It was, by all accounts and opinions, a phenomenal trip. Because the crew never stopped looking for and the fishermen catching fish, we were able to deploy all our tags.

The fantastically eroded Clarion Island, its iron-rich cliffs jutting from the waves, is known for its phenomenal tuna fishing.

Roca Partida pokes out of the ocean like a decayed tooth. This volcanic remnant is only about 100 yards long and 110 feet high, but the fish love it.

Next stop: Socorro Island. At 10 miles long, it’s the largest in the Revillagigedo chain of islands. Mount Cerro Evermann, its top point, soars to 3,707 feet.

For a deep-sea angler, the story of this expedition belongs in the died-and-gone-to-heaven category: Nine days of fishing. In gorgeous, sunny weather. In a place where nobody can fish anymore.