Nothing to report here in the way of fishing or sign. Very brutal, very aggravating, very disappointing; the fish right now are definitely letting us down. A full tour today in the exact zones we saw abundant sign one and two days prior, and everywhere else, revealed a veritable blue desert; no life, no fish – and no reason to stay. A clear shot to the west beckoned with potential. A greatly improved weather forecast paved the way. And following a full morning and early afternoon bust away we did go.

Photo today was borrowed from day three when Royal Star veteran Jack West had his turn in the kite rotation arrive with reward. Of Jack West I can not muster enough positive description. He is a man among men of the highest stature. My admiration for Jack, who never appears to age in body or spirit, has been forged over twenty five years of sharing the deck with both him, and his better half Marian, on Royal Star. Jack, Captain Brian Sims and I started going down the list of incredible fishing experiences that we have shared a few nights back. To the surprise, and probable disbelief of some listening, we recounted tale after tale of insane giant yellowfin tuna bites, harrowing skiff rides, incredible accomplishments, and heart breaking defeats, that we have both shared with Jack; and we were just getting started. Most noteworthy throughout the years though is Jack's character, that is solid as Gibraltar. He is one of those rare individuals that I would want in the life boat, or foxhole, should things go south; Old School to the core.