11/26/13

Not a trip maker by any means the cactus were off the bite yielding to "Senor Blanco" in the most productive areas. But it
didn't matter. The beauty of the Northern Baja coast backlit by the rising sun crisply defined by the gin clear atmosphere
evoked reflection and appreciation the good in all things.

As for voyage results we pieced together a successful adventure featuring the big three in varying proportions. The one
deficit of mid grade tuna gave us fits as the trip unfolded but the shot at jumbos, plenty of school size, 12 - 15# tuna, a
bounty of good grade dorado, as much 15 - 20# yellowtail as we desired, and the bonus shot of 50 wahoo placed this run well
into the category of success.

Plenty of fishing time, beautiful weather nine out of eleven days, and a stellar group of anglers that rivals any I have been
to sea with was a combination that coud not help but produce a worthy result. I am grateful for it. Speaking of gratitude I
must express both that and my compliments to Shimano and Mark Mills for hosting another significantly distinct Shimano
charter.

Of all the charters we operate nothing compares to the support Shimano brings to the table. The gear alone - what appears to
be at least one hundred different outfits, endless terminal tackle, lures, wax wings, poppers, hooks, etc. - all rigged,
maintained, and ready for any and everyone to use throughout the voyage is an incredible opportunity. Throw in the support of
professional, knowledgable, experienced representatives such as Mark Mills, who not only demonstrates but goes to great
lengths to educate one and all about the Shimano products they are using, and how to be more effective anglers overall, and
these voyages stand alone.

Of the many things that stand out about these trips I appreciate the chance for anglers to try some equipment that they most
likely would not use were it not for the compelling opportunity. There is nothing to motivate a fisherman to try something
new like seeing friends and/or other anglers having a blast cathing fish on a different rig. That is exactly what these
voyages are about - the opportunity for anglers to expand their base of fishing practices and knowledge. For support of their
products, innovation, and production of quality equipment that always performs above expectations Shimano leads the fishing
tackle industry by a wide margin. Our support is aligned accordingly; we stand on the same principals.

In closing this voyage my gratitude is again extended to this exceptional group of individuals who made this run one to
remember in all the right ways. Also, all of us at Royal Star wish a happy Thanksgiving to all those anglers and friends who
chose Royal Star for their long range voyages year after year. We will be tying the boat up for the week following
Thanksgiving installing the long awaited satellite internet connection on Royal Star as well as attending to several other
mechanical and cosmetic projects.

Final voyage photos feature another long time Royal Star friend and veteran John Finneran with his 172 pound yellowfin
perched momentarily on the rail before being gently landed on the deck. Photo number two features Alaskan salmom harvestor
Ben Van Dyck, a.k.a. "BVD", reefing on a spirited Cedros yellowtail in the late afternoon Monday last.

Tim Ekstrom


Photo Here...

Photo Here...