There is nothing quite like witnessing the ocean change in temperament. Whether for better or worse it always elicits a sense of awe as our self awareness manifests as a mere audience to the grand theater. That is if one thinks on it. Otherwise it is just another day, just another revolution of the planet, inconsequential other than the fact that here we are in it, affected by even the slightest change.

Though we are hardly the seafarer's of past, with technology to describe and explain almost everything at our finger tips, it is hard to imagine passing thousands of days out here without developing some connection to the elements. At the very least one would expect instincts to sharpen and become wisdom with the accumulated years. Those instincts developed, and attended to, translate into confidence among crewmen and anglers for the individual in command. It is a tangible quality of leadership and experience. Experience that is reflected in every aspect of a professional operation.

It is worth an individual's time and resources to choose experience over bluster. The difference is palpable. The structure resulting from experienced leadership is easily recognized and understood by angler's as the identity of mature, professional operations. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately depending on one's perspective, with the technology at our disposal today vast experience is sorrowfully unnecessary to survive. Admittedly one can come out here, wing it, catch some fish, and make it back home with relative ease thanks to the big brains of mathematicians and hard efforts of our predecessors.

However, the atmosphere on a vessel, the crew dynamic, the leadership qualities of the individual in charge, are all revealed to perceptive, even not so perceptive anglers, who instinctively know a dog and pony show when they see one. And the reverse is equally obvious; and much more comforting to anglers entrusting professional's with their safety, well being, and fishing success for whatever span of time they venture yonder.

That was quite a tangent from my original thought that was meant to describe a mid morning weather change that was so abrupt, and beautiful, that it was a pleasure to the senses. The wind, that had been restlessly huffing and puffing over the past two days creating that slate gray, chiseled sea state almost ominous in intent, instantly backed about twenty degrees and abated about ten knots. There had been several intervals during the past couple of days when the wind increased and decreased but this time was different. One could actually feel the change. The atmosphere softened, the temperature rose perceptibly, and the seas took on a gentle character welcoming and amenable. In short, we passed from temperate to sub-tropic in the snap of two fingers. Just like that it went from unpredictable, even slightly foreboding, to warm and hospitable outside.

Needless to say our group of anglers was more than pleased to commemorate the moment with a round of malt beverages and plenty of smiles. Now we can get down to business. Rigging is top of the order in preparation for the fishing soon to come. As far as the crew is concerned we are ready to go; ready to do what we do best - get down to the business of catching, and producing the premium product unique to Royal Star. At this point it can't come soon enough.

Tim Ekstrom