If today's results were any indication of what is in store for us on the offshore grounds during the next few months we have plenty to look forward to. Before I go into that however I have to report that the disagreeable weather that has been hampering the offshore effort finally broke and once again the ocean transformed into the tranquil arena we most appreciate. As we were facing some potentially challenging miles in returning to the offshore area of choice, the timing of this change could not have been better for our northwest sojourn from the islands. Also such favorable weather changes typically bode well for offshore fishing and today's results were in line with that pattern.

Variety was the name of the game today with the list of our catch demonstrating "grab bag" style action spread over a wide area. When stopping on kelps, strikes, jumpers, and/or fish spotted on the electronics one never knew what was going to end up on the end of the line as the species list for the day included albacore, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, skipjack, yellowtail, dorado, and even a seventy one pound opah to top it off. With the exception of one afternoon ripper on albacore, in the quantity department the action never did qualify as full speed, load up, or one stop shop, but there was something going on just about all day long with short stops producing a few to a couple of handfuls of fish that added up to a good score by day's end. As I mentioned if today's signs are a harbinger of things to come, and I believe they are, we are in for some very fun offshore fishing as this season progresses. Most encouraging was the spread of fish encountered today as several of us working up the line fanned out and found similar fishing across a broad stretch. Typical of this time of year things still appear to be in the developmental stage but that is certain to change as the water continues to warm and more fish fill in.

So we ended the first of what we sincerely hope will be many Royal Star "Humboldt Fishing Lumberjacks" voyages on a strong note nailing all three categories we consider the measures of successful long range fishing. Quantity, quality, and variety were achieved to our satisfaction but more importantly this group of exceptional individuals had a good time making the catch. That is the genuine measure of a successful long range voyage. For this we extend our most sincere gratitude to charter master Craig Heberer and these fantastic anglers as the process of making a good time of the adventure rests on more than just fishing. The crew and how the voyage is run certainly sets the tone but the individual and collective mind set of anglers intent on having fun is the catalyst for success. So again huge thanks to the Humboldt Fishing Lumberjacks from all of us at Royal Star for the good times this voyage and beyond. Now we prepare for the annual Steve Kimbrough five day voyage departing tomorrow ready to get back to the grounds and keep the good times coming.

Tim