03/07/14

Calm wind and seas greeted anglers this morning. A welcome wake up call in any instance the fish made an early appearance to compliment the change beginning what ultimately became another fine day of trophy yellowfin tuna fishing on the lower grounds. A couple more deuces and a couple of missed opportunities, as well as plenty of action on tuna anywhere from 70 - 170, planted this day firmly in the category of success.

On both fronts - production and satisfaction - we are living right. And though I never take anything in fishing for granted there is one significant deficit that is weighing on us. The idea of settling for this fishing is sound; but it doesn't, it won't, fully satisfy the insatiable thirst for something exceptional. Bigger and better are out there, somewhere, calling.

Not seeking to thumb our nose at the age old rule of "don't leave fish to find fish" we are in a unique position to do exactly that. We have plenty of fish on board to take a risk, to gamble on finding the mother lode, or at least target a few bona fide giants. Whether we find a pot of gold or lump of coal a look around the corner is certainly in order, for the adventurous. Sublime weather and a sumptuous forecast only embolden the notion. At the very least, regardless of the outcome, we'll be enjoying the ride.

Photos today feature one whom I confidently assign the title of Royal Star legend. Mind you this title is a product of my doing. My admiration, respect, and affection for the man necessitates the title, but he would never be so presumptuous as to consider himself as such. Jack West has been fishing with us regularly since at least 1994. He has shared so many incredible adventures with us that I could fill pages upon pages with his exploits alone. From harrowing night time skiff pursuits of frighteningly angry giant yellowfin to jumbos lost and landed within yards of the coral heads at Clipperton Atoll Jack has seen and accomplished what many of us can only dream of. And you would never know it when talking with or fishing next to him.

Unassuming and gracious by nature Jack is a compliment to every Royal Star voyage he joins. He is generous with his knowledge and rich humor, a model of focus, determination, experience, and skill when it comes to many things, and so consistently successful that I confidently assert he is the living example of what it takes to achieve results in this fishery. He always uses the right equipment for the occasion, puts his time in at the rail, and rigs his gear meticulously. The percentage of times he bests the odds is not an accident, and in perspective really is quite stunning.

Today's photos first feature Jack at the rail reefing on a heavy, and second with his 230 pound prize, number two of this voyage, that couldn't resist Jack's perfectly presented morsel adrift in the chunk line.

Tim Ekstrom

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Photo Here...