10/10/14

The highlight ticker reads as follows: we had some fun, got it done, then sailed off into the sun; that's how it was. School fish again, with a few standout dorado and yellowtail, were the morning quarry that interestingly, frustratingly, proved reluctant to get with the program. One had to coax and prod, and sift through a dedicated army of watermelon sized skipjack, in order to realize success in the form of a quality tuna or worthy exotic; classic ridge fishing. Aside from the rare occasion when the fishing is "clean", or less the multitudes of voracious everything's that inhabit these banks, this is standard down here.

But now headed west we are liberated from the quantity part of the equation seeking pure quality and variety for the remainder of the voyage. Whether we achieve the goal remains to be seen, but the goal is clear. We have a bunch of fish in the hatch, plenty to satisfy, now the focus accordingly adjusts. And thankfully the effort will be executed in fine working conditions according to weather forecasts. Another blissful stretch of flat calm begins tomorrow and follows through at least the middle of next week. Ah, back to the way we all prefer; perhaps reimbursement for the universal grief Simon broadcast earlier this run.

On a closing note I again want to remind one and all about the upcoming three day "mini" Royal Star long range adventures we added to the schedule at the end of this month. I am hearing of and seeing some pretty incredible happenings on the local grounds and also in zones well within three day range down below. Water temperatures in the 73 - 76 degree Fahrenheit range, continuing strong north westerly current, huge amounts of 15 - 35# dorado, wahoo still being seen and landed both on kelps and offshore now as close as thirty miles from San Diego; this all happened yesterday! I even heard of a wahoo hooked and nearly landed at the Coronado Islands! This warm water cycle, and everything in the way of fishing that comes with it, is no joke, and promises to hold well beyond this month into November, maybe longer.

If you have the time these three day runs Saturday October 25th - Tuesday October 28th, and Friday October 31st - Monday November 3 are a grand opportunity to join a Royal Star voyage and see what we are about. In addition to the incredible fishing prospects (I didn't even mention the hoards of yellowtail all along the coast) anglers on these voyages will be treated to the Royal Star red carpet standard of service, fish handling, fishing instruction, and of course cuisine. Chef's Drew Rivera and Jeffrey Grant will be here to amaze and satisfy with their extraordinary culinary talents. With what I am seeing at present on the offshore grounds I can not encourage everyone strongly enough to make good on this opportunity. Give Tracy or Brian a call in the office or I will be happy to answer any questions upon return from this voyage next week. We look forward to hearing from you!

Photo today features Royal Star angler Mike Vasile who nabbed this beefy, 30# class yellowtail at the crack of dawn amidst steady action on yellowfin tuna; a job well done!

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...