Well we were swinging for the fence anyway. The best we could come up with was hardly even a chip shot though as we found one boomer kelp with big potential that resulted in wide open action on almost straight throw backs. Following our mid day bonanza kelp, that produced a total of a half dozen fish we could retain in good conscious, we extended our search farther to the west as we had obviously ventured too close to the nursery. The remainder of the day was spent searching in vain as the right fish were again either down or have finally flown the coop. Only time will tell. One thing certain is that conditions are still favorable and there is plenty of reason to believe that the big albacore and beautiful grade offshore yellowfin are still around somewhere. I'll put it this way - it would surprise me more if they don't reappear than if they do. Now it is simply a matter of dedicating effort on the outside. That however is becoming a tall order for those of us on longer voyages as the time of year when the pull from the south is dominant has arrived.

So with a somewhat lackluster ending we finally threw in the towel at the bitter end coming to grips with the fact that it just wasn't meant to happen for us this day. Thankfully it wasn't a total disaster. I have endured much slower days offshore than this, but it certainly could have been grander with a catch of big albacore to show for the effort. As I have said many times before "sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs". The cup half full part of the story is that the weather that was forecast to get sloppy went the other direction and other than an occasional pitch or roll we had a very pleasant ride on the offshore grounds. With that as a foundation, these fantastic anglers took the day in stride enjoying the time among good company bolstered of course by a few ice cold malt beverages. How does the saying go? "The worst day of fishing is better than the best day of work" That might be taking it a little too far but I'm certain you all get the picture.

In closing I want to extend our gratitude to Mike Ross for his incredible efforts towards the success of his annual five day, soon to be six day, Royal Star charter. I believe we are approaching ten years with Mike as a charter master and I can report with complete confidence that if he is not the best he is certainly among them. A great guy and a fantastic fisherman Mike has developed a loyal group of anglers who make a great time of any voyage they embark upon. So again our thanks to all the anglers who make up this fantastic group. We look forward to fishing with all of you again next year! Also, we missed fishing with you this year Mike due to your knee injury so please get that thing back up to speed in preparation for next season and beyond.

Now we look forward to the next annual Braid Products six day voyage departing tomorrow with both Captain Randy Toussaint and I again combining our efforts toward a successful trip. Prospects remain solid and we are ready to get back out and continue finding and catching our portion.

Final voyage photos feature long time Royal Star angler Andy Allen with a fine dorado he landed today among the small fish mayhem. Also, first time Royal Star angler David Kush victorious with his first forty five pound class Guadalupe yellowfin tuna. Congratulations men and again our thanks for your company at the rail.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...