Scratchy at best on the albacore grounds today with plenty of spots seen, but plenty of perfectly presented baits ignored. I don't know if any of you have noticed but this sure seems to be the theme of this trip. For whatever reason we are in one of those periods when the majority of the fish are not in the mood to really get with it. I marvel at how many times I have experienced similar patterns. There are those times when whether you are at San Benitos, or four hundred miles in any direction, that regardless of how many fish you find, they have the same reaction. Moon phase, tides, cold water (my best guess this time), or any other excuse from the extensive list relied upon by fishermen to pardon less than epic fishing all add up to the same thing.

That said in no way am I bemoaning the amount of fish, the caliber of action, or the overall result of this voyage. We caught a load of fish, enjoyed fantastic weather the entire time, enjoyed thrilling scenery in many forms, and had a great time in the process. Chalk this one up as another Royal Star success. But, I would have enjoyed clobbering the bluefin and albacore just to be sure. Such is fishing. And such is a perfect example of the diversity of long range fishing experienced year to year. Actually, no better example than this Kashiki seven day comes to my immediate recall. Over the past eighteen years this group has experienced every type of fishing, for every species available, in every degree of success, and otherwise. That diversity is what keeps long range fishing so interesting, entertaining, and enlightening year after year.

Our final voyage photo features long time Royal Star friend and angler Dennis Nishimine with crewman Captain Greg Tanji and a fine, twenty five pound class albacore landed during one of our successful attempts today. Look for reports to continue as Captain Brian Sims takes the helm on the next four day voyage departing tomorrow.
Good luck to the group, and good fishing.

Tim Ekstrom

Photo Here...