Points south beckon as our regular schedule resumes and continues through the end of the 2009 season. As usually occurs when we insert the special 1 1/2 day "mini" long range voyages into our schedule, many new acquaintances were made and good times had as numerous anglers, previously tentative about the long range experience, were introduced to how Royal Star is operated. With our highly experienced, veteran crewmen, superb cuisine, all inclusive fares, complimentary filleting/fish cleaning, and impeccably maintained vessel, many perspectives were awakened and at least several new long range anglers were born. At the very least many good times were had by both anglers and crewmen alike as albacore, bluefin tuna, and yellowtail came on board in fine weather among friends.

In the end, that is what we are really about. Yes, we are professional fishermen serious as you expect us to be in the pursuit of our occupation. But, we are also out here with you to have a good time and create an atmosphere that welcomes everyone to loosen up and enjoy the adventure less the stress and pressure of the daily grind back home. If you ever wonder why so many anglers return to Royal Star year after year that is the answer. Yes, the big lure is the fishing and catching but that can be accomplished on any vessel. Having a good time and enjoying the complete experience, from the first contact with Tracy shore side to the day of arrival following your voyage, drives our perpetual commitment to creating an atmosphere that welcomes anglers to long range fishing. Laughter, smiles, and anglers sharing good times are the genuine measure of success on a long range fishing voyage. The fishing and catching fills in the voids.

In the spirit of these remarks I am happy to report that we departed on our annual "Barking Spiders" eight day adventure with a top notch group of anglers who are exemplary of the above stated in every respect. We have shared the rail with the majority of these guys for many years and fishing with them, like most Royal Star voyages, is like heading out with old friends. In fact that is what most Royal Star anglers become to us. So out we go with a superb load of bait headed south in search of good fishing and good times. Prospects are good overall with a variety of options beckoning down below. Look for reports to continue throughout the voyage with Captain Randy Toussaint and I both on board this voyage teaming up to put a catch of premium RSW tuna and yellowtail in the hatch. We'll see how it goes for the first leg that promises good fishing weather for at least a couple of three days.

Tim Ekstrom