Another all time, last minute, bottom of the ninth with two outs save that is permanently etched in all our memories. Beginning our day in 62 degree ugly water, it appeared that yesterday's trend was set to be the trip theme and we were going to have to grin and bear it to the bitter end. The good side of the morning is that the weather on the coast was gorgeous. That in itself was a huge improvement. So much so that regardless of the feeling of impending fishing doom, everyone was all smiles, enjoying breakfast, and soaking baits outside in the morning sunshine. It is amazing what a change from cruddy to beautiful weather does for morale.

Anyway, after various attempts along the coast seeking to avoid what was becoming the inevitable, we ran dry of options and headed up to join the fray at the local Coronado islands to end the voyage. At this point I have to admit my trepidation about the Coronado's was as much about a lack of local knowledge as anything. Simply put, I don't fish around there, and haven't for about twenty five years. Heading up to compete with professionals who fish there daily presented dubious prospects at best. I can always hold my own, but the idea that I was going to take on the crowd, ferocious sea lion population, and professional fishermen in the local fleet and come out on top was farthest from my mind. I not a doomsayer, all of you reading are well aware of my strong self confidence, but this time reality was about to put me in my proper place; so I thought.

We rolled up to the southern most spot of the Coronado's to find beautiful conditions, no sea lions, and only one boat in sight distant from the spot I wanted to fish. Two days prior we saw some signs of yellowtail in this area so it was a natural for us to try again. We got lined up, dropped the anchor at 0900, and departed at 1115 with one hundred five 18 - 25# yellowtail in the hatch. Even better is the fact that we left them biting. As the word got out, and our colleagues came flying down the coast to join us, we figured that we had plenty, and departed to make room for the other guys. It was unbelievably gratifying. It still is. What a morning. On top of everything, the surface showing of yellowtail around the boat was as good as any that I have seen just about anywhere. Shoals of yellows, emboldened by their voracious appetite, were plowing sardines on the surface for a quarter square mile around Royal Star at times so close to the hull that one could reach out and touch them with a long fishing rod. Incredible. Throw in grease calm weather, and warm morning sunshine and the story is finished. What a morning. What a godsend. What a spectacular surprise.

Needless to say we departed for home on cloud nine basking in the euphoria of such a surreal occurrence. I have never felt better about a day of fishing in my career. Everyone else on board seemed to agree. With spirits soaring we arrived at Fisherman's Landing and prepared Royal Star for our final night in until October. Capt. Toussaint departs on our next five day adventure tomorrow heading down the line to rejoin our colleagues in more familiar haunts. Look for Randy's reports to continue and have a fine day.

Photos feature our good friend Jason Hammond and his wife Sofia who made her first Royal Star voyage this two day. I have to say it was a little dicey for Sofia offshore as the sloppy weather did a good job of taking the fun out of it. As this photo demonstrates however all's well that ends well. With four or five good yellowtail for her morning of fishing, yesterday quickly faded into distant memory. Thank goodness! I'll throw a few other shots in as well at full resolution a little later. There will be a lag time as I need to recover the shots from our rig on Royal Star. Enjoy the images and your day!

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...
Photo Here...