Our final day of traveling was spent in fine style enjoying plenty of relaxation and good times while sharing memories and reflecting on the voyage's peak and challenging moments. Fortunately the good by far outweighed the difficult this trip and for the plentiful good fortune we are thankful. Before we sign off for the holiday break, I want to mention again that the sign of giant yellowfin down below has not diminished in the slightest. All three of the guys in the region are seeing phenomenal indications of the big fish that bite a little on some days and give them fits on others. The main point is that the fish are there, settled in, and from all the information available, are showing no interest in departing.

I also want to encourage everyone to view the photos posted tomorrow that were generously provided by Royal Star angler Danette Winn. In addition to the fantastic quality of the photos, I enjoy the fact that of all the anglers featured, only one has even fished for trophy yellowfin in the past. These anglers are a great example of the fact that you need not be an expert or in the physical condition of a tri athlete to triumph over one of these beautiful beasts. With today's tackle advances and some good coaching by an experienced crew, I am certain that just about anyone can do this. In making this point I hope to convince some, if not all, potential big fish anglers that you need not be intimidated by this fishing. Yes, it is challenging, and is not easy. But, the rewarding sense of accomplishment when the battle with a trophy yellowfin is won is like none other. That said I certainly hope that many of you will have the opportunity to live the experience sooner than later as we all know the unpredictable nature of offshore tuna fishing.

So now arrives our winter break before we are up and running again on December 26th. Until then we will be shut down for the holiday season and a little standard boat maintenance. If any of you are in town, feel free to stop by the boat, or if you are considering a Royal Star voyage, and have never seen the boat, now would be a great time to have look. If you do plan on making a visit, give Tracy a call in the office beforehand to make certain we are present. Otherwise we will be signing off for the next few days and will post again either on the 26th or if significant information comes across the wire. Until then don't forget to listen to Randy and I on Let's Talk Hookup on Saturday, December 24th.

Finally all of us at Royal Star want to extend our sincerest gratitude and best wishes to all Royal Star anglers. We wish you all the finest holiday season and a prosperous, healthy New Year.

Tim Ekstrom
Randy Toussaint
Tracy Toussaint
Brett Rouintree
Brian Cook
Joey Conrad
Steve Gregonis
Moses Milton
Greg Tanji
Eduardo Vargas
Drew Rivera
Cory Kelso