"This morning's fishing began early as usual," reported Royal Polaris February 17. "Sterling Tanouye started it off by striking gold when he hooked and landed a bait fish 236-pound tuna which he says is "by far" his personal best. Brad Hall was next with a 204, and Gayle Lynch, still smoldering from yesterday, landed the biggest one of all and the new boat leader at 239.

"We did get 18 wahoo to come to the boat and then the kite went off. It was bang, bang for the next few anglers all getting quality tuna. This would be the best bait bite of the day, it went off with enough quality tuna to make today's total 22. About 8 were 150 to 190 pounds, and the rest 120 to 160. Weather is simply outstanding."