A good beginning to the voyage with flat calm seas setting the tone for a relaxing day of southerly travel rigging and preparing for the fishing to come. Other than plenty of time spent making introductions and enjoying good conversation, we don't have much to report. I did have a couple of conversations today that motivated me to pass on a few comments to everyone reading the Royal Star web reports posted by Randy, Brian, and I.

One angler in particular brought up an interesting point referencing another long range adventure he experienced that was not accurately represented on the vessel's web site upon his return. In the case referenced the fishing was less spectacular than reported (actually a lot less), and the size of the fish landed was also generously embellished by the author. Now I understand that all of us out here seek to represent the setting and fishing in the best light possible to encourage and motivate anglers to go long range fishing. But, the importance of accurate reporting far outweighs the desire to prop up any catch details in the interest of down playing a sub standard or below average day or voyage. They do happen.

Everyone following these narratives can rest assured that what you are reading is a one hundred percent accurate reflection of the fishing, catching, size average, and setting on Royal Star. I, in particular, have a tendency to carry on and provide plenty of flowery descriptions. But, the details are accurate. As are the details in all of our reports. The credibility of the information we are forwarding is of the utmost importance to our reputation, character, and integrity as individuals and fishermen. If the fishing is slow, or the size average is poor, accurate reporting of such provides excellent contrast when the good days arrive. In my thinking it is essential to report the down side of the cycles accurately to demonstrate the inevitable ebb and flow of the marine environment. So, again I want to emphasize with all my ability and conviction that every detail reported on the Royal Star web site is accurate and reliable. You can depend on this medium for correct long range fishing information.

That said, the prevalence of small, undesirable size tuna and yellowtail (8 - 12#) on the upper end of the ridge is motivating us to bypass in favor of better things to come below. We may try a stop or two just to shake out our muscles in the early afternoon otherwise we will continue the southerly trek arriving in the big fish grounds the following morning. Everything is perfect with gorgeous weather, a fantastic group of anglers, and a superb load of Everingham Bait Company sardines in our at capacity tanks.

Tim Ekstrom