Let's just say that it is a good thing I had the camera ready to take a photo when I did. It was one of those days. Our serene conditions enjoyed the prior voyage went to pieces as eighteen to twenty two knots of wind turned the ocean into something to be endured rather than enjoyed. Combined with a swell from the outside jacked up by a strong convergence of current, the sea state was far from ideal for targeting offshore bluefin - to say the least. Of course we are well acquainted with such conditions, and well equipped to fish effectively regardless, but rarely do such conditions have a positive effect on the fishing offshore. Today was no exception.

Adhering to the pattern established long before, the bluefin that were so prolific the two prior days split into many small spots that were wild, unresponsive, and on the surface for minimal amounts of time. We had plenty to look at, and plenty of opportunities to stop and try, but with the weather up, and the fish almost giving us the complete middle finger, I can't spin this day's results into any kind of "good fishing". It was difficult, the weather was difficult, and we caught almost nothing - almost.

I suppose it provides some comfort to know that we were all in the same boat. Our colleagues from every point of departure experienced similar results. It is not that misery loves company. It is simply validation of the fact that today our best efforts were not going to change the inevitable. There were a lot of good fishermen in the zone today who departed with empty sacks and a distinct taste of bile on their palate. Such is fishing. And to borrow an old clich? - "days like this make the good days that much better". Truer words were never spoke.

So we headed up at day's end with our best foot forward delighted to know that we were on course for beautiful weather for our second day of fishing. Catching or not we are going to be comfortable as we work up the coast in search of alternative game species. White Sea Bass, Yellowtail, and whatever else we find to yank on the end of a line are all fair game, and in our sights for tomorrow. It will be a good time regardless.

Hero of the day Steve Tsujiuchi earned full honors catching the one and only bluefin from a mid day stop where we were surrounded by the extraordinarily wily tuna. Steve's twenty nine pound fish at least legitimized the seemingly endless announcements I was making over the P.A. informing anglers of the presence of tuna visible under Royal Star on the fathometer. I am forever grateful. All kidding aside it is great to share the deck with Steve again as he and I go back at least twenty three years to my early days working as chief engineer and second captain on Royal Polaris. Steve was a superb fisherman then, and is a superb fisherman now always using impeccable gear perfectly rigged for the time, setting, and species targeted. Look for tomorrow's report with the final details. Also, my most sincere happy Father's Day goes out to all the dad's reading this narrative. I have to admit that I am really looking forward to seeing my kids Charlie and Duke tomorrow afternoon. They make it all worthwhile.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...