Definitely a holiday gift granted as grease calm dawn conditions obscured the horizon in one behemoth pastel magnificent yet foreboding; the calm before the storm. As the unbroken portrait of morning serenity gradually succumbed to the blood tone creeping, then overwhelming the tranquil blues and lavender from the east, it had that eerie feeling that always seems to accompany an advancing front. The threat develops, and palpable malevolence is transmitted in a fearsome black sky to the north and west. While ominous, and potentially disconcerting, the stark contrast, the august impression, always elicits a sense of awe in this narrator as I shrink to my real position of insignificance relative to the surrounding machinations.

Not as a mouse in a corner however terrorized and cowering overcome with despair and a sense of doom. Aware; with the senses tuned, mechanics double checked, boat ballasted for weather, and equipment secured we prepare and wait. Being party to this scenario on so many past occasions the stages are all too familiar. It is always just a matter of how it unfolds - how the boat works, and how extreme, if extreme at all, the sea conditions get. The weather man tells us one thing, but as we have all become familiar with over the past couple of weeks, the weather man can not always call local conditions reliably.

So we braced ourselves for the worst possibility, and were rewarded with a surprisingly good ride. The expected passage of the front, and backing northwest wind, did not occur - yet. Straight southerly winds and highly confused seas made for a relatively comfortable ride. I mentioned that the boat was ballasted well. It, but much more the sea state, made for a giant water bed type ride rolling and lolling lifting and declining into troughs perfectly sculpted for this class hull. There was plenty of movement, but gentle slipping and sliding buffeted by chugging combers on soft feet padding by. We'll take it, with gratitude.

Thus ended the final travel day that began in grease calm, like a huge lake, sea conditions and ended with twenty five to thirty knots of southerly winds with 3 - 6 foot confused seas and a west southwest swell 6 - 8 ft at 12 sec intervals. Quite the contrast that again served as a perfect demo for would be sea travelers. Always proceed with prudence and caution. For us, on this voyage anyway, it will all be over soon. On schedule for our 0800 arrival at San Diego Customs and Immigration we hope to be arriving at Fisherman's Landing by 0900. After pitching off this phenomenal catch of premium size and quality yellowfin tuna we will get the old girl spruced up, fueled up, and ready for the next twelve day adventure departing on the 26th.

In closing I want to extend our most sincere best wishes to everyone reading, and all Royal Star anglers, during this holiday season. We hope that all prosper in family, love, and life. We certainly do as a result of the tremendous support received from our loyal customers whom we covet and appreciate. Our success, our commitment, is your support in kind. As the best, most capable, most experienced team in long range sport fishing we will continue to advance the industry, and exceed our customers expectations for many years to come. Thank you.


Royal Star crew 2010

Tim Ekstrom
Randy Toussaint
Tracy Toussaaint
Brian Sims
Sean Bickle
Gregg Tanji
Steve Gregonis
Blake Wasano
Paul Caramayo
Drew Rivera
Jeffery Grant
Justin Jackson

p.s. Long Range veteran Bob Pound takes photo honors today leveraging one of his two jackpot winning "deuces" in like the old pro he is.

Photo Here...