6/5/14

A few opportunities came hard earned today; a pattern we have become well familiar with on this run. However we did enjoy a few hour respite, when the wind abated to 15 - 18 knots as opposed to the more challenging 25, and those hours were put to good use in a couple of stops that produced the highly sought after, coveted bluefin tuna.

Most encouraging was the region in which we found the wily devils that suggests this season has many, many opportunities, far better that what we encountered, yet to come. Over a broad area scattered fish more interested in traveling than stopping to sample our offerings was what we had to work with. In building seas and afternoon breeze the pursuit of such spirited quarry became more and more difficult to the point of being ridiculous. Such is the reality of working in tough conditions offshore.

There are times when prudent seamanship trumps the fishing instinct. Of course there are too many variables in the equation to begin to list in this narrative but sometimes the obvious is apparent to even the most novice mariners. Today was one of those times. Standing ten to twelve footers have a convincing disposition. Not that it was too challenging for the boat to handle, quite the opposite is true, but there is a balance between pleasure, safety, and fishing to be maintained on these voyages; such conditions tip the scales in the obvious direction.

Day's end saw us chugging north slowly alleviating the worst of the sea conditions through proximity to the coast. Another difficult offshore forecast tomorrow set the stage for a final day coastal variety run. Though it is contrary to what all of us wanted in the way of fishing Mother Nature is the boss. If there was any doubt in anyone's thinking about that today's brief display settled the issue.

There are many bluefin offshore waiting to be found. Those on upcoming voyages can be assured of it. If anything I can only extend more encouragement to any and all still on the fence about committing to a June or July run.. Once this weather passes, which is forecast to occur throughout next week, watch what happens in the way of offshore news. Seeing is believing.

Speaking of which photos today feature a couple of long time Royal Star veterans and believers. John Stuemke broke the ice today with his 59 pound bluefin. Steve Brown, who after fishing with us for so many years, to my great dismay, tragically enlightened me to the fact that his photo has never graced our daily report. Fortunately I was provided the opportunity today to make it right. Steve followed John's achievement with a 67 pound bluefin of his own. Nice going men.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...