11/13/14

One classic irony to share from an otherwise uneventful day. Beginning far offshore in search of the now wildly elusive dorado all signs pointed to a dreary slog after five or six fruitless morning hours. We definitely weren't feeling any love, and out here gut instinct is a virtue that I live by. Seizing upon the carefully considered bailout option, we aborted the outside mission heading inshore seeking a relaxing late afternoon of stopped boat fishing. We arrived at one of our destinations - forty feet of water beneath the hull way back in a submerged kelp line, and promptly landed a fifteen pound dorado.

Better yet the one angler on the voyage, that a few days prior dared to break my balls about not catching any dorado, in good humor of course, was the one who landed the prized gamester. Needless to say I got some back when that baby came over the rail. Mission Accomplished. Otherwise the afternoon passed without notable incident; a few yellowtail joined the potpourri of species in the RSW tanks and we caught and released many a calico bass. It was a fine way to end the day, and fishing time this voyage, by comparison. A good time was had by all.

Travel the final day will be in order as we make up northwesterly miles in building wind and seas. It shouldn't be too rugged, if rugged at all, but there will be much more motion than we have become accustomed to this voyage. Thus far good going has been the theme enjoyed by everyone, every day, to be sure. A reality check is almost in order.

Photos today feature one of the fortunate few from a couple of days prior. Suffice it to say that I could dedicate much more ink to long time Royal Star veteran Brian Zimmeran than most of you have time to absorb. He is quite an individual, quite a character, and a superb chartermaster; and has been for almost longer than I can remember. Brian was the first to score one of the beauties three days ago setting the first bar, well below his personal best but still worthy, at 175. Photo number two features another Royal Star veteran Larry Hanson who made good on today's opportunity in the form of this dandy twenty five pound class yellowtail.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...