8/14/13

A fine ending to this endeavor - not too fine, we're well set in quantity department, but a nice shot for almost forty
bluefin in the early morning to start the day right and ultimately end the voyage on a high note. In flat calm weather,
with fish on board we enjoyed the long morning drift picking off bluefin passing time in high spirits. It was another day,
another opportunity, to savor the essence of long range fishing.

Not entirely tied to production that "essence" encompasses a broad range. In the end it really boils down to enjoying the
pursuit of one's past time in the company of like minded others. Sharing the experience, be it with old friends or new
acquaintances, is a special opportunity, especially when it is good. In this case it was that good; one of those premier
alignments of conditions that manifests the fishing we consistently pine for.

Any bluefin catching is special in itself, as difficult as the wily devils make our lives we take and appreciate them as
they come, but "plunker" bites really are the ultimate fishing experience. The opportunity to stop and fish, to put
methods learned into practice then improve upon them through ample trial and error, these are the benefits of the long
drifts that we appreciate most. Well perhaps second most.

What I really most enjoy about the long drifts when they occur is the opportunity to join the fun. The helm chair, and the
crushing stress that comes with it, has a way of isolating fish Captain's when the fishing is cold, and hot and heavy. The
long drifts, when productive of course, have a way of liberating one from the necessity of remaining on the bridge
gathering information by the minute as it comes over the wire. Such occasions may even motivate one to rub elbows with our
anglers at the rail and wet a line.

But enough of my folly. In the end suffice to say that we are all riding high following another highly successful voyage
that set a fine example of the potential long range fishing offers. In a relatively short span of time the variety in
fishing and scenery has again been fantastic. Variety, quantity, and quality - the coveted three were again achieved with
professional efficiency - and plenty of good fortune.

Now the baton passes as Captain Brian "Gerbie" Sims takes the helm for one of our incredibly popular three day, "mini"
long range adventures that is lined up beautifully to take advantage of the offshore bluefin fishing still going strong.
Flat calm weather in the forecast and a strong waxing moon have a convincing feel to them. It is bluefin time. We'll soon
find out if good fortune remains on our side.

In closing we extend our most sincere gratitude to Izorline, Dale, and Tom Kurata for sponsoring and representing this
annual run that is now extended to a seven day voyage in 2014. Consistently superb products that always perform to long
range standards is what Izorline is all about. That is why we continue to support their products with full confidence.

Today's first photo features Royal Star veteran Barney Wegener with one of his couple of forty pound class bluefin landed
this morning. Photo two features one more yellowtail grab from day two on the coast. Izorline representative Dale Kurata
receives the honors with one of his dandy twenty two pound models. All smiles Captain Jimmy Merrill does the lifting
honors.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...