4/27/13

As we steam toward Cabo San Lucas at first enduring then enjoying our only full day of travel on this eleven day, fly/down fly/back adventure I can't help but reflect on that incredible aspect of this voyage. This is exactly what fly down/fly back voyages fishing in the Revilla region are all about - minimizing travel and maximizing fishing time during the time spent on board Royal Star. Of the ten full days that our anglers were at sea during this run (does not include the afternoon of departure or early morning, final day return) we had lines in the water actively fishing for giant yellowfin and wahoo during nine. From a long range standpoint it is simply not possible to squeeze more fishing time in the destination of choice from such an extended period of time.

And we did not just fish. Plenty of catching was in the cards despite a rough start on the front end. A satisfying adventure is how I would label this run. An ample amount of beautiful RSW yellowfin tuna and wahoo, a few frozen specimens from the first couple of days that were slow, a solid mix of tuna in sizes anywhere from 40 - 275#, an overall tuna size average of 80 - 140# - this was classic long range fishing in this region.

To top off the list of variety our very respectable catch was made through a broad array of conditions that included plenty of night time action. But we also landed enough tuna and wahoo during the daytime hours to familiarize anglers new to this fishery, and remind all the veterans, of how diverse our arsenal is. As a cross section of what this fishery is about, one could not have joined a more perfect run.

Ultimately however the success of a voyage is directly attributed to the quality of individuals on board. On this voyage we could not have been better situated to create success from any set of conditions Mother Nature threw in our direction. Amenable, compatible, and focused not just on themselves and their success but the success of the voyage overall, every angler on this run, not the least of which was the remarkable Charter master Pete Gray from Let's Talk Hookup, made significant contributions to the positive atmosphere maintained at all times.

It matters a lot; especially when things are not proceeding in the direction sought. From a Captain's perspective a positive group on deck translates into reduced stress. Not that it generates any cavalier notions about necessary effort and/or lacking production - no matter what the circumstance, atmosphere, or conditions the drive to produce exceptional results, to exceed expectations, is inherent among high liners. But additional pressure is added by anyone griping or arm chair quarterbacking in the galley or on deck and always takes away from any long range voyage - for everybody.

None of that on this run though, and rarely, very rarely is there ever even a hint of such nonsense on Royal Star. That is a big reason why discerning anglers with elevated expectations consistently select and return on Royal Star voyages. Randy, Brian, and I have produced at a level consistent with our history and reputation, and been around long enough to dissuade even the most fervent self admirers from mutinous expressions while on Royal Star. In fact those who believe they know better typically fish somewhere else; and we're fine with that.

Returning to the beauty of the 2013 Let's Talk Hookup sponsored fly down/fly back voyage Royal Star now begins the final travel leg up the line planning to reunite anglers with their equipment and catch on Wednesday, May 1st. With the incredible tone of compatibility set on this voyage, and the consistency of success during this seasonal window, I suspect that the popularity of this run in 2014 will soar. If you are interested in making this trip, or any other voyage to the Revilla region in 2014, please call Tracy and/or Brian in the office and confirm your reservation with a 50% deposit.

We've had a few instances of late when anglers book a space then fail to confirm the reservation with deposit. Please remember Royal Star anglers that all reservations are considered tentative until deposits are received. From two weeks of the date a space is booked, if no deposit is received, the reservation is automatically relegated to stand by status by the first depositing customer.

Otherwise updates will continue as Royal Star steams up the line presently on schedule for a 0900 - 0930 arrival at Fisherman's landing on Wednesday the 1st. Photo today features Royal Star crewman Blake Wasano hamming it up with "P'Diddy" - one of the baits of choice on the latest run to Hurricane Bank. A pelagic puffer fish is the real subject but a wide variety of affectionate monikers was far more entertaining rolling off the tongue.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...