202, 211, 220, 222, 223, 232, 244, 250, and a generous bounty of others between 90 – 170 pounds: let's just say that we were the recipients of some incredibly good fortune; the fish Gods finally smiled upon us. There were hints of this potential, plenty of subtle suggestions, it was just a matter of conditions, and time. Down to our final draw in an all in play we came up with a winning hand.

From an operators perspective I was very pleased that it didn't come down to dumb luck (though I would have gladly accepted such a gift). There was more than a little fishing that went into where and why we were focusing our efforts, and that work definitely paid off, but again time was the real component of success; time and an absolute refusal by these angler's to yield to complacency. They were in it the final morning, after being beaten down by painfully slow fishing for six days, the same as they were on day one.

The opportunity caught no one by surprise. Everyone immediately recognized the change, shifted gears, and got down to the fishing we came for. And aside from a couple of unavoidable hook pulls we made them pay. Not that I am quite ready to forgive and forget; the way I see it they still have quite a bit more coming to them, but we definitely got our licks in. Yes, justice was done.

So off we sailed into the twilight content, in a state of satisfaction unique to offshore fishermen world wide. Our little spat resolved the love affair with this ocean and fishing is solidly reinforced. Empowered by rewards gained through pure effort we are again certain that it was, that it is, all worth it. And we are also reminded, as fishermen and laymen, that the excitement of this recreation is the unknown. The unpredictability, the potential for the unexpected to occur, is the attraction. Good all the time would be boring; this most definitely is not.

Today's photos feature another long time Royal Star friend and angler Don Franks. When it comes to tackle selection Don is high on my list of favorite anglers. I frequently use Don's many successes as an example in big fish seminars. Don is a big gear guy. Aside from one very memorable occasion a couple of years ago when he chose unwisely, and got his clock cleaned for it, Don always has the big gear in hand. Big – International 130's, 80's, and 50's with 130 pound Izorline monofilament; man's gear, as my late friend Rollo Heyn used to call it Today opportunity knocked on Don's door twice Both times those big bastards paid; that big tackle, and Don on the other end, flat put the wood to 'em. Fearless pulling with complete confidence in the gear and rigging; just how we like it. Today a 202 and 244 were Don's reward. Well done.

Tim Ekstrom