Our May angler of the month has earned the distinction through a dedication to fishing that rates among the most ardent most indefatigable I have appreciated during my twenty five years of long range fishing. In addition this angler has introduced a completely different style of fishing to Royal Star applying techniques from afar to triumph over giant yellowfin tuna more than twice his size. And finally, this individual has chaperoned an entourage of likeminded anglers from his home country embracing San Diego long range fishing as the rare opportunity to fish and catch at a pace unattainable anywhere else.

Sakda Chittasenee, known to us on Royal Star as "Stan", has now completed three Royal Star Revillagigedo tagging voyages that for him include a sojourn from the opposite side of the globe in Thailand. Bringing a gratuitous share of Thai culture and a level of enthusiasm for fishing off the charts, Stan's methods and perspective have shattered most west coast stereotypes about what it takes in tackle to successfully battle giant yellowfin tuna.

And when I speak of dedication to the pursuit - the actual catching part of the equation, I don't think it is possible to exceed the drive Stan applies to the challenge. With his team maintaining equipment while he focuses solely on hooking and landing, I have observed Stan pulling on large tuna after large tuna thinking to myself that the man will eventually hit the wall; that the physically demanding process will inevitably wear him down; I have yet to see it happen.

The energy in Stan to keep battling giant yellowfin appears to originate from an unlimited source; the tuna gods have supplied him with fuel sufficient for ten men. Stan's insatiable quest for the three hundred pound trophy yellowfin instills the mental fortitude of Iron Man athletes who defy every concept of what is possible through sheer will.

But of course as important to the Angler of the Month title is character demonstrated while standing among others practicing one's passion. In this respect Stan's generosity, his inclusive sharing of everything from a glass of fine wine to each morning's outstanding "Thai Breakfast", places him in a rare class of individual who adds sincere value to everyone's experience on board. At the rail Stan's observation is keen and he is always the first to congratulate, or offer a quick piece of supportive, wry humor, to fellow anglers in the hunt.

Our gratitude to Stan for his many contributions to Royal Star that have propelled all of us beyond the boundaries of our sometimes confining fishing realm; a most deserving "Angler of the Month", we look forward to many future voyages shared.

Tim Ekstrom