11/21/13

Encouraging sign to be sure. A little action on the bruisers we have been looking for since mid-October catapulted this
effort into the big league realm; just as we were hoping for. But it is only a beginning, the vanguards perhaps, as what
we found amounted to a huge day for five Royal Star anglers, and a day of intense yet un-rewarded fishing for those
remaining.

Not that the fishing was inconsistent with the pursuit of giant yellowfin tuna in these parts - more often than not it is
a scratch game where an angler must apply uncommon focus, dedication, and attention to detail while awaiting their chance.
This was another of many like occasions when the tantalizing prospect of attaining glory, the pillar of long range fishing
achievements, was so close, so real, the want of action, of a turn in the drivers seat, was an effort to contain.

It is a real test of fishing, and fishermen, as the ultimate patience test. In many ways this prospect captures the
essence of fishing itself, not catching mind you, fishing; the pursuit of something extraordinary, something special, that
requires above average perseverance to obtain. That said I much prefer the catching approach - the caveman in me has no
qualms about taking advantage of the quarry when they let down their guard. I suspect the majority of long range Captains
and anglers prescribe to this instinct.

Not to be today though, and overall present conditions and signs we have to work with suggest wanton opportunities are few
and far between. Whether a big void of fish or the down side of a cycle the sum of present efforts is paltry relative to
expectations long range.

The big news however, focusing on what is right in our fishing microcosm, are the first real shots at trophy yellowfin of
our Fall 2013 season. We did see enough to be optimistic in both the short and long term. There will be more jumbos taken
from the lower zones; 262, 256, 212, 195, and 172 today speak to this assertion. At present we are pinning our hopes on
the next few days. We have a sea state that is ironically too calm, if there is such a thing, as zero wind has all flights
grounded eliminating a significant component of our jumbo yellowfin arsenal.

Such is what we call a quality problem though. We'll take the flat calm, literally like a lake, and make due without
complaint. Photos for the day feature a couple of the fortunate few who were on top of their game out of the gate taking
heed of our calls to fish in these zones with the big gear only. When the first bites came these anglers were in command
landing their 262 and 256 without ado.

Long time Royal Star master angler Tommy Walker made a big impression with the first "cow" of the voyage at 262. Future
father in law of legendary Royal Star crewman Blake Wasano, Robert Alexander, answered next handily subduing his 256 using
the unbelievably capable Shimano Talica 25. Though a little bloody I had to share the first image of Robert with his
trophy coming through the gate. The second image is with Robert and Blake sharing the triumph.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...