A parting note of thanks to this entire group of anglers whom made this voyage one to remember. As an example of San Diego style long range fishing this trip represented everything good in this fishery. A huge credit to these individuals is warranted. Everyone enjoyed the experience taking in everything this privelege has to offer. While doing so each person eased up on the accelerator, breathed deeply, and savored each moment. No doubt this has been a different program than all of us are accustomed to. More often than not in high seas fishing opportunities at the rail are fleeting and must be optimized; or they are lost. In the present case there are plenty to be had today, tomorrow, and beyond. There is no call to hurry or rush. And the size average of the quarry – both the yellowfin tuna and yellowtail – requires anglers to be thoughful about what they retain and why. This is the trend in all recreational fisheries anyway, not just a fad. If one can not reasonably justify every pound of fish they harvest they must do some soul searching and recognize the harm they are doing to our collective image. Recreational fishing is a privelege – especially for those of us in Mexico. The ability to head into the deeps and harvest the most incredible wild caught seafood available is encouraged both in the US and Mexico, but not in excess. I've been hammering on this theme now for quite some time. Hoping to evoke some thought, and perhaps conversation, amongst anglers reading this narrative and beyond, it is high time that all of us, especially long range anglers, evolve. Anglers on the past three voyages that I have piloted have been ideal examples of this contemporary mind set. Everyone could have caught and retained a full limit, as was their legal right. But none did. It is simply too much. Certainly on Royal Star, and among the majority of long range anglers today, this is the trend anyhow. But if one has yet to catch up with the times, and takes any fish to be sloughed off in any way as an after thought, it's time to get on board. Mind you this advice/opinion is coming from one who makes his living by making extraordinary catches, both as a fisherman on the water and as co-owner of a fish processing business. But I've got the long game in mind; for all of us today and for generations to come. So my most sincere gratitude is extended to one and all on this annual voyage in closing. A final note of farewell to our long time fishing friend Phil Merritt who was a regular smiling face and character among this groug for many seasons. A piece of Phil made his final voyage with us sharing his last with Neptune. No fanfare, no ceremony, no fireworks; just a quite moment of farewell thought and fine memories among old friends. It was good fishing with you Phil. So long. Final voyage photo features long time Royal Star angler and friend Gary Edwards with one of his dandy, 90# class yellowfin landed a few days prior.