After a much appreciated respite I am recharged and reminded that the best part of this career choice is the fishing. Especially on sheet glass days like this that can't help but glorify the idea and obscure the sometimes harsh reality. Focusing on the present grandeur is a talent that serves best as we depart on a vessel overflowing with optimism and opportunity as good times beckon from the southern reaches.

A perfect balance of talent, raw and refined, is the foundation for success as anglers new to this fishery settle in to the routine assisted and encouraged by the highly skilled Royal Star crewmembers and veteran fishermen alike. In every respect successful long range fishing voyages are a team effort. In recognition of this idea today was spent making new acquaintances and catching up with genuine friends preparing a little gear and "talking shop" as the spectacular afternoon passed into an unforgettable twilight blend of fire, sea, and sky.

We head south with plenty of prospects gathering details from our vast network of resources presently stretched from the lower zone to right on our bow. This fantastic group of anglers led by long time Royal Star charter master Larry Fancher is ready to make a good time of the adventure as we put our best foot forward over the next ten days.

I suspect that I will get warmed up to the narrative as the voyage unfolds so look for reports to consistently continue through the 13th. Everything that could be aligned in our favor graces the effort. Now we hope to give the opportunity its proper's.

Tim Ekstrom