Whew! Man are we glad that is over with! It is early on the 20th and we are finally enjoying a relatively calm ride after yesterday's bumpy passage that is probably best described as relentless. Again, it wasn't horrible, but the ride included plenty of motion and was not a joyous experience. Oh there were a few good ones that came over the top to the exclamations and delight of a hearty few. But, most of us simply endured the shellacking looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.

With that out of the way we are pleased to be arriving at our predicted time of 10:00 a.m. this morning fully intact and ready to pitch off this fine load of fish and get our anglers on the road home for the holidays. They will definitely be enjoying a wealth of product as the whole catch of variety combined with the almost couple of dozen larger yellowfin tuna adds up to a healthy quantity of fish by any standard. Not that we slammed the fish every day in fill the boat fashion, but, when you put a little something in the hatch every day it has a way of adding up to a good catch in the end. All things considered, we are pleased; especially with this fantastic group of anglers. They are the real bonus of the voyage. The opportunity to spend good times on the ocean with such exemplary individuals is high on the list of reasons we choose this style of fishing. This group is no exception. Many thanks to Pete and Phyllis Tiernan for their company and efforts in rallying the northern contingent as well as all anglers on board. It is our genuine pleasure to fish with all of you.

As we shut down for the holidays we want to extend our most sincere best wishes to all Royal Star anglers as well as any and all others following along with our daily reports. We are well aware that times are lean for many out there so most importantly this season we wish for good health, spiritual happiness, and strong family in support of all. Of course it wouldn't hurt for wealth to rain down from the sky but that is secondary to the list above. Best wishes to all during this holiday season and our most sincere thanks to all Royal Star anglers who have fished with us throughout the years. You are the reason for our success. We never forget to recognize this fact and look forward to many years of good fishing and good times to come.

Look for a round of photos and perhaps a few more thoughts to follow before Christmas. Otherwise Capt. Brian Sims will commence reporting on the 26th as he will be in command of the next ten day voyage. There are plenty of big ones still down there as well as lots of good fishing elsewhere. I know we have a few spots available on the 26th for any of you last minute anglers who want to treat yourselves to some good fishing to end the year on a high note. If so, give Tracy a call.

Have a fantastic holiday season and thanks again to all from the Royal Star team 2008.

Capt. Tim Ekstrom
Capt. Randy Toussaint
Capt. Brian Sims
Capt. Sean Bickel
Capt. Gregg Tanji
Capt. Isaac Sullens
Crewman Blake Wasano
Crewman Steve Gregonis
Chef Drew Rivera
Chef Jeffery Grant
Galley Assistant Eduardo Vargas
Office Manager Tracy Toussaint
Office Assistant Ann Van Dyke