Not much to report today as we worked our way south preparing equipment and tackle for what we hope will be good things to come. Reports from below are motivating me to take a measured approach picking our way down the coast in search of Wahoo and school size yellowfin before seeking a few trophies. We will see how it goes. Once we get down below our entirely fluid game plan and broad range of options can change the strategy in an instant. For now we will bide our time and see what unfolds.

For all you hardcore fishermen looking for mechanical reports detailing pure facts and figures stop reading now. As I don't have any fishing B.S. on my mind at present I thought I would share an amusing story involving my wife and two kids that occurred last Friday. As the family was running errands about town my four year old son Duke spied an individual sporting a Royal Star shirt walking down the block. Duke alerted my eight year old daughter Charlie and the two of them began haranguing my wife to immediately stop what they were doing and go investigate who this person was. At their insistence, my wife relented and both kids took off to engage this individual and express their enthusiasm for their Dad's boat. I suppose this anecdote is one only a parent can relate to but the sight of two kids charging down the block, my son clomping in his miniature deck boots, is one I gather just about anyone can find humor in. In the end the two tiny Royal Star ambassadors had happened upon anglers Bill and Patrick Dunn who have fished on Royal Star for many years and were departing with us the next day. You can imagine their surprise when two unknown kids came charging up to meet them on the sidewalk, though I suppose the Royal Star tee shirt and boots Duke was wearing were somewhat of a giveaway. Anyway my wife caught up to the two hoodlums and introductions were made all around. I was definitely amused by the story later and admittedly proud of my little tribe, their gregarious nature, and this touching example of their affection for their Dad and his occupation.

Have a fine day everyone and look for reports to continue tomorrow.

Tim Ekstrom