11/25/13

Breaking up the northerly trek with an afternoon of yellowtail action was to everyone's delight. They didn't come easy,
consistent with everything we have set out to accomplish during this run, but also consistent were the final results. We
finally got on a batch to work with in the late afternoon and determinedly pursued them until daylight was gone.

Good times and good action were the theme as everyone is now on such familiar terms, after nine days on board and seven at
the rail together, that the atmosphere on deck is exactly what one would expect; plenty of good natured ribbing, jokes,
and all out ball busting are the norm. At this stage of a voyage the best comes out in everyone when we have eight, ten,
or fifteen fish hooked at the same time. It is what we came for, all of us, far beyond the fishing only.

A little additional time on our hands naturally dictates one thing - more fishing. That is exactly what we plan to do on
our final day tomorrow. A few more "cactus" drifts, because we have the time and a hankering for Chef Drew Rivera, who has
been on yet another outrageous roll during this voyage turning out selections indescribable in their flavors and
creativity, to adhere to the Royal Star final day fresh bass or cod lunch tradition. I'm sure, if we find them, that a
handful or two of the tasty bottom varieties will make it into the premium RSW tanks as well.

A chance to break up the ride and wet our lines will round out the fishing time on this eleven day run at nine days -
exactly as I prefer. Of note still is this outstanding stretch of flat calm that will continue through our final afternoon
of travel. Not completely uncommon for the month of November in these parts, it is not to be overlooked as a blessing
either. To be on the high seas for this length of time and enjoy such extreme calm is nearly a trip maker in itself.

Photos today first feature a long time Royal Star veteran who is no stranger to big fish notoriety. Phil Wade is legendary
among Royal Star crewman for his triumph over a 78 pound White Sea Bass three or four years prior. Today though he is
again the man with his largest yellowfin tuna to date, a hearty 195 pounder. Image number two features Sport Fishing
magazine outdoor writer Sam Hudson with his first (whole) west coast wahoo ironically landed at Uncle Sam Bank Sunday
morning past. Sam wasn't so lucky on day one at Rocas Alijos where a large shark saw fit to satisfy his appetite with half
of the first west coast wahoo he had hooked.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...