. It sounds like common sense but you’d be amazed how many times this basic notion is violated in favor of something far different. Rigging and preparation are the two main points I stress while heading towards the fishing grounds. Every little detail, down to the finishing touch, has the potential to make or break an angler’s success ratio when facing the ultimate challenge. To steal a line from one of my all-time favorite movie characters, Capt. Quint in…

Among my favorite fish tales is a memorable voyage that resulted in perhaps the finest single wahoo bite that I’ve ever witnessed. The unbelievable action during this crazy stop was certainly a highlight for the 16 anglers that joined us on the 10-day voyage back in November of 1993. The crew experienced a different victory. One that was forged from difficult, challenging conditions that became a lesson, actually validation, of the one constant tactic in fishing that has always produced consistent results: Whatever you do, never quit — especially in the face of difficult circumstances. Jim Wood, a veteran crewman…

Long Range Fishing Crew In my opinion, a solid crew is the heart and muscle behind every successful offshore fishing vessel. The finest San Diego long-rangers are manned by seasoned veterans who are professionals in every respect of the word. Between maintaining equipment and morale, and working toward the common success of each voyage, the crew is what makes it happen on deck. They are invaluable, and uncommon at the level of expectation the top outfits have established. For crewmembers, it’s not an easy go and requires grit, durability, and pride in performance that very few individuals are capable of…

While on the tail end of a stop for about 70 mixed yellowfin and bluefin tuna, I was reminded of the most significant distinction between journeymen-level anglers and those in the novice stage of the sport. The example was so obvious at the time that I couldn’t help but recognize the moment, and jump at the opportunity to share this all-important tip to anglers seeking to improve their skill level and results. Before I present the actual tip I want to address the onboard scenario referenced above to paint a very common portrait of San Diego long-range, and Southern California…

Unless you have fished with me on board Royal Star, or on Royal Polaris in my earlier days, you’re probably unaware of my dedication to the capture of our quarry — namely giant yellowfin tuna. Over the years my actions in the heat of battle have been the genesis of many stories in the long-range fishing scene. Not being the type who revels in special recognition for performances I consider consistent with my responsibilities, I rarely mention even the extreme events that admittedly get my blood up and running. At the risk of compromising my humility, here’s a tale from…

In a previous article, I wrote about the benefits of using miniaturized big-game reels (see “Little Giants” at www.bdoutdoors.com/article/tuna-reels-big-drag). But the whole time I was writing that story, I couldn’t help but think that it’s still important to have some big guns in your arsenal. The big gear features capabilities that smaller rigs just can’t deliver. Once you get that bite and you settle in for a knock-down, drag-out battle against a giant yellowfin tuna, the larger class outfits give the angler an advantage that even the toughest small reels can’t match. Between the massive drag surface of a bigger…

I have to admit that I was among the most vocal critics of using what I deemed “tiny” or smaller reels to subdue large game fish — mainly tuna. I based my opinions on a wide variety of experiences and observing anglers gain line one inch at a time using the little original, souped-up Penn 12T reels. I also saw anglers fumble to stop a blistering run by a nice tuna that took a little spool right to the knot. The unmistakable pow! of the knot exploding. But that was years ago… today’s new reels have made me a believer!…