Glorious passage north in grease calm seas; heavenly travel to be sure. Not often do we receive such favor along this stretch of formidable coast. Passing the time in conversation, reflection, and thought angler's shared and compared tale's of this and previous adventures. Our nature compel's comparison of course; a product of the competitive spirit that has served us so well and advanced the human condition. In this respect, on a scale far less grandiose, we place this voyage square in the middle of the bar; hero status was saved for another time.

Not to say this run was lacking in variety or quality, and the quantity was fine. But the gold ring that I strive for as Captain stayed just out of reach; no brass band this time. Of course my/our standard of excellence may be considered unreasonable by some, but this is what drives our consistent success.

The voyage itinerary on this run provided angler's with phenomenal scenic variety. Between the first three days at Isla Guadalupe, a day visit to the distant Alijos Rocks, two day's on the ridge, and a final full day of cool fishing along the coast a tremedous amount of variety was packed into a relatively short period of time. No doubt that was the foundation of success. Abundant time at the rail and opportunity to fish for quality long range favorites produced a solid mix of species now resting the in the RSW tanks.

Closing on a high note stories and good times shared extended far into the evening. Festive and thankful this veteran group of angler's welcomed those joining us for the first time with open arm's extending gracious overature's and invite's to join the adventure again next season. My gratitude is sincerely offered to all, but especially to Charter Master extraordinaire Brian Zimmeran who has headed up this run, after some conversation and revised ciphering, for nineteen years! Incredible. The history that we share is rich and varied. For this we are sincerely grateful.

Final voyage photos feature Royal Star veteran Steve Bernd with the jackpot winning 124.6 pound yellowfin tuna, and another image of first time Royal Star angler, now solidly part of the “inner circle”, Romeo Hoyla with a beautiful coastal yellowtail landed on our final day in fishing heaven.

Look for Captain Brian Sims' reports to commence tomorrow as the annual Island Tackle 11 day charter sets their sights on glory below.