7/26/13

A fitting end capping off the trip with a seven hour drift that produced steady "plunker" action on 25 - 45#
bluefin tuna. An occasional twelve to fifteen pound "mini giant" joined the fray but overall the size average made
for a challenging time of it in choppy conditions on the lighter 30# outfits. When all was said and done the sixth
and final, complete day of fishing of this seven day produced just over eighty bluefin for this group of hard
fishing, extremely appreciative of the opportunity, veteran anglers.

To best this voyage in the three categories of success - quantity, quality, and variety - would be a difficult
task. Perhaps those wily, still incognito larger grade bluefin could have elevated the ultimate standard but that
is the beauty, the perpetual attraction of fishing, of long range fishing in particular. There is always something
more, something different, and/or something new to strive for and achieve. Just when one thinks it can't get any
better it does.

The diversity of long range voyages still amazes me. Even after so many seasons and so many previous incredible
catches I often take a moment and reflect on how superb this fishery is. It is a gift really, a privilege to
cherish, appreciate and recognize as extremely special and distinct. Fishing and catching as we see it, as we live,
is not common to the world. The value of this opportunity - the catching and the ability to return from long range
voyages with such an incredible wealth of premium, fresh, wild caught seafood - can not be overstated. This does
not happen anywhere else in the world.

And again this voyage is a perfect example of the above mentioned; a hugely successful, incredibly satisfying
adventure that produced consistent fishing and a treasure of product that will satisfy these anglers, and their
many friends and families, for months to come. A sincere thank you to Michael Doi and his entire group of superb
anglers for being the biggest part of this voyage's success.

Now Captain Toussaint assumes full command with Captain Brian Sims in charge of the shop as Chief Engineer.
Departure tomorrow on the second annual Floyd Abbot/Tom Walker seven day will see another trek to the south in
search of the jumbo bluefin and another variety catch. Photos today feature Royal Star veterans Jim Nomura, and
yours truly, and Gary Kawaoka with Steve and the fine grade bluefin enjoyed by all.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...

Photo Here...