Come the 01:00 hour, on day (night?) three of an 24 hour/day epic rail time grind, the passion for this fishery was manifest not only on Royal Star, but on all the dozen or fifteen vessels in our close proximity. Pursuing schools, stopping and starting, dropping down to depth and working the flat falls again and again - who would put themselves through such demands? 

Dedicated outdoorsmen and women is who. Driven by passion unique to a relative few digging deep within one's reserves to wring every ounce of flavor, strength, skill, talent, and wit from such experiences drives such individuals. Plowing around on hour 65 of a 72 plus hour mega fishing marathon I could not help but grin in pure satisfaction as anglers gamely worked their craft to the final moment.

Admittedly it's difficult to not consider that anyone who would put themselves through such rigors on their "vacation" may be nuts. That's not it though. We are liberated in these experiences. Free from the weight of the world, especially the world of late, there is no better place than the deck of a pitching boat in the middle of the night to return to basics, to what's really important. Eat, sleep, fish, b.s. with the guys, spend time with those who share our passion; life distilled down to pure uncomplicated, unnuanced objectives and actions. That's why it makes perfect sense. 

Enjoy today's image of Royal Star veteran and master angler Andy Brotherton with a fine, daytime bluefin prize.