Nice scratching in beautiful weather here at the rocks today that started off with a night bite for 70 yellows. The better grade tuna were a little reluctant in the morning but made up for it this afternoon with a nice steady pick for 105 fish. The bulk of the yft were 20-60lbs with one standout that went 97. We are planning on giving this one more day before working back up the line. Today's shot shows Mike Nagao with the fish of the trip so far, a 97lber.


I though I would add a supplemental to Randy's on the water report today to spread some news, and address a very consistent inquiry we have been fielding in the Royal Star office, and on Royal Star. Pertaining to Guadalupe, and the present status of the 2010 season, I know this. We (the SAC fleet) have permits to fish the big island in hand for 2010. But, we are still working to resolve an issue with the immigration department in Ensenada. This issue has been long standing, has been the root of our difficulties gaining uninterrupted access to Guadalupe, and is the result of a multitude of financial and political factors.

I can tell everyone that I feel more confidence in the process than ever before as our SAC director Ken Franke has made quantum leaps in developing positive relationships south of the border. This is not an easy issue to resolve, and has festered for several years, much to the chagrin of those of us who have been denied access to the amazing outside island in the past. I believe now that we are on the right track heading for a long term solution to the benefit of all user groups at Guadalupe. On a percentage basis, I hesitate to stick my neck out. Based on recent conversations with the director however, I would offer that we are in position to get this thing resolved soon. The most important component of the equation - permission to fish at the island, is in hand.

The next commentary I have to share is related to my daily posts from on board Royal Star in general. Based on feedback I receive upon returning from various voyages I feel it is time to set the record straight on one item in particular. It seems that a small percentage of individuals are convinced that every time I promote Royal Star, our experience, the benefits of our operation, exult some success we find, or recommend our operation over competitors, that I am slandering or "bashing" the long range vessel "M/V Intrepid". This is inaccurate, and false.

Now, mind you I have absolutely talked some smack a few years back, never naming any vessel in particular, but leaving little doubt in my references. I one hundred percent got too carried away on at least a couple of occasions. This is the genesis of the present cabal of Tim Ekstrom haters that go rabid on the various internet chat rooms every time I promote a Royal Star, or in the latest instance, long range advantage. It appears that plenty of effort is exerted toward misinterpreting whatever message I am offering. To what end I am not certain, but I suppose the ultimate goal is to tear me down, and marginalize my influence in San Diego Sport Fishing. O.K. Fine. The bottom line though is that it is pure negativity, and boasts zero productive potential for the sport fishing world, and all individuals involved. It is time to move on.

My message that I hope will resonate loud and clear among everyone reading this website, and to anyone else in the entire world this reaches via all internet forums, is this: The Royal Star website, and daily internet postings are about Royal Star. They are not about M/V Intrepid. I do not spend one second of my time scheming on how to tear down their operation. Live and let live. Once again so I am abundantly clear, I have earned some criticism through past comments, I accept full responsibility for all my actions. The distant past however becomes more distant by the minute; unless there is a concerted effort to kindle the flames of hatred.

So, to the Tim Ekstrom hate crew that so loves to pile on every time I so much as speak of how great we are, and how much better we do it than our competition. Let it go. I am not referencing the Intrepid or any other exact boat when I make such remarks. I am promoting Royal Star. I have tremendous pride in our operation, our crew, our product, and the advances we have introduced and freely shared with the sport fishing community. I am proud and market our operation as the best. I encourage every other sport fishing operation to do the same. If you don't believe you are, if you believe that you are only as good as the next guy out there, why should a potential customer choose your operation over the other? I believe we are exceptional at Royal Star. So do many other unbelievably loyal anglers who choose our operation year after year. They are never disappointed. For nearly seventeen years we have presented and maintained a consistent standard of quality, ability, and dedication to our industry that is a measure aspired to by others. I know it, and I live it every day I am out there with our customers and crew. We earn our living honestly. If you are among the Tim Ekstrom hate crew package up your ill will and move on. The time has arrived.


Tim Ekstrom