7/25/14

We saw plenty of sign today, especially during the mid morning hours when steady strikes and quick opportunities at
small to fair size yellowfin kept things lively, but no blue and gold, and no worthy class gamesters were to be. Leading
into an eventless afternoon it appeared that the farther we went the cooler the water and less life we encountered. The
writing was on the wall. Our trip was done, our catch was made; this trip was over.

Though it ended with a whimper it really made no difference. This voyage had enough fish in the tanks already; more
would have been just that - more. So we sailed parallel to the sunset fat and happy, satisfied that good fortunes
aligned with our strategy. Once again it must be stated that though this voyage was a glowing success it would have been
that much more so with the company of Charter Master Michael Doi; his good humor and settling influence was sorely
missed. But this group of seasoned anglers made the most of the occasion regardless throwing aboard more than a few U.S.
caught bluefin, and a bounty of southern yellowtail, in Michael's honor.

Final voyage photos feature the last U.S. bluefin image with it's victor Cliff Hamaishi. Triumphant and jubilant, this
trophy was Cliff's personal best, and ended up capturing second place in the jackpot. Photo number two features Royal
Star veteran Jim Nomura with a dandy Calico Bass just before he released the big fella to see another day. Look for
Captain Randy Toussaint's reports to continue after departing tomorrow on our next seven day adventure.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...