9/5/13

Opportunities at good grade tuna were few and far between today. The weather was up a bit and appeared to dampen their
mood. But when one did find a spot to work with man were they biters; the right kind. Long dry spells between stops, and
the lack of certainty that there would be another, dictated that when a good one was found the opportunity could not be
squandered; big gear was the call, production was the objective. And produce these anglers did.

A lunch time ripper was the hit of the day. Preceded by a two hour lull that had me pacing the bridge commenting (among
plentiful griping) on the fact that I knew they were "right under our feet" but just not up and accessible, no sooner was
I done with my third or fourth session of cathartic pissing and moaning when I looked up and there it was - just what we
were hoping for. Sliding downwind nice and easy we rolled into an instant scorcher that set things right for the remainder
of the day.

Of note is the fantastic grade of these bigger offshore yellowfin that round out in the 25 - 40 pound class with a few
standouts from 42 - 48 pounds. The vast majority are 30 to 35. When these bastards bite with complete abandon it is a
sight to behold, and a bona fide test of tackle as the super charged tuna hit the bait so fast when it enters the water
that anything light or flawed fares poorly. But armed with the right gear one can really dish out some punishment. For all
the hours and days we drive in fruitless search of these devils believe me they earn it.

A catch already solid in the big three categories - quality, quantity, and variety, sets us in fine shape on our final day
to cherry pick our way around seeking one last hit, just a little something, to end our sixth day of fishing on a high
note; perhaps better said a higher note - we are good. In a perfect world a few more better size bluefin would round
things out in high style. We'll see if we can make it happen.

Photo of the day features two long time Royal Star veterans: angler Mike Shannon pulling on one of his many spirited
yellowfin landed today, and Chef Jeffery Grant, wearing his other hat, intent upon the immediate task of sinking a gaff
into Mike's prize. As a side note I have to give the highest kudos possible to Chef's Drew Rivera, Jeffery Grant, and
assistant Nestor Parada. Eager to pitch in every time the action outside calls they make what we do with our product
(pithed, bled, and dressed), even in the most pitched moments of battle, possible.

Tim Ekstrom



Photo Here...